Mountains on fire. Wooden huts in the mist. A sunrise so good you’ll cry into your coffee. This is Alpe di Siusi – the Dolomites wildest soft girl era, and your new favourite place on Earth.
Updated: April 2025

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If you’ve been scouring the Dolomites for a hiking trail that doesn’t try to kill you by lunchtime, where the landscape looks like a watercolour painting but still serves real alpine grit — welcome to your happy place.

Alpe di Siusi (aka Seiser Alm), tucked high in South Tyrol near the towns of Seis and Ortisei, is Europe’s largest high-altitude meadow. It’s a jaw-droppingly beautiful plateau where wildflowers spill over rolling hills and the Sassolungo massif punches into the sky like it’s auditioning for a fantasy film.

It’s quieter than the big-name trails. Softer. Kinder on the knees. And honestly? A top contender for the most magical sunrise of your life.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from when to visit and where to stay to the best sunrise viewpoints, hiking trails (including a few that fly under the radar), how to access the meadow without getting slapped with a fine, and where to refuel when the hunger hits.

Whether you’re here to shoot golden hour or soak in some soft mountain soul, this place will get under your skin in the best possible way.

The features in this post were hand-selected by an obsessive travel nerd with strong opinions who doesn’t gatekeep good shit (hi, that’s me). Some of them are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and the occasional wine along the way – Cat.

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What Makes Alpe di Siusi So Damn Special?

There’s a moment, just after sunrise, when the meadows of Alpe di Siusi go quiet. No footsteps, no camera clicks. Just mist curling off the grass, light filtering through the larches, and the kind of peace you forgot you needed.

This isn’t your average Dolomites drama. It’s softer here. Gentler.

The kind of place where wildflowers stretch for miles and old farm huts tilt into the hills like they’re napping. You’ll still get your jaw-dropping peaks – Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto aren’t shy – but the vibe is less “I must summit before noon” and more “I could stay here forever.”

Whether you’re a sunrise chaser, a slow hiker, a reluctant mountain biker, or just someone who needs a big dose of alpine magic without the near-death incline – Alpe di Siusi is the dream.

Sit on a bench with your coffee and watch the hills wake up. Stay out late to catch the Burning Dolomites glow. Breathe. Wander. Eat something made of cheese. This place gives.

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When to visit Alpe di Siusi

Best Time of Year to Visit Alpe di Siusi

Early July. If you’re here for wildflowers and that soft alpine glow? This is your sweet spot. The meadows explode into colour, the trails are clear, and it’s like walking through a postcard. The only downside? You’re not the only one who’s figured this out. For a quieter experience, come from mid-June onwards.

Want the views and a bit of solitude? October is your under-the-radar goldmine. The larches go bananas, the mornings are crisp, and if you catch it just right, you’ll get that golden hour larch glow all to yourself. Some huts might be closed, but honestly? It just adds to the hush.

Winter turns the plateau into a snow-draped playground. Cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails, and silence broken only by crunching snow and the occasional horse-drawn sleigh. If you missed hiking season, don’t sweat it — Alpe di Siusi wears snow well.

August? Avoid it unless you love peak-season chaos. Europe’s on holiday, the trails are packed, and the magic? Slightly less sparkly.

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Best Time of Day to Visit Alpe di Siusi

Sunrise is the showstopper. Hands down, no question. The light creeps over the mountains, spilling gold across the meadows and turning everything cinematic. You’ll feel like the main character in your own damn movie. And if you visit in October? The light doesn’t hit the plateau until about an hour after sunrise – so you’ve got time to hike up, sip your coffee, and still catch the glow.

Sunset? Go for the hike up Monte Pez. 360° views. Fiery skies. The chance to witness the Burning Dolomites effect – when the peaks light up in a deep, almost surreal red. It’s like nature’s version of a mic drop.

How to Get to Alpe di Siusi (Without Accidentally Breaking the Law)

Alpe di Siusi is stunning. Peaceful. Full of wildflowers and wine huts.

