The Path of the Larches is a short scenic trail between the Rü farm and the Rudiferia farm, above San Cassiano/Sankt Kassian in Alta Badia, Italy. This delightful Dolomites hiking trail is a perfect excursion on arrival and departure days, or when you don’t have a lot of time. It’s also something you can do all year round. We hiked here after a heavy snowstorm and it was enchanting.
Related: Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites
Path of the Larches, Alta Badia
- Trailhead: San Cassiano village center, Alta Badia, South Tyrol
- Type of Hike: Out-and-back with loop
- Distance: 5.8 km
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 255 meters ascending/descending
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 1:30 – 2:00 hours
- Trails: 15/15A
- Route: San Cassiano – Rü – Rudiferia – San Cassiano
- Where to Stay: Hotel Fanes in San Cassiano
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Path of the Larches Trail Description
San Cassiano Village Center to Rü (30 minutes)
The Path of the Larches (Tru di lersc) trail begins in Rü, a farmstead above San Cassiano. From the village center, locate the tourist office and then walk to the San Cassiano Church. Follow the Strada Micurá de Rü/Strass Soplá road (trail 15/15A) uphill to the Lüch Da Pćëi Laden dairy farm and store. After passing the dairy shop, continue following the road up to Rü. As you ascend, the Lavarela and Conturines peaks dominate your view.
Rü to Rudiferia (20 minutes)
At Rü, turn left onto Path of the Larches in the direction of La Crusc. The larch-lined trail runs along the border of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, steadily descending the whole time. The village of La Villa at the foot of the Puez Group is visible ahead.
Rudiferia to San Cassiano (45 minutes)
At Rudiferia, turn around and head back the way you came. When you reach an intersection, head right. This is the direct route to San Cassiano via Larijëi Farm. If you go left, you’ll follow the same trail back to Rü. After passing the Larijëi Farm, descend along Strada Soplá (the road you came up) to San Cassiano.
Read Next: Alta Badia Summer Guide
Path of the Larches Hiking Map
Where to Stay in San Cassiano, Alta Badia
Budget | Camping Sass Dlacia is the highest campground in the Dolomites, located 3.8 km away from San Cassiano village, at the entrance to the Fannes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. If you’re not camping, you can also stay in their guesthouse apartments, Üties (wooden huts), and chalet. The location couldn’t be better, because the campground and guesthouse are surrounded by pine forest at the foot of Sass Dlacia. During your stay, you can hike to Rifugio Lavarella and Rifugio Fanes, summit Piz Dde Lavarla and Piz dles Conturines, hike to Rifugio Pralongià, and Pico Setsas. Don’t leave here without eating at their pizzeria and relaxing in their Natura Wellness sauna area.
Midrange | Garnì Ciasa Ai Pini is a traditional bed and breakfast, located 2 km from the San Cassiano village center. Guests enjoy the spacious rooms, wellness area, scenic surroundings, and friendly staff. In winter, you can ski directly to the hotel.
Luxury | Hotel Fanes is a stand-out 5-star hotel in San Cassiano, which spoils guests with their two swimming pools (including the adults-only panoramic Sky Pool), extensive spa and wellness area (including 7 saunas), Wellness Pension (breakfast buffet, afternoon homemade cake buffet, and 5-course gourmet dinner). Breakfast and dinner is included in the rate. Winter guests can take advange of the free shuttle service to the Piz Sorega cable car.
Find a place to stay in San Cassiano.
Related: Best Hotels in the Dolomites
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