How to Visit Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal), Dolomites, Italy (original) (raw)

Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal in German) is a scenic side valley of Sesto/Sexten Valley in Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal in the Italian Dolomites.

The 4.5 km valley begins at Moso/Moos in Sesto/Sexten and leads through Tre Cime Nature Park to Rifugio Fondovalle/Talschlusshütte.

Just beyond Rifugio Fondovalle/Talschlusshütte, the valley splits in two. The upper valley to the west is Val Sasso Vecchio/Altensteintal. The upper valley to the east is Val Fiscalina Alta/Bacherntal.

Val Fiscalina is a popular destination all-year-round. In winter, you can cross-country ski to Rifugio Fondovalle. In summer and fall, you can walk the length of the valley, which is a perfect excursion for families with children. You can also hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen and various mountain huts in the Sesto/Sexten Dolomites.

Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal, Sexten Dolomites

Val Fiscalina Map

Where is Val Fiscalina / Fischleintal

Val Fiscalina is located in South Tyrol in Northern Italy. This alpine valley branches off Sesto/Sexten Valley at Moso/Moos and runs to the base of the Cima Una/Einserkopfel mountain.

How to Get to Val Fiscalina, South Tyrol

Val Fiscalina larch forest, Sesto, Dolomites

Walk

It’s possible to walk to Val Fiscalina from the town of Sesto/Sexten.

It’s a 1:15 hour walk from Sesto/Sexten to Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte and then another 30 minute walk through the valley to Rifugio Fondovalle/Talschlusshütte.

This is a great option in high season, when there is a traffic regulation in place.

This is also a leisurely walk you can do if you’re visiting in shoulder seasons (e.g. May, or October).

We’ve provided more detail about this valley walk in the next section (“Sesto to Val Fiscalina Valley Trail Circuit).

Car

Val Fiscalina is a short drive away from San Candido/Innichen (12 minutes), Dobbiaco/Toblach (20 minutes), and Braies/Prags (30 minutes).

From Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s a 50 minute drive to the entrance of the valley.

From Ortisei in Val Gardena, it’s a 1:45 minute drive to Fischleintal via Bressanone/Brixen.

Traffic Regulations: June 11 – October 8, 2023 (2024: TBD)

Local authorities have introduced traffic regulations to Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal, similar to those in Braies/Prags Valley.

Between June 11 and October 8, 2023, it’s only possible to access the valley by foot, by bicycle, or by bus line 440.

For the most up-to-date information, please consult drei-zinnen.bz.

Val Fiscalina Parking

Rifugio Piano Fiscalina / Fischleinbodenhütte Car Park

Exact Location: Google Maps

The Val Fiscalina road dead ends at Hotel Dolomitenhof and Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte.

If you’re visiting Val Fiscalina before June 11th, or after October 8th, you can drive through the valley to the Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte paid car park.

Parking Fee | During our last visit, the parking fee was 5 EUR for 1 hour. Each addition hour costs 2 EUR. The maximum daily rate is 15 EUR.

Croda Rossa / Rotwand Cableway Valley Station Car Park

Exact Location: Google Maps

There’s a car park across from the Croda Rossa/Rotwand cableway valley station, near the valley entrance.

This is a great parking option, if you’re planning on walking the length of the valley. You can join trail 102 just across from Bad Moos Spa Resort.

Note: there is also a car park directly at the cableway valley station, but that’s reserved for cableway guests.

Parking Fee | This car park is free. However, there are discussions underway to turn it into a paid car park.

Bus

Throughout the year, busses connect Sesto Valley and Val Pusteria with Rifugio Piano Fiscalina (Fischleinbodenhütte) in Val Fiscalina.

Before June 11th and after October 8th, it’s possible to access Val Fiscalina with bus line 446: Kreuzbergpass – Sexten – Innichen – Toblach. Bus line 446 timetable.

Between June 11th and October 8th, it’s only possible to access Val Fiscalina with the Val Fiscalina Shuttle (bus line 440).

So, if you’re coming from Dobbiaco, or San Candido, take bus line 446 to the Monte Elmo/Helm cable car valley station in Sesto and then transfer to bus line 440 to Val Fiscalina.

Use the suedtirolmobil.info journey planner to find the best transit connections.

Pre-Booking | You do not need to pre-book your bus ticket to Val Fiscalina.

Payment | You can purchase your bus ticket directly on the bus.

Val Fiscalina Hiking Trails

Sesto to Val Fiscalina Valley Trail Circuit

Sesto to Val Fiscalina walk, South Tyrol, Dolomites

This easy valley trail connects Sesto/Sexten with Rifugio Fondo Valle/Talschlusshütte, located at the head of Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal. The path ambles through alpine meadows, pockets of forest, and along a bleach white river bed. There are several places to eat along the way.

