Alpe di Siusi - Rifugio Bolzano Circuit Hike, Dolomites (original) (raw)

The Dolomites day hike from Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm to Rifugio Bolzano/Schlernhaus and Rifugio Alpe di Tires/Tierser Alpl is one of the best full-day hiking excursions in the region.

It’s an especially great choice for anyone staying on Alpe di Siusi (near Compatsch/Compaccio) for several days.

Starting at Compaccio/Compatsch, you’ll hike across the Alpe di Siusi meadows to Saltner Hütte and then ascend to the Sciliar/Schlern Plateau.

Once you’ve ascended to the plateau, you can visit Rifugio Bolzano and detour to Monte Pez/Petz (2563 m), the highest point of Sciliar/Schlern. The hike continues across the vast Sciliar Altopiano to Rifugio Alpe di Tires.

From this outstanding red-roofed hut, you’ll hike over the Denti di Terra Rossa/Rosszahne and descend back to Alpe di Siusi.

This hike is moderately difficult, due to its length (21.6 km).

One part that may be difficult is the switchback descent from the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahn Scharte. It’s quite steep and the rocks underfoot are loose.

We hiked after it rained, so the trail was “matted down,” making it easier. As always, hiking poles like these Unisex Black Diamond Hiking Poles are very helpful for stabilizing your descent on loose terrain.

Sciliar Plateau grazing area and the Rosengarten Dolomites, Italy

Alpe di Siusi – Rif. Bolzano – Rif. Alpe di Tires Hiking Map

How to Get to Compaccio/Compatsch

Alpe di Siusi to Rifugio Bolzano Circuit Trail, Dolomites

Take the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway at 8 am

Take the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway (Seiser Alm Bahn – Cabinovia Alpe di Siusi) from Siusi/Seis to Compacco/Comaptsch.

If you decide to take the gondola, get there at 8 am sharp. While the cableway is an option, you won’t be able to take very many breaks during the hike. We suggest skipping Monte Pez (optional detour) so that you’re not pressed for time.

Address | Schlernstreet, 39 39040 Seis am Schlern. Exact Location: Google Maps

Parking | There is a large free parking lot at the cableway valley station.

Summer Season | Summer timetable

Operating Times |

Adult Pricing | 26.50 EUR (roundtrip ticket)

Learn more about Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway prices.

Drive to Compaccio before 9 am

The road leading to Compaccio is closed during the day (between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.). You must drive to Alpe di Siusi before 9 am. Park at the P2 Car Park at Compaccio/Compatsch.

Parking Lot | Compatsch Parcheggio (aka P2 Car Park). Exact Location: Google Maps.

Parking Fee | 26.50 EUR per vehicle (all day)

Off-Season | If you’re driving up to Compaccio/Compatsch when the cableways are not operating (e.g. mid-April to mid-May), you can drive up at any time. The parking fee is reduced to 13 EUR during off-season.

Stay the Night on Alpe di Siusi in/near Compaccio

This is by far the most enjoyable and relaxed approach.

Given the length of this trail, it’s best to stay the night atop Alpe di Siusi. We were very happy to start and end this hike, directly at our hotel:Hotel Steger-Dellai. Learn more about our stay at the end of the trail guide.

Find a place to stay on Alpe di Siusi.

Alpe di Siusi – Rifugio Bolzano (Schlernhaus) Circuit Trail Description

Compaccio to Saltnerhütte (1 hour)

Compaccio to Saltnerhütte hiking trail, Alpe di Siusi, Dolomites

When you arrive on Alpe di Siusi, you’ll be automatically drawn to two mountain groups: Sassolungo/Langkofel and Sciliar/Schlern.

The latter group, an ancient coral reef, reminds me of a giant Iguana with a long, sloping back. That’s where we’re headed today.

From Compaccio/Compatsch, follow trail 7 (paved road) to the Panorama Restaurant.

Because we stayed at Hotel Steger-Dellai, we hiked to Panorama via Trails 30B and 6.

From the Panorama Restaurant, continue on trail 6 in the direction of Saltner Hütte, signed 40 minutes. You’re now steadily walking towards Sciliar/Schlern.

After about 10 minutes, you’ll turn right (to stay on trail 6) and pass Laurinhütte, which is located at a chairlift mountain station.

Saltner Hütte, Alpe di Siusi, Dolomites

The trail narrows and you’ll hike across some boggy meadows over boardwalks.

You continue to traverse meadows and steadily descend along a stone path (slippery after rain) towards Saltner Hütte.

Saltner Hütte to Rifugio Bolzano (1:45 – 2 hours)

Sciliar / Schlern Plateau, Dolomites

From the Saltner hut, the trail continues to head downhill until you cross a stream.

After crossing the stream, the ascent to Sciliar/Schlern now finally commences.

Follow trail 5 (and later trail 1), also called the Sentiero del Turisti/Touristensteig, all the way up to the Sciliar Alpine Plateau (Altopiano dello Sciliar/Schlern Hochflache).

Initially, you’ll hike through spruce and larch forest. With increased elevation, the dwarf-pine-lined trail zigzags up an increasingly rocky path.

When you crest the plateau, follow the flat trail to Rifugio Bolzano (20 minutes).

Looking northeast across Val Gardena, you’ll see Seceda, the Odle Peaks, Piz Duleda, Monte Pic, and Col dala Pieres.

Directly south, you’ll see the Catinaccio/Rosengarten range as well as the distinct Latemar massif.

