Alpe di Siusi Dolomites
Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow, offering vast green pastures and iconic Dolomite peaks. A paradise for hikers, photographers, and famili...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & golden light
Alpe di Siusi Dolomites
Best Time
Beat the crowds & golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow, offering vast green pastures and iconic Dolomite peaks. A paradise for hikers, photographers, and families.
"An incredible place for a day of adventure! The views are spectacular and it's very family-friendly."
🎯 Arrive Before 9 AM
Beat the crowds and catch the best light for photos. :camerawithflash:
🚠 Choose Cable Car Wisely
Research which cable car aligns with your planned activities to avoid extra walking. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Europe's Largest Alpine Meadow
Alpe di Siusi
Vast, rolling green pastures dotted with charming huts, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Sunrise and Sunset Magic
Various viewpoints
Witness the mountains bathed in golden light; an unforgettable spectacle that makes the early start or late stay worthwhile.
+1
Hiking Trails Galore
Across the plateau
Explore numerous trails, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, with spectacular scenery at every turn.
Ghibli-esque Scenery
Alpe di Siusi
Experience a fairytale landscape that evokes the magical, whimsical worlds of Studio Ghibli films.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Cable Car Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 9 AM
Beat the crowds and catch the best light for photos. :camerawithflash:
🚠 Choose Cable Car Wisely
Research which cable car aligns with your planned activities to avoid extra walking. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog & Kid Friendly
Many visitors bring their dogs and children; easy paths are available for families. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 9 AM
Beat the crowds and catch the best light for photos. :camerawithflash:
🚠 Choose Cable Car Wisely
Research which cable car aligns with your planned activities to avoid extra walking. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog & Kid Friendly
Many visitors bring their dogs and children; easy paths are available for families. :child:
🍕 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view; restaurants are available, but a picnic can be more budget-friendly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Alpe di Siusi is overwhelmingly praised as an incredible, beautiful, and magical destination, offering vast meadows and stunning Dolomite views. Visitors highlight the accessibility via cable car, the abundance of hiking trails, and the family-friendly atmosphere. Some note that choosing the correct cable car is important, and arriving early is key to avoiding crowds and experiencing the best light.
"An incredible place for a day of adventure! You can get here by several different cable cars. It’s worth checking in advance which one to take, depending on what you want to do at the top — otherwise, you might end up on the wrong side and have to walk for hours to reach your destination.
The area has several free restrooms and restaurants where you can stop for lunch. Surprisingly many visitors had brought along dogs and children.
Highly recommended!"
KOTKALLE OY
"You can easy spend a whole day here, and maybe more, there are so many trails, beautiful view everywhere. Free parking, and the gondola not too expensive (about 38 euros for two persons, up and down."
Alexandra Stan
"Best place! Definitely worth the visit! We were there during the summer. 2 adults and kids ages 5 and 1. We tool the cable car to Compatsch. We were there early so no line. Free car parking! Once we were up, we rented bikes. I really recommend it. You can alsp just walk but there is a lot of walking and some hills. There are easy paths to do with kids. Then you can stop to play on the grass, to see some cows, and the beautiful mountains surrounding the valley. Beautiful place! We also had some lunch at a restaurant. We found one that wasn't the best food, but it was okay and way less expensive then others, and with a great view. (Ristorante alpi - compatsch)"
Orly Heiblum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Venice, you can drive towards Plan de Gralba and then take a cable car up. Alternatively, fly into a closer airport like Bolzano or Innsbruck and then arrange transport. Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the Dolomites.
The most common way is by taking a cable car from towns like Ortisei, Siusi allo Sciliar, or Castelrotto. These cable cars operate frequently during peak season.
No, private vehicles are generally not allowed on the Alpe di Siusi plateau itself. You'll need to park in designated areas at the base and take a cable car up.
Yes, some cable car stations, like the one in Compatsch, offer free parking, especially if you arrive early. It's advisable to check in advance.
The closest airports are Bolzano Airport (BZO), Innsbruck Airport (INN), and Verona Airport (VRN). From these airports, you can rent a car or take public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip cable car ticket typically costs around 38 euros for two people, but prices can vary. It's best to check the official websites for current rates.