The Fischleintal valley walk is something you can do early in spring, when there’s still a lot of snow in the mountains. Rifugio Fondo Valle/Talschlusshütte is usually open from mid-May until late October.

From the Hofer car park in Sesto/Sexten, follow trail 1 in the direction of Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte (1:10 hours).

After crossing a bridge, the road forks. Continue straight on trail 1 to the haystacks.

At the next junction, turn left. The trail wraps around a large meadow and enters the forest.

Continue southeast, always following trail 1 (Sentiero Intorno a Sesto/Sextener Rundweg).

The path crosses several dreamy larch meadows with hay huts, which are grazed in summer.

This upper path (trail 1) merges with the lower path (trail 102 from Bad Moos) shortly before reaching the car park at Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte.

Walk through the car park to Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte, which stands across from Hotel Dolomitenhof.

Val Fiscalina trailhead, Sexten Dolomites

Just beyond the hotel, there’s a small eatery called Bistro Bergsteiger, with an inviting terrace with views of the Sesto/Sexten Sundial.

Continue south on trail 102, which initially runs parallel to a large alpine meadow, where horses graze in summer.

Follow the valley trail to Rifugio Fondo Valle/Talschlusshütte (30 minutes).

Rifugio Fondo Valle/Talschlusshütte, Val Fiscalina / Fischleintal Dolomites

After lunch, or a break at the hut, return to the car park at Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte and then follow trail 102 in the direciton of Bad Moos.

Trail 102 crosses the same larch meadows on a lower path. Follow signs to Sesto/Sexten to return to the starting point.

Trail Stats

Trailhead | Hofer Car Park, Sesto | Google Maps

Distance | 12.2 km circuit

Time Needed | 3:15 hours

Difficulty | Easy

Elevation Gain/Loss | 219 meters

Minimum Elevation | 1309 meters

Maximum Elevation | 1528 meters

Val Fiscalina to Rifugio Locatelli and Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Val Fiscalina / Fischleintal valley trail, South Tyrol, Dolomites

From Val Fiscalina, it’s also possible to hike all the way to Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen, the most striking peak trilogy in the Dolomites.

Starting at the Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte car park, follow the valley trail for about 30 minutes to Rifugio Fondo Valle/Talschlusshütte (1548 m).

From the hut, continue on trail 102 in the direction of Rifugio A. Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte, signed 2:40 hours.

Trail 102 steadily climbs up Valle Sasso Vecchio/Altensteintal valley between the Einserkofel/Cima Uno (2698 m) and Crode Fiscaline/Oberbachernspitzen (2677 m) peaks (on your left) and the Punte Sasso Vecchio/Altensteinspitzen and Crodon di San Candido/Innichriedlknoten (2891 m) peaks (on your right).

There’s very little shade along this trail and the stone path reflects the sun like snow. Bring sun protection (hat, sun lotion, and Cat 3 sunglasses like these Julbo Fury Sunglasses).

Fischleintal / Val Fiscalina to Drei Zinnen mountain hut hiking trail, Dolomites

After an hour, the trail levels out next to the Altensteinerbach stream. The flat walking is a nice respite, but it doesn’t last long.

With elevation gain, the Monte Paterno/Paternkofel (2476 m) and Croda dei Piani/Bödenknoten (2712 m) dominate your view.

The high-alpine landscape is defined by rugged, sculpturesque peaks, dwarf pine, and solitary larch.

The final stretch to the Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte mountain hut eases. The path crosses meadows, passing above the Laghi dei Piani/Bödenseen lakes.

The iconic north face of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen peaks are straight ahead.

Rifugio Locatelli / Dreizinnenhütte in early summer, Dolomites

Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte directly faces the northern sides of the Three Peaks, making it the ultimate finale to this wonderful Val Fiscalina hike.

The refuge is usually open from late June until late September. Bring cash for lunch and savor one of the most impressive landscapes in the Dolomites.

If you want to extend this hike and overnight in Rifugio Locatelli, check out our 3-Day Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trek.

Trail Stats

Trailhead | Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte car park | Google Maps

Distance | 13.7 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 5-6 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 956 meters

Difficulty | Moderate. This trail is not a technically difficult trail, but you need to be acclimated and fit.

Tip | Energetic hikers can return to Val Fiscalina via Val Fiscalina Alta/Bacherntal valley, passing Rifugio Pian di Cengia/Büllelejochhütte and Zsigmondyhütte along the way. This is a stellar lollipop-circuit hike, but it’s very long. The 18 km hike takes around 7 hours without breaks.