It’s also got one of the most confusing access systems in the Dolomites. So before you accidentally get turned around at a roadblock or fined for existing in a rental car, here’s exactly how to do it right.

Driving to Alpe di Siusi

From 9:00am to 5:00pm the road from Siusi (bottom of the mountain) to Alpe di Siusi is completely closed to private vehicles, with barriers at the roundabout.

The only exceptions are if you’re staying at a hotel on the plateau.

Also (yes, told you it was confusing), between 11:00pm and 6:00am, no parking is allowed anywhere on the plateau. Even if you “just went to watch the sunrise” or “promise to be quick.” They don’t care. The barrier goes down, and the fines come out.

The short version?

The only times you can drive or park beyond Compatsch without a hotel pass are 6:00am to 9:00am and 5:00pm to 11:00pm.

PRO TIP | Best driving strategy is to arrive before 9:00am, park at P1 or P2, and spend the day exploring. Or take the cable car (more on that below) or express bus #11, which runs between Compatsch and Saltria.

Driving Times to Compatsch (Alpe di Siusi)

From Bolzano | about 45 minutes via the SS12 and LS24 to the parking lot
From Ortisei | about 30 minutes via the SP64
From Seis | 15 minutes

Parking at Alpe di Siusi (Updated for 2025)

First things first, there’s no parking on Alpe di Siusi. When you get there you’ll see why it’s a car free protected area and you’ll be very glad of it.

Compatsch is the closest you can drive without a hotel reservation, and where you’ll find the P2 parking area. A little further down the hill is the P1 parking area at the top of Spitzbühl cable car. To park in either of these, you’ll need to arrive well before 9:00am.

Taking the Cable Car

If you’re not staying overnight or just don’t want to stress about road restrictions and alpine alarm clocks, the cable car is your new best friend.

Getting there by Bus

No car, no problem. You can still get here by bus!

From Bolzano | Bus 170/170S to Siusi/Seis

From Seis | Take express bus 10 (Seiser Alm Express) which costs (you guessed it) €28.50 return

All timetables can be found here.

Hiking in Alpe di Siusi: Meadows, Mountains & Misty Views

You don’t come to Alpe di Siusi for big summit energy. You come for the kind of trail that lets you breathe. Where wildflowers line the path, rifugios serve cheese dumplings with wine, and sunrise lights up the Sassolungo massif like it’s performing just for you.

With over 450km of hiking trails, there’s something here for everyone – from gentle, soul-soothing strolls to challenging day hikes that’ll earn you that second dessert. You can link trails together for a longer adventure, or just wander between huts with a camera and a coffee and call it a damn good day.

In this section, I’ll walk you through four of the best hikes in Alpe di Siusi – with step-by-step route guidance, how long each one takes, where to stop for lunch (always), and why poles might save your knees on the way down.

NAVIGATION | Don’t forget to download the official trail map before you head out. Or screenshot it, because signal up there is about as reliable as a hotel breakfast buffet’s “early start” promise.

Easy Alpe di Siusi Meadow Loop Hike (via Malga Sanon)

TRAILHEAD | Top station of Ortisei – Seiser Alm Cable Car
DISTANCE | 13 km loop
TIME | ~3 hours (longer if you stop for lunch, which you should)
ELEVATION | ±200m
DIFFICULTY | Easy, with a few mild inclines

If you only do one hike on Alpe di Siusi, make it this one. It’s got every Dolomites greatest hit: open meadows, epic peaks, peaceful huts, and about a thousand photo ops that will make your Instagram explode. This is the route that shows up in all the postcards – but in person? Even better.

Start by catching the Seiser Alm cable car from Ortisei. At the top, head left and follow path 9 toward Malga Schgaguler Schwaige. It’s an easy stroll downhill with views that’ll stop you mid-step. Continue on to Sporthotel Sonne, where the trail splits.

Here, you’ve got options:

• For lunch at Malga Sanon, take the short detour on path 6b to the right – it’s only a kilometre, and the food is chef’s kiss
• Or skip it and stay left on Harlweg, which curves around and rejoins path 9

Eventually, you’ll link up with path 3, then merge onto path 30 to arrive in Compatsch, where there’s a café if you need a second coffee or a bathroom break.

