Best Alpe di Siusi Hike: Seiser Alm Meadows Circuit Trail

Alpe di Siusi (Mont Sëuc in Ladin, Seiser Alm in German), the largest mountain pasture in Europe, boasts 450 kilometers of hiking trails.

When visiting Alpe di Siusi for the first time, most people wrongly assume that it’ll be obvious knowing where to go. Trails fan out in multiple directions across this 56 square kilometer plateau in the Italian Dolomites. It’s anything but obvious. 

You need a plan. 

From Compaccio/Compatsch, you can hike across the plateau and ascend to the Sciliar/Schlern plateau to Rifugio Bolzano. You can also cross the Alpe di Siusi meadows and hike over the Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszähne peaks to Rifugio Alpe di Tires.  Another option is to descend to Saltria via the Hans and Paula Steger Trail. 

From the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi gondola mountain station, you can follow trail 9 to Saltria and onwards to Monte Pana and Santa Cristina. 

The reason we’re writing yet another Alpe di Siusi hiking guide is that we wanted to create a scenic circuit trail that you can do from either the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi gondola mountain station, or Compaccio.

Furthermore, we wanted to recommend a route that stays on the Alpe di Siusi plateau the whole time.

This Alpe di Siusi hike combines the best parts of the Alpe di Siusi-Monte Pana Trail with the best stretch of the Hans and Paula Steger Trail. It ambles across rolling meadows and mountain pastures; it doesn’t scale mountains, or descend to the valley.  It also steers you to some of the most celebrated gourmet alpine pasture huts on the plateau, including Rauchhütte, Gostner Schwaige, and Baita Sanon.

Throughout the hike, there are sweeping views of the impressive Sassolungo/Langkofel Group, Catinaccio/Rosengarten Group, the Sciliar/Schlern Group, and even the Odle/Geisler Group. 

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Alpe di Siusi Plateau Circuit Trail Map

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How to Get to Alpe di Siusi

From Siusi or Castelrotto

If you’re staying in Castelrotto (Kastelruth) or Siusi (Seis am Schlern), start this hike with the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway from Siusi to Compaccio. Due to the current regulations, we do not recommend driving to Compaccio. I’ve summarized the access restrictions in our Alpe di Siusi travel guide. 

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From Ortisei, Val Gardena

If you’re staying in Ortisei, walk to the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi valley station. If you’re staying in another village in Val Gardena, take a free bus to Ortisei, using your Val Gardena Mobil Card. 

Purchase a Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi Ropeway (aka Mont Sëuc) Gondola round-trip ticket (up and down).

Valley Station Address | Via Setil, 9, 39046 Ortisei BZ, Italy | Google Maps

Parking | There’s a very expensive paid parking garage (240 spaces) at the valley station.

Pricing & Opening Times | Consult funiviaortisei.eu

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Alpe di Siusi Hike: Mont Sëuc – Saltria – Compaccio Circuit Trail

Our trail description begins at the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi gondola mountain station, because all of our Dolomites itineraries (5 day, 7 day, and 10-14 day) lead to Val Gardena. If you’re based in Val Gardena, this is an ideal way to see Alpe di Siusi in a few hours.

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Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi Gondola Mountain Station to Saltria (1 hour)

Exit the Mont Sëuc gondola mountain station and head left, following trail 9 to Saltria.

Saltria is a small settlement on Alpe di Siusi, located at an elevation of 1675 meters. It’s also the lowest point of the plateau.  So, when you hike from the Mont Sëuc mountain station (2005 meters) to Saltria, you’ll be hiking downhill almost the whole time. 

Trail 9, which is a road initially, descends to the Schgaguler Schwaige alpine pasture hut restaurant (15 minutes).

Continue following trail 9 in the direction of Saltria, signed 50 minutes. The path wraps around Sporthotel Sonne and then continues south towards the Catinaccio/Rosengarten range.

Trail 9 descends to a stream and then makes a short counter ascent, before easing.

As you cross the rolling Alpe di Siusi meadows, Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto dominate the view to the southeast and the Catinaccio and Sciliar mountains dominate the views directly south and to the southwest. 

To the north, views extend to Monte Pic, Seceda, and the Geisler Group.

When the trail intersects with bike path 19, continue straight on trail 9.

The trail effortlessly slides down to Saltria, home to a cluster of mountain huts like Radauer Schwaige and Saltner Schwaige and hotels like Hotel Saltria, Sporthotel Floralpina, and Brunelle Seiser Alm Lodge.

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Saltria – Rauchhütte – Gostner Schwaige – Hotel Steger Dellai (1:30 hours)

The hike continues west up the Hans and Paula Steger Path (trail 30). 

Turn right on the paved road, which links Saltria with Compaccio, following signs to Rauch Hütte and Compatsch. Don’t follow trail 9 over the bridge leading south to Sporthotel Floralpina. It’s a bit confusing because trail 9 is signed “Hans und Paula Steger Weg.”

