Discover Alpe di Siusi, in Alto Adige: the plateau is accessible from five nearby villages. Thanks to its majestic peaks, witches’ legends and loads of outdoor activities.
Alpe di Siusi, also known as Mont Sëuc in Ladin or Seiser Alm in German, is a natural paradise extended for over 50 km², making it Europe’s largest plateau. Located in South Tyrol, in the heart of the Dolomites (UNESCO Heritage), it has unique landscapes on majestic peaks such as Sciliar, Sassolungo, and Sassopiatto.
Alpe di Siusi, also known as Mont Sëuc in Ladin or Seiser Alm in German, is a natural paradise extended for over 50 km², making it Europe’s largest plateau. Located in South Tyrol, in the heart of the Dolomites (UNESCO Heritage), it has unique landscapes on majestic peaks such as Sciliar, Sassolungo, and Sassopiatto.
It is possible to get to Alpe di Siusi following the road that goes up from Siusi to Sciliar or from Fiè to Sciliar, for those who prefer the comfort of their car or motorbike. From here, follow the signs to the dedicated parking lots. During the high season or at particular time slots, there may be traffic restrictions to preserve the environment and reduce pollution.
Alpe di Siusi is well connected by public transport from the main centres of South Tyrol, such as Bolzano and Bressanone. It is often possible to make changes in Castelrotto or Siusi, where shuttles and dedicated buses continue towards the plateau. This is an environmentally friendly and practical way to get into altitude without parking worries.
For the more adventurous, Alpe di Siusi can also be reached on foot, following the numerous paths that start from the villages at the foot of the plateau (such as Siusi or Fiè) and lead through forests and green meadows. Another convenient and panoramic solution is the cable car from Ortisei in Val Gardena. Once you have reached the top of the mountain, you will find yourself directly on the Alpe di Siusi, ready to discover boundless pastures and breathtaking views of the Dolomites.
The symbol of Alpe di Siusi is the Sciliar, whose unmistakable silhouette dominates the plateau. With its vertical walls and the rocky plateau on top, it is a very popular destination for hikers who want to admire from above all the beauty of the valley below. To the south-east of Alpe di Siusi there are two imposing peaks, the Sassolungo and the Sassopiatto. These mountains, with their characteristic profiles, offer trekking routes and via ferrata of different difficulties, attracting climbers and nature photography enthusiasts.
A portion of the Alpe di Siusi is part of the Sciliar-Catinaccio Natural Park, a protected area established to protect the richness of local flora and fauna. Here, coniferous forests alternate with vast alpine meadows, ideal habitat for marmots, roe deer and various species of birds. The park extends to the Catinaccio group, another jewel of the Dolomites known for the famous phenomenon of enrosadira, the moment when the rocks turn pink at sunset.
Among the villages that frame the Seiser Alm, Castelrotto is one of the most charming. With its historic center characterized by colorful houses and cobblestone streets, it retains an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. The bell tower of the parish church, among the tallest in South Tyrol, dominates the landscape and sets the pace of daily life in the village. Castelrotto is also famous for the Museum of Traditional Costumes, a place where you can immerse yourself in the history of South Tyrolean culture, discovering the traditional clothes that are still worn on special occasions.
Siusi allo Sciliar, located at the foot of the plateau, is the starting point of the cable car that takes you directly to the Alpe di Siusi. This village is the ideal place for those who want to explore nature without sacrificing comfort. Strolling through the village you can find craft stores, typical restaurants and the charming Gothic-style St. Valentine’s Church. A short walk from the center are the ruins of Hauenstein Castle, an ancient medieval fortress nestled in the woods, once home to the poet Oswald von Wolkenstein, one of the most famous figures in medieval German literature.