To loop back, follow path 14 uphill, then connect with 14b toward Monte Piz. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views back across the meadow are phenomenal. Turn right at the junction, then left up Monte Piz, to finish the final ascent on path 6a and return to the cable car.

LOOP HIKE TIP | Although I’ve written the directions from the top of the Ortisei cable car, this loop takes you to Compatsch so you can easily follow it from there too!

Monte Pana Trail: Alpe di Siusi to Santa Cristina (Easy Downhill Hike)

TRAILHEAD | Ortisei-Siser Alm cable car top station
DISTANCE | 13 km
TIME | ~3 hours
ELEVATION | +200 -800m
DIFFICULTY | Easy

The Monte Pana hiking trail is another great hiking trail recommended by Sabrina and Kati of Moon & Honey Travel. Be sure to check out their blog for lots of other great hikes in the region too!

If you want the views without the vertical climb, this trail is your golden ticket. You’ll start with the sweeping panoramas of Alpe di Siusi, pass some of the region’s best mountain huts, and finish in the charming town of Santa Cristina — all without needing to hike back uphill.

From the top of the Seiser Alm cable car, head left again on path 9, just like the meadow loop. But this time, keep following the path all the way to Saltria. It’s a slow downhill stroll through open pasture, and yes – the photo ops keep coming.

At Saltria, take a break at Saltner Schwaige or nearby huts (less crowded than Sanon) before continuing on path 30 toward Monte Pana plateau. This section has a bit of a rolling incline, but nothing gnarly – the views will distract you!

From Monte Pana, keep descending along path 30 until you reach Santa Cristina, where you can grab a gelato, toast your knees for holding it together, and hop on the bus back to Ortisei.

GETTING BACK | Catch Bus 350 (Bolzano-Val Gardena) year-round or Bus 352 (Express Ortisei-Selva Val Gardena) summer only from Santa Cristina to Ortisei — easy, scenic, and saves you from hiking back uphill.

Rifugio Alpe di Tires Loop: Big Views, Bigger Cake, and a Lot of Uphill

TRAILHEAD | Compatsch
DISTANCE | 18 km
TIME | 6 hours (longer if you stop for lunch or cry on the switchbacks)
ELEVATION | ± 750m
DIFFICULTY | Moderate (but don’t underestimate the uphill)

This trail is for the hikers who want a challenge with serious reward. You’ll loop through the quieter, wilder corners of Alpe di Siusi, climb to a high mountain pass, and end up at Rifugio Alpe di Tires – a sleek little hut with big views, proper food, and probably the best espresso shot you’ll have at 2,400m.

It’s a longer, tougher day – but if you’re up for it, you’ll get that top-of-the-world feeling without the crowds.

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Start in Compatsch and follow path 7 uphill to Hotel Panorama, then continue climbing on path 2 to the Denti di Terrarossa / Rosszähne pass. This section is steep, loose, and switchbacky – poles strongly recommended!

Reach Rifugio Alpe di Tires at the top – you made it! Stop here for lunch or a well-earned coffee and strudel.

OVERNIGHT OPTION | Rifugio Alpe di Tires (Tierser Alpl) was fully renovated in 2015 and is an absolute standout. Split your hike to allow an overnight stay at the rifugio. Book ahead -waking up here is pure magic.

To return, follow path 4 briefly, then veer off onto path 8, which heads downhill toward Rifugio Molignon. Stay left at all trail forks to remain on path 8, which eventually becomes path 7, leading you back to Compatsch.

The Dolomites Castle Loop (Rifugio Bolzano Circuit via Compatsch)

TRAILHEAD | Compatsch
DISTANCE | 22 km
TIME | ~8 hours
ELEVATION | ± 1100m
DIFFICULTY | Moderate to hard – not for the faint-kneed

This is the big one. The hike that makes you feel like you earned your place in the Dolomites. It’s long, it’s steep, and it will absolutely wreck your legs – but it’s also one of the most epic single-day loops in the region, complete with castle-like rifugios, mountaintop ridges, and an optional summit detour if you’re feeling bold.

