Seiser Alm & Schlern-Rosengarten Hike

Upon arriving in Bolzano, settle into your accommodation for the night. Bolzano, a charming city in South Tyrol, is known for its mix of Italian and Austrian cultures, historical architecture, and vibrant markets. The next morning, take a bus and gondola to Seiser Alm, where your hike will begin below the impressive Schlern massif. Starting your journey here allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and explore more of the stunning Seiser Alm area.

Your hiking adventure starts with a bus to Kastelruth and a cable car up to Compatsch leading you over the Seiser Alm plateau (Alpe di Siusi in Italian). The first part of the hike will be relatively flat as you stroll across green pastures and past grazing cattle. Every look could be a perfect photo. Walking past fairytale-like wooden chalets, you’ll arrive at the Saltner Hut. The route then takes you up switchbacks to the Schlern, the impressive mountain massif from where half of the Nature Park’s name comes. You will arrive at the Rifugio Bolzano (also called Schlernhaus), your hut for the night.

After settling at the hut, don’t miss the 20-minute hike to Monte Pez, the plateau’s highest peak, for a panoramic 360-degree view of the region. You can easily do it after dropping off the backpacks in the hut. If the weather is clear, the sunset up there is simply magical. You’ll find out where the Rosengarten mountain group got its name.

The next day, follow the spine of the Schlern massif towards the mountains you admired the previous evening. After some rocky sections, you’ll get to a saddle where the hut of Alpe di Tires awaits. Continue along the greener ridge of Cresta di Siusi with wonderful views of Rosengarten on your right until you reach Rifugio Sasso Piatto, located at the foot of Plattkofel.

On the fourth day, you’re going to hike around the iconic Langkofel group, the background mountains present in almost every photo of Alpe di Siusi. The trail first takes you to the north, first below Plattkofel. After passing a “canyon” between it and its brother Langkofel, you hike forwards towards its east side. There you will see the Sella Massif and continue your hike through the Citta dei Sassi or the City of Stones, before finishing at your accommodation on the Sella Pass.

You still won’t say goodbye to Langkofel, as you pass its southern slopes in the first part of day 5. You’ll almost reach the finishing saddle of the third day before you turn left and start descending to the valley of Val Duron. After getting down to Rifugio Micheluzzi, you’ll slightly ascend through the green valley back towards the west. From there, the route takes you high into the Rosengarten mountains. While ascending, the green surroundings will turn rockier, showing the true nature of the limestone Dolomites.

You’ll arrive at Lake Antermoia, where the same-named Rifugio lies, nested in the heart of the beautiful mountain range.

You’re in the heart of Rosengarten now. The last hike in the high mountains will see you ascend higher to Passo d’Antermoia, the highest point of your hut-to-hut adventure, at 2770 meters above sea level. As you reach Rifugio Passo Principe, admire the magnificent limestone rock formations all around you. From there, you will hike down the high-mountain valley to Rifugio Valojet and slowly leave this mythical place. Pass a few more huts and the first trees will start appearing before the landscape turns into a full-blown forest. The hike ends at your accommodation in Val di Fassa.

Your hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites is officially over. Reflect on the wonderful memories of the last week, and maybe even start brainstorming a new one. We can help you with the transfer to the airport or your next destination in the Dolomites.