How to Visit Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm): the Dolomites Dreamiest Plateau

mountain huts on the alpe di siusi with the sassolungo mountain range in the background
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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


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

Alpe di Siusi (aka Seiser Alm), tucked high in South Tyrol near the towns of Seis and Ortisei, is Europeโ€™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 itโ€™s auditioning for a fantasy film.

Itโ€™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, Iโ€™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 youโ€™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 sun rising over the high altitude meadow of Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
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ALPE DI SIUSI ESSENTIALS

CLAIM TO FAME | Europeโ€™s largest high-altitude meadow (and possibly its most photogenic)

BEST SEASON | Early July for wildflowers, mid-October for golden larches, but itโ€™s a year-round stunner

HIGHLIGHTS | Sunrise hikes, wildflower meadows, epic winter snowshoe trails, and mountain huts that serve wine with your dumplings

GETTING THERE | No driving up between 9:00-17:00 unless youโ€™ve booked a hotel – plan around the cable cars or stay overnight

AKA | Seiser Alm (German) or Mont Sรซuc (Ladin) – because South Tyrol does not do one-language fits all

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 โ€“ Cat.


What Makes Alpe di Siusi So Damn Special?

Thereโ€™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 isnโ€™t your average Dolomites drama. Itโ€™s softer here. Gentler.

The kind of place where wildflowers stretch for miles and old farm huts tilt into the hills like theyโ€™re napping. Youโ€™ll still get your jaw-dropping peaks – Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto arenโ€™t shy – but the vibe is less โ€œI must summit before noonโ€ and more โ€œI could stay here forever.โ€

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.

two small mountain huts with the peaks of the sassolungo massif in the background
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When to visit Alpe di Siusi

Best Time of Year to Visit Alpe di Siusi

Early July. If youโ€™re here for wildflowers and that soft alpine glow? This is your sweet spot. The meadows explode into colour, the trails are clear, and itโ€™s like walking through a postcard. The only downside? Youโ€™re not the only one whoโ€™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, youโ€™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, donโ€™t sweat it โ€” 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.

sunrise at alpe di siusi
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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. Youโ€™ll feel like the main character in your own damn movie. And if you visit in October? The light doesnโ€™t hit the plateau until about an hour after sunrise – so youโ€™ve got time to hike up, sip your coffee, and still catch the glow.

Sunset? Go for the hike up Monte Pez. 360ยฐ views. Fiery skies. The chance to witness the Burning Dolomites effect – when the peaks light up in a deep, almost surreal red. Itโ€™s like natureโ€™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.

Itโ€™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, hereโ€™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 โ€œjust went to watch the sunriseโ€ or โ€œpromise to be quick.โ€ They donโ€™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 Spitzbรผhl cable car. To park in either of these, you’ll need to arrive well before 9:00am.

P2 | Compatsch (on the plateau itself)

  • โ‚ฌ28.50/day (conveniently the same price as the return cable car – almost like they planned it)
  • Ticketed entry with barriers
  • Open for entry only before 9:00am or after 5:00pm
  • Exit and drive down at any time
  • Pay by card or cash at the machine before leaving
  • Barriers locked from 11:00pm to 6:00am (no overnight parking)
  • Warning: Lost ticket = โ‚ฌ53 fine

P1 | Spitzbรผhl

  • Free, but a 20 minute uphill walk to Compatsch
  • Fills fast – arrive by 8:00am to be safe
  • Open for entry only before 9:00am or after 5:00pm
  • Exit at any time
  • No overnight parking

Off-season access (mid-April to mid-May & early November onwards)

  • Cable Cars shut
  • Road to Compatsch opens all day for private vehicles
  • P2 becomes โ‚ฌ13/day mid-April to mid-May
  • Parking otherwise free from November to May
alpe di suis with the sassolungo range in the background
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mountain huts in alpe di siusi with the schlern massif in the background
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Taking the Cable Car

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

From Siusi (Seis)

Route: Siusi – Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway

Open:
8:00am – 6:00pm (May to Nov)
8:00am – 7:00pm (mid June to mid Sept)
Check exact times here.

Cost: โ‚ฌ28.50 return / โ‚ฌ19.50 one way (adult)

Parking: โ‚ฌ1.50/hour or max โ‚ฌ6/day (Weekly: โ‚ฌ30)

From Ortisei (St. Ulrich)

Route: St. Ulrich – Seiser Alm Gondola Ropeway

Open:
8:30am – 5:00pm (May to Nov)
8:30am – 6:00pm (late June to late Sept)
Check exact times here.

Cost: โ‚ฌ35 return / โ‚ฌ23 one way (adult)

Parking: โ‚ฌ7/day at the valley station

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) โ‚ฌ28.50 return

All timetables can be found here.