If you’re doing it in one push, start early and pack everything: snacks, water, poles, layers, determination. Or break it up with a hut overnight and turn it into a two-day adventure — Rifugio Bolzano and Alpe di Tires are both iconic stops worth the detour.

If you’re keen to do this one, then you’ll find a complete guide to the Rifugio Bolzano circuit hike from Sabrina & Kati (Moon & Honey Travel) which will help you plan your day more efficiently.

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Route Breakdown:

1. From Compatsch, follow Path 7, 10 and 5
2. Continue uphill along Path 1 to Saltnerhütte, your first pit stop
3. From here, power up Path 1 to the Schlern Plateau — it’s a tough climb, but stick with it
4. At the top, turn right onto Path 3 to reach Rifugio Bolzano (Schlernhaus)
   ▸ Built like a stone fortress, this place is pure Dolomites drama
5. Optional detour: Monte Pez summit (20 mins round trip) – 360° views and a guaranteed ego boost
6. Continue on Path 4, skimming the Cima di Terrarossa, until you reach Rifugio Alpe di Tires
   ▸ Stop for food, coffee, or a cheeky overnight if your legs demand it
7. Cross the Denti di Terrarossa via Path 2 — yes, it’s steep, yes, it’s scree, yes, you’ll survive
8. Descend back into the meadows and cruise home to Compatsch

MORE TIME | Stay overnight at one of the rifugi or turn this into a 3-day hut-to-hut experience using the official Seiser Alm hut tour. More sleep, more strudel, more smug satisfaction.

Best Photo Spots in Alpe di Siusi (and When to Shoot Them)

You can’t really take a bad photo in Alpe di Siusi – but there are a few spots that will make you question whether you’ve walked into a dream sequence or just mastered your camera settings.

Here are the top locations to shoot, the best time to be there, and why you’ll want to bring more than just your phone.

Via del Piz (near Adler Lodge Alpe)

Best for: Classic meadow-and-mountain drama
When to shoot: Sunrise, when Sassolungo catches the light
Lens: Wide-angle for landscape sweep, zoom for layers and compression

This is the postcard shot. Rolling hills, scattered huts, and the peaks rising like a cathedral behind them. Most of the images in this blog were shot along this stretch, and it’s less than an hour’s walk from Compatsch.

St Valentin’s Church, Seis am Schlern

Best for: Storybook alpine vibes, moody morning mist
When to shoot: Early morning
Lens: Standard zoom (35–85mm range), or go telephoto for compression

Tucked in the meadows above the town of Seis, this little church with the mountains behind it is basically the Dolomites moodboard shot. To get there, park in Seis and walk up the path from Fasslfunerweg – it’s an easy stroll and usually quiet in the early hours.

Rifugio Alpe di Tires (Tierser Alpl)

Best for: Mountain architecture meets cinematic ridgelines
When to shoot: Golden hour, or mid-hike lunch stop
Lens: Wide + drone (if allowed and safe)

This bright red-roofed hut perched beneath the Denti di Terrarossa is wildly photogenic – especially if the clouds are moving fast or the sky turns dramatic. Get it framed with trail switchbacks or shoot from the ridge for elevation.

Monte Pez Summit

Best for: 360° summit views with no filter required
When to shoot: Sunset — it’s remote, but that light hits different
Lens: Whatever’s still functioning after the climb

This summit detour from Rifugio Bolzano is short but steep, and the view is the definition of a big-sky moment. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the Burning Dolomites effect — that fiery alpine glow right before the sun drops.

Above Malga Sanon (looking toward Sassolungo)

Best for: Depth, layers, and golden morning light
When to shoot: Mid-morning, once the sun clears the peaks
Lens: 70–200mm or equivalent — trust me, this is a compression dream

Shoot from above the hut looking back toward Sassolungo — you’ll get rolling curves in the meadow, layers of huts and trees, and that classic peak just dominating the horizon.