Fiè allo Sciliar is a small jewel nestled among woods and alpine pastures, famous for the Fiè Lake, ideal for swimming in summer and ice skating in winter. In addition to its natural beauty, the country offers a rich historical and cultural heritage. On the Peterbühl stands the church of San Pietro al Bichl, one of the oldest places of worship in South Tyrol of early Christian origin. In the heart of the village, the Chapel of San Michele houses the Parish and Archaeological Museum, which preserves Roman and medieval finds, as well as sacred objects that tell the history of the local community. A few kilometers from Fiè, the majestic Castle of Presule, dating back to the thirteenth century, offers guided tours among frescoes, armour and tales of knights.
Ortisei, although belonging to the Val Gardena, is closely linked to the Alpe di Siusi thanks to its cable car that allows you to reach the plateau in a few minutes. This elegant alpine centre is famous for its tradition in wood carving, with workshops that create sculptures and decorations of extraordinary beauty. The pedestrian center of Ortisei is a perfect place to stroll between fine shops, cozy cafes and restaurants offering the best of local cuisine. For those who want to learn more about the history and culture of Val Gardena, the Val Gardena Museum offers an interesting overview of Ladin traditions and mountain life, while the walk to the Church of San Giacomo takes you into the green woods.
Located at the foot of the Catinaccio, Tires al Catinaccio is the gateway to the Natural Park Sciliar-Catinaccio, a protected area where you can spot marmots, deer and golden eagles. Its paths lead to extraordinary views, including the picturesque Wuhnleger, an alpine lake that reflects the majestic walls of the Catinaccio, giving a fairy-tale atmosphere, especially at sunset. Not to be missed here is the Enrosadira, the natural phenomenon that colors pink and orange the rocky walls of the peaks. Linked to the legend of King Laurin, this magic of nature is visible from the vantage points of Passo Nigra, the centre of Tires or from the Witches’ Benches on the Bullaccia. In addition to nature, Tires holds historical jewels such as the Chapel of San Sebastiano, immersed in the meadows, and the picturesque Chapel of San Cipriano, located at the foot of the Catinaccio.
With its endless green meadows, the Dolomite peaks and the fresh air from high altitude, the Alpe di Siusi is an ideal environment for summer outdoor activities. Among the most anticipated events is the Alpe di Siusi Half Marathon, a competition that attracts runners from all over the world for a course of 21km, with a difference in altitude of about 600 meters. But if you prefer less demanding routes, the Running Park has over 180 km of trails designed for mountain running, with tracks suitable for both beginners and experts.
The plateau is also an interesting destination for mountain-bikers and e-bikes, thanks to a vast network of trails. A particularly suggestive itinerary starts from Compatsch (or Compaccio) and crosses mountain huts and alpine pastures where you can make a stop at the Baita delle Marmotte, a typical refuge offering South Tyrolean dishes.
For your hikes, the Mount Bullaccia is one of the most spectacular destinations, with a 360 degree view on the Sciliar, the Sassolungo and the Sassopiatto. A symbolic place along the route are the Witches’ Benches, rock formations linked to the ancient legends of the Sciliar.
If you prefer to relax by the water, the Lake of Fiè is the ideal destination for a day of sun and tranquility. Located at the foot of the Sciliar, this alpine lake is bathing and offers the possibility to swim, sunbathe or explore its waters with a boat.
And if you want to try your hand at golf, the Golf Club St. Vigil-Seis has an 18-hole course with a view of the Sciliar.
Alpe di Siusi is coloured in gold, red and orange shades in autumn. The foliage creates a magical atmosphere, ideal for relaxing walks among the trails of the plateau and the clear and sparkling air. A particularly fascinating route is the Aica Path of the Masi, which crosses one of the hamlets of Fiè and leads to the picturesque church of Santa Caterina.
Autumn is also the season for Törggelen, an ancient South Tyrolean tradition that celebrates the end of the harvest and the tasting of new wine. The taverns and huts of Alpe di Siusi welcome visitors with authentic flavors such as speck, local cheeses, roasted chestnuts and the famous hay soup. Also on the theme of gastronomy, an unmissable event is the Dispensa di Fiè, an annual appointment where restaurants in the village offer exclusive menus based on game, mushrooms and alpine cheeses in refined and original combinations.
