Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) in 4 days
Fifty-six square kilometres of rolling meadows between 1,680 and 2,350 metres in the Dolomites, often described as Europe's largest high-altitude alpine pasture. The road is closed to cars during the day and the plateau is served by shuttle buses and chairlifts. You walk for hours on near-level paths, with the Sassolungo ahead and the twin peaks of the Sciliar behind.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
Compatsch (Compaccio), gateway to the plateaufree · a few minutesThe top station of the cable car and hub of the shuttle network, with the tourist office, e-bike hire and the start of most trails.
- Afternoon
Puflatsch and the Witches' Benchesfree · about 2 hThe grassy hill north of Compatsch, reached by chairlift or an hour's walk, with the best overall view of the plateau and the Sassolungo.
- Late afternoon
Rifugio Sanonabout 1 h 30A mountain hut forty minutes' easy walk east of Compatsch, often the first stop on a crossing, with a terrace facing the Sassolungo.
Day 2
- Morning
Mont Sëuc, the approach from Ortiseiabout 30 minThe second way up, from Val Gardena: a cable car from Ortisei reaches the edge of the plateau at 2,005 m in about ten minutes.
- Afternoon
Saltria, at the foot of the Sassolungofree · about 1 hThe lowest point of the plateau at 1,680 m and end of the shuttle line, where larches return and the Sassolungo rises directly above.
Day 3
- Morning
Rifugio Zallingerhalf a dayA wooden hut-hotel at 2,054 m on the south-east side, an hour and a quarter from Saltria on a wide track, or partly by chairlift.
Day 4
- Morning
Rifugio Alpe di Tires (Tierser Alpl)free · half a dayA red-roofed hut at 2,440 m in the pass between the Sciliar and the Denti di Terrarossa, gateway to Val di Tires and the Catinaccio.
- Late afternoon
Siusi to Compatsch cable carabout 30 minThe main way onto the plateau by day: 4.4 km and 800 m of climb from Siusi allo Sciliar to Compatsch in 15 minutes.
Where to sleep in Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
- Piccolo Hotel Sciliar · €150 a night
- Hotel Salegg · €115 a night
- Garni Melissa · €130 a night
- Hotel Seelaus · €140 a night
- Sporthotel Sonne · €150 a night
- Hotel Goldknopf · €190 a night
- Alpina Dolomites · €400 a night
- Hotel Steger-Dellai · €300 a night
- ICARO Hotel · €280 a night
Plan this trip
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