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

You donโ€™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 itโ€™s performing just for you.

With over 450km of hiking trails, thereโ€™s something here for everyone – from gentle, soul-soothing strolls to challenging day hikes thatโ€™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, Iโ€™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 | Donโ€™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 buffetโ€™s โ€œearly startโ€ 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 | ยฑ200m
DIFFICULTY | Easy, with a few mild inclines

If you only do one hike on Alpe di Siusi, make it this one. Itโ€™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. Itโ€™s an easy stroll downhill with views thatโ€™ll stop you mid-step. Continue on to Sporthotel Sonne, where the trail splits.

Here, youโ€™ve got options:

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

Eventually, youโ€™ll link up with path 3, then merge onto path 30 to arrive in Compatsch, where thereโ€™s a cafรฉ if you need a second coffee or a bathroom break.

To loop back, follow path 14 uphill, then connect with 14b toward Monte Piz. Itโ€™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. Youโ€™ll start with the sweeping panoramas of Alpe di Siusi, pass some of the regionโ€™s best mountain huts, and finish in the charming town of Santa Cristina โ€” all without needing to hike back uphill.

a close of of the huts on alpe di suisi
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a single tree glows in the early morning sun on alpe di siusi
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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 โ€” 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 | ยฑ 750m
DIFFICULTY | Moderate (but donโ€™t underestimate the uphill)

This trail is for the hikers who want a challenge with serious reward. Youโ€™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 youโ€™ll have at 2,400m.

Itโ€™s a longer, tougher day – but if youโ€™re up for it, youโ€™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 / Rosszรคhne 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 | ยฑ 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. Itโ€™s long, itโ€™s steep, and it will absolutely wreck your legs – but itโ€™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 youโ€™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 โ€” 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.

sunrise on a tree from the alpe di siusi
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Route Breakdown:

  1. From Compatsch, follow Path 7, 10 and 5
  2. Continue uphill along Path 1 to Saltnerhรผtte, your first pit stop
  3. From here, power up Path 1 to the Schlern Plateau โ€” it’s a tough climb, but stick with it
  4. At the top, turn right onto Path 3 to reach Rifugio Bolzano (Schlernhaus)
    โ–ธ Built like a stone fortress, this place is pure Dolomites drama
  5. Optional detour: Monte Pez summit (20 mins round trip) – 360ยฐ views and a guaranteed ego boost
  6. Continue on Path 4, skimming the Cima di Terrarossa, until you reach Rifugio Alpe di Tires
    โ–ธ Stop for food, coffee, or a cheeky overnight if your legs demand it
  7. Cross the Denti di Terrarossa via Path 2 โ€” yes, itโ€™s steep, yes, itโ€™s scree, yes, youโ€™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 canโ€™t really take a bad photo in Alpe di Siusi – but there are a few spots that will make you question whether youโ€™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 youโ€™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 itโ€™s less than an hourโ€™s walk from Compatsch.

St Valentinโ€™s Church, Seis am Schlern

Best for: Storybook alpine vibes, moody morning mist
When to shoot: Early morning
Lens: Standard zoom (35โ€“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 – itโ€™s an easy stroll and usually quiet in the early hours.

st valentin church in seis
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a close up of st valentin shurch in siusi
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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: 360ยฐ summit views with no filter required
When to shoot: Sunset โ€” itโ€™s remote, but that light hits different
Lens: Whateverโ€™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 youโ€™re lucky, youโ€™ll catch the Burning Dolomites effect โ€” 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: 70โ€“200mm or equivalent โ€” trust me, this is a compression dream

Shoot from above the hut looking back toward Sassolungo โ€” youโ€™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 isnโ€™t just about budget – itโ€™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, hereโ€™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 youโ€™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 cafรฉs, and cable car convenience

Ortisei has charm, colour, and a solid aperitivo scene. Youโ€™ll get the mountain vibes without giving up good food or walkable streets. Itโ€™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 youโ€™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. Itโ€™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

Is Alpe di Siusi the same as Seiser Alm?

Yes – same stunning spot, different name. “Alpe di Siusi” is Italian, “Seiser Alm” is German. Youโ€™ll see both used interchangeably (and confusingly) on signs, blogs, and Google Maps.

Can I drive to Alpe di Siusi?

Only outside the restricted hours of 9:00amโ€“5:00pm, unless you’re staying overnight on the meadow. Most visitors either take the cable car or park early at P1 or P2 before the barrier goes down. Full access details are in the ‘How to Get There’ section.

Is there public transport to Alpe di Siusi?

Yep! You can reach the area via local buses from Bolzano or stay in Ortisei, then take the cable car up to the plateau. Itโ€™s surprisingly easy in summer – no car needed.

When is the best time to visit?