After 300 meters (5 minutes), veer left on trail 30, leaving the road. The trail sign says “Fussweg Compatsch – Sentiero Per Compaccio.”

The Hans and Paul Steger Weg steadily ascends rolling meadows up to the Wiedner Eck bus stop (35 minutes). 

Along the way, you’ll pass through the Römer mountain pasture, where cattle graze freely in summer. Do not disturb, or linger near the animals. 

At Weidner Eck, multiple paths intersect. We recommend detouring to Rauchhütte (10 minutes) for homemade pasta, regional wine, and heart-expanding terrace views. To reach the hut, turn right and follow the Compaccio-Saltria road down for 550 meters to the hut.

After lunch at Rauchhütte, return to the Wiedner Eck bus stop and continue following the well-groomed trail 30 up to Hotel Steger Dellai. 

Along the way, you can also detour to Gostner Schwaige, another excellent alpine pasture hut.

To detour to Gostner Schwaige, turn left on 30a and shortly thereafter right on 30b.

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Hotel Steger Dellai to Baita Sanon (40 minutes)

The way to Baita Sanon initially follows a paved road. There’s no traffic, aside from the occasional bus and horse-drawn carriage. 

Pass the pond near Hotel Steger Dellai and follow the paved hotel track down to the road. 

Turn right onto the sidewalk in the direction of Sanonhütte/Baita Sanon (trail 3, signed 35 minutes). 

Note: If you turn left, you’ll end up in Compaccio.

Follow the sidewalk/road for 1.1 km. When the paved road divides, continue left in the direction of Piz (trail 6 on maps). 

Shortly thereafter, turn right on trail 6B to Sanonhütte/Baita Sanon. 

Trail 6B magically meanders across wildflower-carpeted meadows to Baita Sanon, a happily situated hut facing Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto. Grab a lounge chair, order a drink, and soak up the views. 

Looking north, you’ll see Monte Pic, the Geisler Peaks, Monte Stevia, Piz Duleda, and Col dala Pieres. 

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Baita Sanon to Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi Gondola Mountain Station (45 minutes)

Trail 6B wanders between hay huts to Sporthotel Sonne (20 minutes).

This heavenly stretch of path affords sweeping views of the Sciliar/Schlern, Rosengarten/Catinaccio, and Sassolungo/Langkofel mountains, spectacularly colliding with the Swiss-pine-studded meadows. 

From the hotel, follow the familiar path back to Schgaguler Schwaige and all the way up to the  Mont Sëuc gondola mountain station.

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Alpe di Siusi Sunrise Hike

Alpe di Siusi is at its most magical in the early hours of the morning. It’s a remarkable natural light show that makes mountain worshippers of us all. 

Each morning, professional and amateaur photographers march from Compaccio/Compatsch to the “Instagram photo spot” near Sporthotel Sonne, hoping to capture the magical scene we’ve all fallen in love with. 

Parking in the Compaccio P2 car park is now prohibited from 11 pm to 6 am. The entrance barriers are blocked for the duration of the parking ban. That means that it’s no longer feasible to park in P2 and walk to the “Belvedere dell’Alpe di Siusi” photo spot for sunrise in summer, because the sun rises around 5:30 am. In autumn, when the sun rises around 7 am, there’s just enough time to walk from P2 to the Alpe di Siusi photo spot.

The most stress-free way to experience sunrise atop Alpe di Siusi in June, July, and August is by staying on the plateau in Sporthotel Sonne, ICARO Hotel, Hotel Steger-Dellai Seiser Alm, Hotel Seiser Alm Urthaler or any hotel in Compaccio.

From Compaccio, we recommend following the road in the direction of Saltria. When the road divides, veer left in the direction of Piz.  Stay on the road (trail 6) in the direction of Hotel Icaro and the Adler Lodge. The famous Alpe di Siusi sunrise viewpoint is located directly on this road near the Adler Lodge. Exact Location: Google Maps.

After watching the sunrise, you can follow this Alpe di Siusi hike as described in this guide. Follow trail 9 down to Saltria and then hike up the Hans and Paula Steger Trail back to Compaccio. 

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Where to Stay

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Ortisei

Midrange | Hotel Garni Walter is a traditional alpine guesthouse located on a steep slope near the Alpe di Siusi gondola valley station. Rooms are spotless and comfortable. The only downside is that the WIFI signal is poor. Breakfast is included. 

Midrange | Casa al Sole is a newly renovated bed and breakfast and natural wine bar in the center of Ortisei, only a short walk from the Seceda cableway and the Resciesa funicular. This 12-room B&B is masterfully run by Manuel and Alexandra, who infuse every aspect of their establishment with a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction. Read our Casa al Sole Review.

