Rifugio Alpe di Tires (Tierser Alpl Schutzhaus in German) is an outstanding mountain refuge in South Tyrol’s Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park in the Italian Dolomites.
The mountain hut is located on the Passo Alpe di Tires (Tierser Alpljoch) mountain pass, between the Sciliar (Schlern) Group and the Rosengarten (Catinaccio) Group.
We’ve visited this hut three times because we love Tierser Alpl’s location and South Tyrolean cuisine.
In this post, we’re going to outline the fastest approach to Rifugio Alpe di Tires, which starts in Compaccio (Compatsch) on Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) plateau. You can easily do this as a day hike.
If you want to approach Rifugio Alpe di Tires from the Sciliar (Schlern) plateau, read this Rifugio Bolzano – Rifugio Alpe di Tires trail guide. That is the best way to hike to Tierser Alpl, if you have time.
Another way to visit Tierer Alpl is on this 3-day Catinaccio/Rosengarten Dolomites trek.
- Starting Point Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway valley station, Siusi allo Sciliar/Seis am Schlern | Google Maps
- Trailhead: Compaccio/Compatsch (1850 m)
- Distance: 13.9 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 5-6 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 724 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate – Moderately Difficult
- Minimum Elevation: 1836 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 2499 meters
- Trails: 7, 2
- Where to Stay on Alpe di Siusi : Hotel Seelaus (midrange), Hotel Seiser Alm Urthaler (luxury), Hotel Rosa ECO Alpine Spa Resort (luxury), Alpina Dolomites (luxury)
- Recommended Trail Map: Tabacco 05 Val Gardena – Alpe di Siusi
Compaccio to Tierser Alpl Hiking Map
When Can You Hike to Rifugio Alpe di Tires
Rifugio Alpe di Tires/Tirser Alpl is usually open from End of May until late October. Check the Rifugio Alpe di Tires website for exact dates.
How to Get to Compaccio
Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway
We recommend taking the Alpe di Siusi Aerial gondola (Seiseralmbahn in German) from the village of Siusi allo Sciliar/Sëuc/Seis am Schlern to Compaccio/Compatsch.
Valley Station Address | Schlernstreet, 39 39040 Seis am Schlern | Google Maps
Parking | There is a large free parking lot at the cableway valley station.
Summer Season Timetable and Pricing | Summer timetable and prices
Operating Times |
- Late May until Mid-June: 8 am – 6 pm
- Mid-June until Mid-September: 8 am – 7 pm
- Mid-September – Early November: 8 am – 6 pm
Car
Given the road and parking restrictions, we do not recommend driving up to Compaccio.
It’s only possible to drive to Compaccio between 6 am and 9 am or after 5 pm. The road leading up to Compaccio is closed during the day (between 9 am and 5 pm).
Park at the P2 Car Park at Compaccio. Parking is prohibited from 11 pm to 6 am.
Parking Lot | Compatsch Parcheggio (aka P2 Car Park). Exact Location: Google Maps
Parking Fee | 28.50 EUR per vehicle (all day)
Compaccio to Rifugio Alpe di Tires Trail Description
From Compaccio, follow trail 7 and then trail 2 to the Panorama restaurant (2009 meters).
From Panorama, continue following trail 2 across the Alpe di Siusi meadows. A series of boardwalks guide walkers across the marshy areas of the plateau.
The trail steadily ascends in the direction of the Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszähne (“horse teeth”) peaks (2653 m) of the Sciliar/Schlern massif.
Trail 2 becomes increasingly more steep as you approach the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahnscharte (2499 m), a saddle in the Denti di Terrarossa ridge.
After conquering a series of very steep switchbacks, you’ll crest the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa saddle. This final stretch to the saddle is somewhat challenging because of the slippery terrain (scree).
From the saddle, head right. It’s an easy 10-minute descent to the red-roofed Rifugio Alpe di Tires.
The food at Tierser Alpl is excellent. They specialize in South Tyrolean cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch here, before hiking back down to Alpe di Siusi.