Where to Stay in Alpe di Siusi: Choose Your Base

Choosing where to sleep here isn’t just about budget – it’s about vibes, views, and how close you want to be to the action (or the sunrise). Whether you want to wake up on the meadow, roll into town for aperitivo, or keep things low-key and local, here’s how to pick your perfect base.

Option 1: Stay on the Meadow (High Alpine Luxury)

Best for: waking up to golden light and walking straight out the door to adventure

If you’re the type who wants maximum meadow magic and minimal commuting, book a room on the plateau itself. The price tag is higher, but so is the payoff – think sunrises from your balcony, first tracks on the paths, and easy access to rifugio lunches without watching the clock.

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY
Paradiso Pure Living | In the meat lovers area of South Tyrol, this is a pleasant surprise – a hotel that’s 100% plant-based. All their produce is organic and they have a sustainability focus in everything from food to furnishings. Check rates and book here.

BEST LUXURY
Icaro Hotel | With an emphasis on art and architecture, you’ll be torn between looking at the walls and looking at the views! Another gorgeous hotel with an excellent spa, this beautiful modern hotel is a great option. Check rates and availability here.

Option 2: Stay in Ortisei (Lively + Scenic)

Best for: town comforts, cute cafés, and cable car convenience

Ortisei has charm, colour, and a solid aperitivo scene. You’ll get the mountain vibes without giving up good food or walkable streets. It’s perfect if you want to mix your hiking days with a little village wandering and post-trail pizza.

Check rates and browse options here – or save Ortisei for a stay if you’re combining this with Seceda or the Val Gardena side of your Dolomites adventure.

Option 3: Stay in Seis (Quiet + Convenient)

Best for: peaceful vibes, easy parking, and proximity to the Seiser Alm cable car

If Ortisei feels a little too polished and the meadow too luxe, Seis is your Goldilocks zone. It’s quiet, pretty, and perfectly placed for getting up to Alpe di Siusi without the Ortisei price tag or the Compatsch restrictions. Check rates and browse options here.

DOLOMITES ACCOMMODATION | Want the full scoop on the best Dolomites towns to base yourself for hiking, photography, and chilled evenings with a view? Read my complete Dolomites accommodation guide (coming soon)

FAQs About Visiting Alpe di Siusi

Final Thoughts on Alpe di Siusi

There’s something about Alpe di Siusi that lingers.

Maybe it’s the way the morning light creeps across the meadow like a secret. Maybe it’s the silence between footsteps. Or maybe it’s the realisation – as you pass another hiker with wind-chapped cheeks and camera in hand – that this place turns everyone into a poet.

If you’re building your own Dolomites adventure, Alpe di Siusi is the perfect addition. It’s ideal for first-timers, solo travellers, and anyone craving a mix of easy hikes, ridiculous scenery, and golden hour photos that look like they belong in a gallery (or at least on your lock screen).

If this guide helped you plan your trip – or even just bumped Alpe di Siusi a little higher on your list – I’d love it if you’d share it, pin it, or send it to a friend you want to travel with (or escape from). And if you’ve got questions? Drop a comment, DM me on Instagram, or just yell “where’s the strudel?” towards the mountains – I’ll probably appear.

So lace up (or don’t), pack the tripod, and get up there early. You won’t regret it.

Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?

With world-class hiking in summer, incredible skiing in winter, and a perfect blend of Italian and Austrian culture, the Dolomites is one of my favourite European destinations. Here are more posts to help you plan your own trip to this wonderful part of the Alps.

PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES | Here’s what you need to read if you’re visiting the Dolomites for the first time and planning a Dolomites itinerary, want to know the best things to do in the Dolomites or want to rent a car in Bolzano

DOLOMITES DAY HIKES | My favourite day hikes in the Dolomites and complete guides for hiking Lago di Sorapis, Croda da Lago, Seceda and Cadini di Misurina

DOLOMITES PLACES | My favourite places to visit in the Dolomites like Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi and Val di Funes

PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY | Everything you need to know to plan a trip to Italy, my top tips for first time travellers to Italy and a complete Italy travel guide

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