Even in autumn, many alpine huts of Alpe di Siusi remain open, offering a refreshment to hikers with traditional dishes. Among these, the Panorama Hut is an ideal stop to taste specialties such as dumplings, strudels and Kaiserschmarrn, the typical mountain dessert, while you enjoy the view of the Dolomites.
Alpe di Siusi ski area, part of the famous Dolomiti Superski circuit, is one of the most popular skiing destinations thanks to 60 km of slopes served by modern lifts with views of the Sciliar, the Sassolungo and the Sassopiatto. With the courses of the Alpe di Siusi ski school you can improve your technique, and for a unique experience with the whole family try the Giro delle Streghe or the Alpe di Siusi Ronda. Also, if you want the thrills of freestyle skiing, have a great time at the Alpe di Siusi Snowpark, considered one of the best in Italy with its forty obstacles.
In addition to alpine skiing, Alpe di Siusi is also attentive to cross-country skiing, with 80 km of perfectly traced rings, ideal for both classic technique and skating. Thanks to the altitude between 1,800 and 2,200 meters, snow is guaranteed throughout the season, making the area a favorite destination for professional athletes for training.
If you are looking for a more immersive experience in nature, snowshoes are the perfect way to explore Alpe di Siusi in winter. Among the most fascinating routes there is the one that leads to Mount Bullaccia, from which you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the Sciliar, and the one that leads to the Molignon Hut, ideal for a break with typical South Tyrolean dishes to be enjoyed in front of a burning fireplace.
Alpe di Siusi is also perfect for those who love tobogganing, with exciting slopes that guarantee fun for the whole family, such as the exciting descents of the Zallinger. The little ones can have fun at FunPark Kids Castelrotto, an area equipped with moving mats, obstacle courses and gentle descents to move your first steps on the snow in total safety. The activities for families do not end here: Alpe di Siusi also offers excursions with the snow cat, horse-drawn sleigh rides and the evocative Dolomiti Ranger, a unique experience together with an expert who accompanies you to discover the traces of animals in the forest, up to the Witches’ Igloo.
During the Christmas period, Alpe di Siusi turns into an authentic enchanted village, thanks to the Christmas markets that animate the villages of Castelrotto, Siusi and Fiè allo Sciliar. The streets are lit with soft lights, the wooden stalls offer handicraft decorations and typical products, while the scent of mulled wine, cinnamon and traditional sweets envelops every corner. Walking through the markets in search of unique gifts, listening to the Christmas melodies and savoring local delicacies is an unmissable experience for those who visit Alpe di Siusi in winter.
With the arrival of spring, Alpe di Siusi awakens in an explosion of colors and scents. The days get longer, the temperatures become milder and the meadows turn lilac thanks to the spectacular blooming of crocus. In this setting, the Alpe di Siusi Balance offers an activity program designed for wellness in harmony with nature: barefoot hikes in the woods, outdoor yoga sessions, Hay baths and alpine breathing workshops in the renowned spa hotels of Fiè and Castelrotto.
Spring is also a season of events, such as the Festival del Gusto Dolomites that celebrates the culinary excellence of South Tyrol, such as alpine cheeses, speck, dumplings and fine wines. In Fiè allo Sciliar, instead, takes place the Völser Dorfkuchl, a street food event that transforms the village into a large open-air kitchen, where restaurateurs and local producers offer traditional dishes in a modern key.
Among the most anticipated events of spring is the historic Oswald von Wolkenstein Ride, a spectacular medieval re-enactment that takes place between Castelrotto, Siusi, Fiè and the magnificent Castle of Presule. This equestrian event sees teams of riders compete in skill games along a path that enhances the local history and culture, with costume parades, medieval markets and tastings of typical products.
