The Alpe di Siusi
The largest high-altitude alpine pasture in Europe
Between the Val Gardena and the Sciliar massif, at an altitude of between about 1,700 and 2,300 metres, the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is the largest high-altitude alpine pasture in Europe, an immense plateau of gently undulating meadows of over 50 square kilometres, dotted with wooden huts, hay barns and small woods, surrounded by some of the most spectacular peaks of the Dolomites: the Sassolungo and the Sassopiatto to the east, and the Sciliar, with its unmistakable profile of a table with the two towers of the Santner and the Euringer, to the south. It is part of the Dolomites UNESCO site and in part of the Sciliar-Catinaccio Natural Park.
In summer, the Alpe di Siusi is a paradise for easy walks, suitable for everyone, along well-marked paths between flowering meadows, with dozens of huts where you can taste the dishes of the South Tyrolean tradition, such as canederli, Kaiserschmarrn and apple strudel. In June and July the meadows are covered with flowers, an unforgettable spectacle. More challenging hikes lead to the summit of the Sciliar or around the Sassolungo. In winter, the plateau becomes a large ski area, connected to the Val Gardena, and a paradise for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. To protect the plateau, the road from Siusi is closed to private cars during the day in the high season; you can go up by the Alpe di Siusi cable car from Siusi to Compaccio (Compatsch), or by cable car from Ortisei, or by bus.
Tip: go in late June for the flowering meadows; the sunrise with the Sassolungo lit up is a classic photo.
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