Day trip destination
Seiser Alm: Europe’s biggest Alpine meadow
Anyone visiting South Tyrol just has to take a trip to the mountain pasture known as the Seiser Alm: this 56-square-kilometre high plateau with views of the Dolomites is much more than just a pretty backdrop.
The Schlern, Molignon, Rosszähne, Plattkofel and Langkofel: these mighty mountains of South Tyrol encircle the Seiser Alm pasture and make up its fantastic panorama. A visit to this high pasture in the Dolomites involves being treated to first class mountain views. The Seiser Alm was already an attraction in the olden days, as Marx Sittich von Wolkenstein wrote back in 1600: “Above the village of Kastelruth lies the most beautiful and extensive mountain pasture that has no rivals, just a German mile away from the village. Its name is Seiser Alm“. At the time, the pasture was used for grazing cattle. While it was known then for producing “several hundredweights of lard and cheese“, nowadays it is mainly a popular destination for excursions – and rightly so: hiking, skiing, cross-country skiing, paragliding and model aircraft flying are just a part of what you can have fun getting up to on the Seiser Alm.
Pure air
If you don't fancy walking up to the pasture or getting to the car park before 9.00 am, you have to leave your car down in the valley: unauthorised access has been forbidden since 2003, meaning that there are hardly any cars around on the pasture. This is of great advantage for visitors, who have the walking paths all to themselves. The best way to reach the pasture is with the two cable cars from Seis or St. Ulrich. A modern revolving cable car system at Seis carries passengers up over the landscape of Seis, St. Valentin and the Seiser Alm and sets them down in Compatsch. If you get into one of the red cabins at St. Ulrich, on the other hand, you will arrive at the northern side of the Seiser Alm at Monte Piz, also simply called Piz. On the Seiser Alm itself, you'll find yourself at an altitude of 1,680 to 2,350 metres above sea level.
Extensive meadows
The Seiser Alm features so many hiking options in summer that one holiday would hardly be enough to do justice to them all: the network of paths extends over a whole 350 kilometres. In winter, 35 kilometres of this is cleared of snow and may be used for going on picturesque winter walks. If you prefer to travel by ski or snowboard, the Seiser Alm features a wide range of ski lifts and pistes. Besides, the ski resort is connected up with the famous Sellaronda circuit. Cross-country skiers also appreciate the runs, too: there are a total of 60 kilometres of cross-country ski trails.
Up high
If you don't really enjoy hiking, then the Seiser Alm could still be the place for you. To the south of Compatsch is Spitzbühl mountain, which has ideal thermals on its slopes for flying. The perfect conditions for this may be found in May and June between 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm. Then it's not just model aeroplanes that take to the air, but also paragliders and hang-gliders. Beginners or those who just fancy a go can try a tandem flight to start off with, when they are treated to a bird's eye view of the mountains around the Seiser Alm.
Seiser Alm
Further information
The Alpe di Siusi is the largest high plateau in Europe (56 km²). It is located in the South Tyrolean Dolomites in Italy, north-east of Bolzano above the well-known tourist destinations Ortisei and Castelrotto. The Mount Sciliar and the Denti di Terrarossa bound the Alpe di Siusi to the southwest. To the southeast follows the striking mountain massif of the Sassolungo Group. To the north, Bullaccia borders Val Gardena.
During summer, as well as in winter, the Alpe di Siusi is a famous destination for numerous guests. In early summer, you can admire the beautiful flower that transforms the plateau into a sea of color. The Alpe di Siusi owes its uniqueness to the farmers, who annually mow the great meadows during the summer months with much diligence and effort.
Even during the winter months you can enjoy numerous activities, such as skiing, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Reachable during Winter and Summer by Mont Sëuc cable car from Ortisei.