Midrange | Chalet Hotel Hartmann is a charming adults-only hotel featuring tastefully furnished alpine interiors, a delicious breakfast buffet, a complimentary afternoon snack, and a spa area (bio-sauna, steam bath and solarium). This is an ideal accommodation for couples and anyone traveling without children. It’s a 15-minute walk to reach the town center.

Midrange | Hotel Grones is a top-rated, family-run hotel which excels in its friendly atmosphere, excellent local and Mediterranean cuisine, traditional, yet lovely rooms. The hotel spa area comprises a swimming pool, hot tub, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and steam bath. 

Luxury | Hotel Angelo Engel is situated directly in the town center of Ortisei, walking distance to the Resciesa funicular, Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableway, and the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi gondola (Mont Sëuc Ropeway). We loved the central location, the courteous staff, and the wellness and spa area.

Luxury | Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Ortisei, home to the Michelin star Ann Stuben gourmet restaurant. This wellness hotel offers unparalleled spa facilities, flawless service, guided hikes and mountain bike tours and a weekly fitness program. Guests are treated to a welcome cocktail, generous breakfast buffet, and afternoon cakes and snacks (3 – 5 pm). The extensive wellness area comprises a fitness area, indoor pool, outdoor whirlpool, Finnish sauna, steam bath, bio sauna, ladies-only spa, cold water pool, infrared beds, sauna lounge, floating beds, and warm water beds.

Luxury | Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti is a stunning property surrounded by private grounds, advantageously located in the pedestrian zone of Ortisei. This 5-star hotel offers outstanding service, first-rate spa complex, beautiful rooms, and an on-site restaurant (half board available). 3-7 nights minimum stay.

Look for accommodation in Ortisei.

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Siusi allo Scilliar 

Siusi allo Sciliar (Seis am Schlern in German) is a village beneath Alpe di Siusi in South Tyrol. The Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway valley station is located in this village.

Budget | Ratzeshof is a hillside farm stay with apartments, located between Siusi and Compaccio. Stay here for the idyllic setting, mountain views, and price point.

Midrange | La Paula Apartments & Suites is a fresh-faced aparthotel in Siusi with lovely rooms, a wellness area (Finnish sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, and relaxation rooms), and free parking. Guests love the healthy breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients as well as made-to-order egg dishes. 

Luxury | Sensoria Dolomites (formerly Ritterhof Hotel) is a newly renovated, all-inclusive hotel in Siusi, close to the Alpe di Siusi cableway. With its divinely-crafted interiors and harmonious architecture, Sensoria aims to create a place that nourishes the soul. 

Look for accommodation in Siusi. 

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Castelrotto

The village of Castelrotto (Kastelruth in German, Ciastel in Ladin) is situated at an elevation of 1095 meters, on a plateau above Valle Isarco/Eisacktal valley and beneath Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm. 

Castelrotto is only 3.4 km from Siusi allo Sciliar/Seis am Schlern and 11.4 km from Ortisei/St. Ulrich. Notable attractions include the St. Peter and Paul Parish Church, the nearby Chiesa di San Valentino, Monte Bullaccia and the Marinzen meadows. 

Luxury | Located in the historic center of Castelrotto, the aesthetically-pleasing Schgaguler Hotel stands out with its high glass windows (designed by Peter Pichler), alpine minimalist design, wellness and spa facilities (2 indoor pools, a whirlpool, a sundeck, and 3 saunas), and knowledgeable staff. Rooms feature tasteful furnishings, a neutral color palette, plush bedding, and an abundance of light. 

We highly recommend booking half board, as the hotel kitchen prepares excellent varied and seasonal 4-course meals. Welcome extras include a free bus pass (which includes the bus to Alpe di Siusi) and nearby underground parking garage. 

Luxury | The 4-star Hotel Lamm is a modern, design-forward hotel featuring striking interiors, a luxurious rooftop Sky Spa, and an outstanding on-site restaurant (Zum Lampl). Rooms are thoughtfully designed with elegant oak floors and stylish furnishings.

Guests enjoy free underground parking, a complimentary Seiser Alm Live Card (transit card), and a wonderful wellness area (3 saunas, experience showers, relaxation room, rooftop terrace, and sky pool). 

Look for accommodation in Castelrotto.

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Val Gardena Hiking and Travel Guides

Hotels:

• Best Val Gardena Hotels

Val Gardena Hiking Trails:

• Seceda Ridgeline Day Hike
• Monte Pic
• Val de Chedul – Vallunga Valley Circuit
• Sassolungo Circuit Trail
• Piz Duleda Peak Hike
• Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike
• Resciesa to Seceda

Val Gardena Via Ferrata:

• Via Ferrata Oskar Schuster
• Via Ferrata Sass Rigais

Plan your trip to the Dolomites:

• Places to Visit in the Dolomites
• Things to Do in the Dolomites
• How to Get to the Dolomites
• How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car
• Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
• Day Hikes in the Dolomites

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