For hiking and photography? Early July (wildflowers!) or mid-October (larches + golden light). Avoid August if you can – it’s peak tourist season and crazy busy.

Are the cable cars open year-round?

Nope – they usually close mid-April to mid-May and again early November to early December. Plan around these dates if youโ€™re not driving.

How many days do I need in Alpe di Siusi?

If youโ€™re just coming for the classic hike and a few photos, one day is enough – especially if you arrive early. But if you want to do multiple hikes, catch sunrise and sunset, or just slow down, two nights is ideal.

Whatโ€™s an easy loop hike that brings me back to my car?

Do the Meadow Loop Hike. Itโ€™s about 13km, gentle, and loops back neatly – you can start from the parking in Compatsch, or the top of the cable cars along the route. Full details are in the hiking section.

Do I need hiking boots?

Not for the meadow loop. Youโ€™ll be totally fine in sturdy trainers or trail runners if you’re sticking to the main paths. But if you’re heading up to Alpe di Tires or doing longer circuits like the Castle Loop, hiking boots (and poles) are a very good idea.

Final Thoughts on Alpe di Siusi

Thereโ€™s something about Alpe di Siusi that lingers.

Maybe itโ€™s the way the morning light creeps across the meadow like a secret. Maybe itโ€™s the silence between footsteps. Or maybe itโ€™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. Itโ€™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 – Iโ€™d love it if youโ€™d share it, pin it, or send it to a friend you want to travel with (or escape from). And if youโ€™ve got questions? Drop a comment, DM me on Instagram, or just yell โ€œwhereโ€™s the strudel?โ€ towards the mountains – Iโ€™ll probably appear.

So lace up (or donโ€™t), pack the tripod, and get up there early. You wonโ€™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

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing.

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store.

ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here.


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10 Comments on “How to Visit Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm): the Dolomites Dreamiest Plateau”

  1. My. Wife and I hope to visit Alpe di SUISI from 9th June to 13th to see alpines using E-bikes We arrive from Verona to Ortisei by train .We would like a 4 star hotel B/B and be able to dine at nearby good quality restraunts. Good sized swimming pool essential. Donโ€™t wish to be isolated .Access to nearby cable car that allows E-bikes I am not a great walker due to a back problem ./
    If you can advise on suitable Hotel that allows for the above we will be happy to book through you

  2. Thank you for the information. We are going to stay in Ortisei in mid September and plan to take the cable car to Alpe di Suisi and walk around. Would hiking shoes like Merrell Moab 3 be sufficient? We are not planning to hike in the mountains. https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3-waterproof/194713962318.html?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-mVPewpkw6j_NjYsfEzBOUKMvPG&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxOauBhCaARIsAEbUSQQ6k6xvOSu5mCNYrLI6wWaleNxM1Id_vB35UX42vqh9dch-XRNs1JYaApXKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

  3. Lots of great information! We will be in the Dolomites in August. We will only have a short period of time to visit Alpe di Suisi. Hoping to catch the cable car up from Ortisei and taking a few photos at where you indicated as the best photography spots for the classic views over Seiser Alm along the via del Piz near the Adler Lodge Alpe as the Adler Lodge Alpe is close to the Ortisei cable car. Your link though does not seem to be working. Hoping you can fix the link? Thanks much.

    1. Oh goodness, I’m so sorry, every time google does an update something strange happens with that link! Hopefully it’s working now, and thanks for letting me know! Just in case, try this too.

  4. Hi Cat, we intend to visit and hike Alpe di Siusi in mid October. As we will be driving, is there any hike at Alpe di Siusi you would recommend for a 1-3 hour loop hike that will lead us back to our car?

    1. Hi Daniel! If you’re going to be driving and you don’t think you’ll be there early then I’d actually recommend parking in Ortisei and doing the Ortisei/St. Ulrich to Compaccio/Compatsch loop that’s described in my blog post. There are lots of little paths that criss-cross the meadow so you can literally do as much or as little as you like and take short cuts. I think that’s the best bang for buck given your time constrictions. Parking can be a pain in the ass and I think you’re better off using the cable cars to be honest if you’ll be there during the day.

  5. Hi! Iโ€™ll be visiting the area with 2 kids (5 and 2yo). We are traveling by caravan and have no restrictions about time staying in the area. How many days would you recommend for us to stay in Alpe di Suisi? We would like to know if you have a service helping organising trips towards dolomites ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Hey Alba! So far as I know the best camping for the area is at Camping Seiser Alm, which is a short drive from Alpe di Siusi. You can have a really nice time just visiting for 1 day – I assume that with small kids you’re probably not going to be doing a lot of hiking? I don’t have a tour service but hopefully you’ll find most of the information you need here on the blog. I’ve also replied to your message on Instagram and you can always reach me there! Cat x

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