To return to Alpe di Siusi, either follow the route you ascended, or hike down via Rifugio Molignon/Mahlknecht Hütte (2054 m) along trails 4, 8, and 7.
Staying the Night in Rifugio Alpe di Tires
Another option you have is to stay the night in, which is what we did. The natural beauty that envelops this remote hut is astounding. And, if you’re like us, once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.
This family-owned mountain refuge was renovated in 2015, resulting in a stunning modern interior.
Rifugio Alpe di Tires is very well managed, so you can expect excellent service. However, the best reward is the cuisine that awaits you.
All food is prepared in the hut. They source their ingredients from nearby farms and the surrounding area. Breakfast is included in the accommodation price.
For dinner, you can choose between a three-course “Halbpension Karte” menu, or order a la carte. Everything we sampled was delicious.
Essential Info
Elevation | 2440 meters
Rooms | There are dormitory rooms (for 8, 10, or 12 persons) and private rooms (for 2, 3, 4, or 6 persons).
Showers | Hot showers are available for a small fee.
Washrooms/Bathrooms | Shared
Reservation | Needed. Book in advance.
Where to Stay
Compaccio, Alpe di Siusi
Compaccio/Compatsch is the largest settlement atop Alpe di Siusi. It’s basically a hub of luxury hotels and sporting goods stores. In addition to the Tierser Alpl hike, the Hans and Paula Steger Trail and Rifugio Bolzano hikes start in Compaccio as well.
Though Compaccio is accessible by cableway from Siusi/Seis, it’s also possible to drive all the way up here before 9 am or after 5 pm (parking fees apply).
Luxury | Hotel Steger-Dellai is a 4-star hotel, located near Compaccio/Compatsch (15-minute walk) along the Hans and Paula Steger Trail (one of the most popular walks on the plateau), and close to Gostner Schwaige (one of the best alpine pasture huts in South Tyrol).
We decided to stay here because of the location. In addition to hiking to Rifugio Alpe di Tires, we also wanted to hike the Hans and Paula Steger path and experience sunrise atop Alpe di Siusi.
5-Star Luxury | Alpina Dolomites is a modern 5-star hotel designed with the philosophy: Nature, our origin, is also a basic need, like the air we breathe.” Taking in the full sweep of the Sassolungo/Langkofel and Sciliar/Schlern mountains from its divine location, Alpina Dolomites boasts panoramic mountain views, a contemporary wellness area, and gourmet restaurant.
The hotel design is inspired by nature and stitches together a neutral color palette with raw materials. The wellness area comprises a panoramic indoor-outdoor swimming pool, classic Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, saline steam bath, fitness room, and spa.
Look for accommodation in Alpe di Siusi.
More hotels in Compaccio: Seiser Alm Urthaler (luxury), Hotel Rosa Eco Alpine Spa Resort (luxury), and Alpina Dolomites (luxury).
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, Salounge, 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.
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.
More Hikes around Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi:
- How to Visit Alpe di Siusi
- Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail
- Hans and Paula Steger Trail
- Alpe di Siusi to Monte Pana
Day Hikes around Val Gardena:
- Best Hikes in Val Gardena
- Resciesa to Seceda
- Seceda Ridgeline Day Hike
- Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike
- Monte Pic
- Val de Chedul – Vallunga Valley Circuit
- Piz Duleda Peak Hike
- Sassolungo Circuit Trail
Plan a Dolomites Trip:
- Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer
- Day Hikes in the Dolomites
- 5-Day Dolomites Road Trip
- 7-Day Dolomites Road Trip
- 10-14 Day Dolomites Road Trip
Great and very informative article. I am looking at staying here in September. Do you have good panoramic views from here for sunrise and sunset? I noticed some people run off the trail to go to Rifugio Bolzano on their journey which looks nice. It also appears to have nice views. It seems there is a road going into Compatsch you cant drive between 9 and 5 unless you are staying there. I am assuming the Hotel Bellavista is on what they call the plateau and if I stayed there I could drive in. Do you know are they on what they call the plateau? Maybe they would let me park an extra day there for this hike. Thanks so much, Jerry
Hi Jerry! Unfortunately, we didn’t take any sunset photos – we experienced a thunderstorm the night we stayed. We also didn’t hike to Rifugio Bolzano, but that would be a fun idea. It looks like there’s a hiking trail and a via ferrata route from Tierser Alpl to Rifugio Bolzano (see map). If you’re driving, the easiest thing to do is to park at Seis Am Schlern (Siusi Allo Sciliar), which is directly below the seiser alm plateau. Next, take the Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway (Seiser Alm Bahn/Cabinovia Alpe di Siusi) from Seis Am Schlern (Siusi Allo Sciliar) to Compatsch (Compaccio). Good luck with your planning!