Val Fiscalina Hotels

Bad Moos Dolomites Spa Resort

Bad Moos Spa Resort, Val Fiscalina, Dolomites

Bad Moos Dolomites Spa Resort is located at the entrance of Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal in the Sesto/Sexten hamlet of Moso/Moos. The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring both the Sexten Dolomites and the Carnic Alps.

Boasting a 2500 m2 wellness area and its own sulphur source, this Sexten wellness hotel offers guests the greatest gift of all: relaxation. The extensive sauna complex lures you in with its cavernous, candlelit sulphur grotto, cold sulphur plunge pool (6.1°C), Kneipp trail, and multiple saunas.

The outdoor-indoor pool is filled with mineral-rich water containing sulphur, fluoride, magnesium, and calcium, which support your digestive system, musculoskeletal system, and integumentary system.

Beyond the wellness area, we were delighted by:

Book your stay at Bad Moos Dolomites Spa Resort.

Look for accommodation in Sesto/Sexten.

Hotel Dolomitenhof

Hotel Dolomitenhof, Val Fiscalina, Alta Pusteria, Dolomites

The historic Hotel Dolomitenhof is located in the middle of Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal at the Fischleinbodenhütte trailhead. The hotel’s enviable location is perfect for anyone traveling without a car, as you can start many hikes directly from the hotel’s doorstep.

With unobstructed mountain views, Hotel Dolomitenhof is without a question one of the most perfectly situated hotels in the Dolomites. The outdoor pool and encircling lawn, peppered with lounge chairs, overlook the northern face of the Sexten Sundial.

Retreat indoors, and you’ll be treated to a modern sauna area (“Badehaus Bergsteiger”) comprising 4 beautiful saunas, a cold plunge pool, showers, and a relaxation room.

During your stay, you can also look forward to gourmet multi-course dinners, which highlight the rich flavors of the region. Dinner menus notate which dishes feature local ingredients sourced from partner farms. The dining staff is attentive and precise, making the whole dining experience seamless.

Book your stay at Hotel Dolomitenhof.

Look for accommodation in Sesto/Sexten.

Sesto / Sexten Accommodations

Sesto/Sexten is a village in Sesto/Sexten Valley, a side valley of Val Pusteria/Pustertal.

Sesto Valley is wedged between the Northern Sesto/Sexten Dolomites and the Carnic Alps. From Sesto, you’re well-positioned to explore Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal and Val Campo di Dentro/Innerfeldtal, two valleys which lead into the heart of Tre Cime Nature Park.

Budget | B&B Grüne Laterne – Lanterna Verde is a traditional, alpine guesthouse with an on-site restaurant.

Midrange | Hotel Schoenblick is a lovely 3-star hotel with sparkling clean rooms and apartments facing the Sesto Sundial. Breakfast is included and half board is optional. 3 nights minimum stay requirement in high season.

Midrange | Hotel Royal is a 3-star-superior hotel with alpine-modern rooms and apartments in Sesto. Stay here for the hospitality, dreamy mountain views, and fantastic breakfast buffet.

Luxury | Hotel Alpenblick is an exceptional hotel in Sesto with a standout gourmet kitchen, committed to sustainability. Ingredients are sourced regionally and from their very own Alpenblick farm. Breakfast, a 5-course dinner, and an afternoon snack (3 pm – 5 pm) are included in the room rate. Beyond the culinary appeal, Hotel Alpenblick is a super friendly and welcoming accommodation with a spa and pool. 5 nights minimum stay requirement.

5-star Luxury | Hotel Monika – MY WELLBEING HOTEL DOLOMITES enjoys a splendid setting on the edge of a meadow with views of the Sexten Dolomites. The hotel spa dazzles with its sky infinity outdoor pool, indoor pool, five saunas, and relaxation zones. You can schedule massages and other treatments as well. Book half board to savor the full experience.

Look for accommodation in Sesto.

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Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials

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

When to Hike in the Dolomites

Winter Season. For skiing and winter activities, the best time to visit is between mid/late December and March.

Summer and Fall Seasons. The best time to road trip and hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. If the weather is stable, the hiking season can easily continue until late October.

Spring Season. We don’t recommend visiting the Dolomites in early spring. Read: May in the Dolomites.

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 several 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, we’ve outlined the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Sorapis, Lago Federa, Seceda, and Baita Segantini.

Dolomites Packing List

Hiking Gear

Outdoor Photography Gear

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: Cicerone Guide: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites

More Alta Pusteria Travel & Hiking Guides

Sesto/Sexten Dolomites:

Braies/Prags Dolomites:

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