Steviola Plateau Hike: Hidden Gem in Val Gardena

The underrated, but incredibly rewarding Steviola hike is an ideal half-day hike in Val Gardena for hikers who want to avoid cableways and crowded trails. Starting at the Daunëi Sciuz bus stop in Selva, a moderately-difficult circular path links Juac Hütte with the Steviola Plateau and the Palotasteig. 

Though only 6 km, this trail ought not to be underestimated; it requires comfort hiking steep, rocky, and at times narrow paths. Unlike the more challenging Piz Duleda and Col dala Pieres hikes, this trail has no secured pathways and scrambling sections.

During our July stay in Casa al Sole, a lovingly run B&B in Ortisei, we hiked this trail on the owners’ recommendation. A year later, I hiked to Steviola again, determined to see the Steviola views on a perfectly-clear day.

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Rifugio Juac – Steviola – Palota Hiking Map

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Essential Trail Info

How to Get to the Daunëi Trailhead | Take bus 357 from Selva Ciampinoi to Daunëi, Sciuz. Coming from Ortisei, you first have to take bus 350 to Selva Ciampinoi and transfer to bus 357. Use the suedtirolmobil.info to plan your transit journey. If you prefer to drive, there’s limited paid  parking along the road leading up to the trailhead. 

Hiking Season | June – October. I’ve personally hiked this trail in July and early November. During the abnormally warm November, I hiked the sun-drenched Palosteig (Troi Palota) out-and-back, rather than complete the circuit, due to the ice around Silvesterscharte. 

Trail Direction | Both directions have their advantages and disadvantages. If you hike the trail counterclockwise, ascending the Palota trail first to Steviola, your back will be to Sella and Cir as you ascend the plateau. The upside is that you’ll pass by Juac-hütte towards the end of the hike, perfect timing for lunch. If you reverse the route, hiking it clockwise, the trail unfolds more beautifully. For lunch, I would detour up to the Stevia Hütte, so you don’t ascend Silvesterscharte on a full stomach. 

Difficulty | Hikers should be comfortable ascending and descending steep narrow paths, scattered with loose rock. 

Trail Variations | You can extend the hike to Alpe Stevia, home to the Stevia Hütte.  

Where to Eat | Juac Hütte, Baita Sangon (where we ate), or Stevia Hütte

Responsible Hiking | This hike is located in Puez-Odle Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flying drones and wild camping are strictly prohibited. 

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Steviola Trail Description 

Starting at the Daunëi, Sciuz bus stop (1757 m), follow trail 3 north in the direction of Rifugio Juac (1903 m). Before reaching the hut, trail 17 branches off to the right. Ascend the steep rocky trail to Silvesterscharte (Furcella San Silvestro). Views extend to the Seiser Alm plateau, Schlern, and the cone-shaped Monte Pic. 

From the saddle, the path quickly descends to a junction. Here, you have the opportunity to detour up to Steviahütte atop Mont de Stevia. Otherwise, bear right and follow the narrow ledge path to the Steviola Plateau, which forms part of the Stevia massif. 

Sweeping views of the sawtooth Cir Group, colosseum-shaped Sella Group, and Sassolungo Group greet you. The trail gently descends across sprawling pastureland.

Detour to the Crist de Stevia Gipfelkreuz (optional) and continue the descent to the Steviola Viewpoint, marked by the dead tree. 

From here, the timber-bolstered Troi Palota path (17a) steeply drops down a steady series of tight switchbacks. Dropping below the forest line, the final stretch to Daunëi follows a wide forest path. 

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Where to Stay in Selva 

The Selva hamlet of Daunëi enjoys a quiet and idyllic location high above Selva. If you’re planning a 5+ night stay in Val Gardena with a car, I would take a look at the Daunëihof holiday apartments, positioned at 1700 meters. From here, you can hike directly to the Steviola Plateau. 

There are many high-quality B&Bs in Selva including Garni Sunela B&B, Garni Morene, and Garni Hotel Mezdi.

The best hotels in Selva are Linder Cycling Hotel, 4-star Hotel Freina, 4-star Hotel Continental Dolomites, and 5-star Hotel Tyrol.

For an adults-only environment, check out Alpstay – Hotel Acadia.

Learn more: Best Val Gardena Hotels 

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Val Gardena Dolomites Guides

Travel:

• Ortisei Travel Guide
• Puez-Odle Nature Park

Hiking:

• Best Hikes in Val Gardena
• Seceda
• Alpe di Siusi Meadows Trail
• Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike
• Val de Chedul – Vallunga Valley Circuit
• Piz Duleda Peak Hike
• Sassolungo Circuit Trail

Via Ferrata:

• Via Ferrata Oskar Schuster
• Via Ferrata Sass Rigais

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