I love your site – so much great info!!
Thanks for the detalied description. It sounds like an amazing hike. I’m a bit confused about the way back to Seis Am Schlern. Do you back track the same way you came? Through compach and down the cable car or is there a faster way?
Thanks,
Enosh
Hi Enosh, We hiked down the same way we came up and took the cable car down. For other options, you can check out this map: https://www.tierseralpl.com/en/how-to-arrive.html
– Sabrina
Hi! Thanks for all the very useful info. Do you have any info about backpacking and sleeping in your own tent on Dolomites treks? Is that something that can be done or are there any rules against it?
Hi Sabina,
Wild camping is not allowed in the Dolomites. If you want to plan a multi-day trek in the Dolomites, you can stay in rifugios along the way.
Thanks for the great article! Looking forward to staying there. I know the last part you said was steep but would you describe it at all as exposed/difficult for someone with a fear of heights? I am a regular hiker but get a bit of vertigo on narrow/exposed trails so try to avoid them. Not afraid of uphill as long as I don’t feel like I’m about to plummet to my death. I have noticed some of the trails around here tend to be quite slippery with the scree/gravel so that combined with exposure is not ideal for me. Thanks for any info you can provide!
Hi Kristen,
You’re welcome! To reach Rosszähne, you’ll have to hike up some steep switchbacks. The trail is probably narrow, but you’re not in any danger. Hiking poles will be helpful in unstable terrain. Let us know if you end up hiking this route. – Sabrina
Hello! We would love to try to do this day hike but I noticed on your other page where you describe the longer loop hike that visits this hut you say the switchback descent can be slippery. How steep is it? We have a toddler that will be with us in a backpack carrier. We are very experienced hikers but of course don’t want to do anything that could put her in danger. I’m not sure if you’re still responding to comments on here but if you are, I’d really appreciate your advice! Thank you!
Hi Tai,
The final stretch to the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahn scharte (from Alpe di Siusi)is slippery because of the scree. The trail zigzags up a scree slope at a reasonably steep grade. If you’re very comfortable/confident in scree, then it should be ok. But, if you don’t like loose rocks underfoot, it could be very challenging with a backpack carrier.
-Sabrina
I have a question about the hike to this hut. It seems as though it is a fairly steep hike to this hut, is that true?
Hi Jerry,
The final stretch to the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahn scharte is very steep. You’ll hike up a scree slope along a series of switchbacks. Hiking poles are very helpful.
-Sabrina
Your site is great – inspired me to plan a trip! Here’s the planned itinerary for our trip this June: Day 1 Compatsch to Tierser Alpl / Alpe di Tires; Day 2 Tierser Alpl / Alpe di Tires to Rifugio Antermoia; Day 3 back down to Compatsch. Someone suggested that if I use path #578 and 580 to get to Antermoia I should avoid most of the snow. I’m not sure if those path numbers are the ones outlined on your maps – would you know? Given your knowledge of the trails, does the itinerary make sense to you? We are fit but not very experienced hikers! Thanks!
Hi Christine,
Please reach out to directly to the mountain huts. We haven’t hiked the route from Tierser Alpl to Rifugio Antermoia.
Best of luck!
Sabrina