Grazing cows roam about freely atop the Sciliar plateau. Make sure to keep a safe distance and do not touch, or in any way disturb the animals.

The prominent Rifugio Bolzano (Schlernhaus), backed by the Catinaccio, occupies an impressive position on the plateau.

From the hut, you can hike 20 minutes to Monte Pez/Petz (2564 m), the highest point of the Altopiano.

Rifugio Bolzano / Schlernhaus atop the Sciliar / Schlern Plateau, Dolomites

Archeological finds suggest that Monte Pez was the site of animal sacrifice from prehistoric times all the way up until the Middle Ages.

And, local legend links Monte Pez to witches’ sabbaths.

We didn’t see any witches atop Pez, but we did enjoy the view.

Rifugio Bolzano to Rifugio Alpe di Tires (2 hours)

Rifugio Bolzano to Alpe di Tires hiking trail, Dolomites

Backtrack along trail 1 for about 10 minutes, until reaching a trail intersection. Continue on trail 4.

Trail 4 follows the spine of the Schlern massif, initially descending and then eventually ascending.

After about an hour, you’ll come to an intersection. Head right on trail 4 to Alpe di Tires/Tierser Alpl, signed 50 minutes. The descent begins.

After the pasture gate, you’ll be met with wondrous views of Catinaccio/Rosengarten.

The trail continuously descends, heading east, between the Sciliar massif and Catinaccio mountains.

Schlernhaus to Tierser Alpl hiking trail, Dolomites

Though very narrow at times, the trail is in good condition and well-graded.

Eventually, trail 3 joins trail 4. Soon after, the way angles up to Tierser Alpl, the striking refuge planted at the foot of the jagged Denti di Terrarossa.

If time allows, we highly recommend eating in Tierser Alpl. This is one of our favorite huts in the Dolomites. More hikes to Tierser Alpl:

Alpe di Siusi to Tierser Alpl out-and-back hike

3-Day Hike across the Catinaccio/Rosengarten

Rifugio Alpe di Tires to Compaccio/Compatsch (2:30 – 3 hours)

Tierer Alpl to Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahn Scharte, Dolomites

After lunch, follow trail 2 for 10 minutes to the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahn Scharte narrow saddle.

Along the way, you’ll see Marmolada, Antelao, Pelmo, and the Sella Group.

Hike over the saddle and descend to Alpe di Siusi.

Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahn Scharte to Alpe di Siusi, Dolomites

This switchback descent can be slippery. You’ll descend for about 30 minutes, before the trail levels out.

When the path eases, it’s easy walking from here on out. Though, the hike is by no means over.

Alpe di Siusi Hiking trail, Dolomites

Trail 2 cuts across green slopes and alpine pastures.

You’ll hike across a sea of wildflowers along boardwalks. It’s a romantic ending to a very epic hike.

Alpe di Siusi boardwalk and wildflowers, Dolomites

Trail 2 brings you all the way back to the Panorama Restaurant. From here, follow the road (trail 7) to Compaccio.

Where to Stay

Alpe di Siusi

Hotel Steger-Dellai, Alpe di Siusi, Dolomites

Hotel Steger-Dellai Dinner Dessert, Alpe di Siusi

Hotel Steger-Dellai Dining Room, Alpe di Siusi

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 this Rifugio Bolzano loop trail, we also wanted to hike the Hans and Paula Steger path and experience sunrise atop Alpe di Siusi.

What impressed us the most about our stay was the quality of the food and the dining staff. The breakfast buffet is outstanding. We loved the croissants, the hand-operated fresh-squeezed orange juice machine (no disturbing noise), the honeycomb honey, the egg menu, and everything else.

Equally enjoyable is the multi-course gourmet dinner, prepared with ingredients sourced from local farms. Head Chef Francesco Cozza fuses Mediterranean and South Tyrolean cuisines, creating highly satiating, delectable dishes.

Service in Europe is always a toss-up – even at the finest establishments. I’m very happy to report that the dining staff here is attentive, polished, and coordinated.

Tip | Hotel Steger-Dellai has a wonderful dining room with views of Sciliar/Schlern. Unfortunately, not every dining table has a view. If you stay here, we recommend reaching out to the hotel in advance to request a window seat. We were seated by the buffet area and were envious of other guests’ views.

Hotel Steger-Dellai is a historic hotel, built by two legendary alpinists – Paula Wiesinger and Hans Steger – after WWII.

Paula and Hans were pioneers of sustainable tourism and their legacy is ever-present in their hotel. The hotel was last renovated in 2000. 20 years later, it feels like the hotel would need a facelift. All the essentials are there, but the aesthetics are dated.

Find a place to stay on Alpe di Siusi.

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.

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Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials

Use our Dolomites Travel Guide to plan an unforgettable trip to northeastern Italy.

When to Hike in the Dolomites

The best time to hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. Unlike other regions in the Dolomites, Alpe di Siusi and Val Gardena enjoy a longer summer season. It can start as early as end of May and end as late as early November.

How to Get to the Dolomites

Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car.

Car Rental

The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Best Places to Stay

Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:

We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.

What to See & Do

During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.

Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.

In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites guide, we’ve listed the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Lago di Braies, Prato Piazza, Val Fiscalina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, Lago Federa, Cadini di Misurina, and Seceda.

Dolomites Packing List

Hiking Gear

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Dolomites Hiking Guides

Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.

For region-specific hiking trails, check out:

Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites (Cicerone Guide)

More Alpe di Siusi Travel and Hiking Trails

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