While not always mandatory, booking cable car tickets in advance, especially during peak season, can save you time and guarantee your spot.
There are no direct entrance fees for Alpe di Siusi itself. The main cost is for the cable car to access the plateau.
Cable car operating hours vary by season and specific line. Generally, they run from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. Always check the official schedule before your visit.
Ski passes are typically for winter use. For summer access to Alpe di Siusi, you will need to purchase separate cable car tickets.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the hike to the viewpoint (approx. 5 km from Compatsch parking), and longer routes like the Friedrich August trail. Komoot is a great app for finding specific routes.
Absolutely! There are easy paths, open grassy areas for playing, and opportunities to see cows. The cable car ride is also an adventure for kids.
Yes, bike rentals are available on the plateau, offering a fun way to explore the vast meadows.
Yes, there are several free restrooms and restaurants scattered across the plateau where you can rest and refuel.
Early morning for sunrise and golden hour, and late afternoon for sunset, offer the most spectacular light for photography. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find traditional South Tyrolean and Italian cuisine, including hearty mountain dishes, pasta, and local specialties.
While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options, or consider packing a picnic to enjoy the views.
Many restaurants offer a variety of dishes, and you can usually find vegetarian options. Vegan options might be more limited but are becoming more common.
Absolutely! Many restaurants are strategically located to offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomites.
Ristorante Alpi in Compatsch is mentioned as a more affordable option with a great view. It's always good to check recent reviews for current recommendations.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire plateau offers stunning vistas. Key spots include viewpoints along the hiking trails and areas with scattered wooden huts.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the most dramatic lighting, with golden hour casting a magical glow on the landscape. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The hike from Compatsch towards the viewpoint offers incredible panoramas. Following trails uphill past the first and second restaurants also leads to rewarding vistas.
Weather can change quickly. Sunny days offer clear views, but fog can create dramatic, moody shots. Always check the forecast and be prepared for varying conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are accessible restrooms and restaurants available, making it easy to manage a day out. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery, which can be a more relaxed and budget-friendly option. The overall atmosphere is very welcoming to families, with many visitors bringing their own children and pets.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will be captivated by the sheer scale of Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow. The diverse flora, the dramatic mountain backdrops, and the sense of open space create an immersive natural experience. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly magical for experiencing the tranquility and capturing the best light.
+1📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panoramas and consider a telephoto lens for isolating the majestic mountain ranges. Don't be afraid to explore different vantage points; the entire plateau offers incredible compositions, from charming huts to rolling hills. Be prepared for changing weather, as fog can also create unique and atmospheric photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Alpe di Siusi: Getting Around
Once on the plateau, getting around is primarily done on foot or by renting bicycles. The terrain is generally gentle, with well-maintained paths suitable for walking and cycling. Many visitors enjoy renting bikes to cover more ground and experience the expansive landscape. For those with mobility concerns or young children, the relatively flat paths and availability of restaurants and restrooms make it accessible.
Remember that private vehicles are restricted on the plateau to preserve its natural beauty. Parking is available at the base stations of the cable cars, and some offer free parking if you arrive early. This system ensures a peaceful and uncrowded experience once you're up on the meadow.
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips for Alpe di Siusi
When exploring, don't just stick to the main paths. Venture slightly off the beaten track (safely, of course) to find unique compositions. Look for charming wooden huts, wildflowers in bloom (depending on the season), and the dramatic mountain backdrops. A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the vastness of the alpine meadow, while a telephoto lens can help isolate the majestic peaks like Sassolungo and Sciliar.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions. While sunny days offer clear, crisp views, foggy mornings can create incredibly atmospheric and moody photographs, giving the landscape a mystical feel.
Always have your camera ready, as the scenery can change dramatically with the light and weather. The Alpe di Siusi Experience: Beyond the Views
Many visitors find the atmosphere incredibly peaceful and rejuvenating. The sheer scale of the landscape, combined with the fresh mountain air, creates a sense of tranquility. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty. The 'Ghibli girl' vibe mentioned by some visitors captures this sense of wonder and enchantment.
For families, it's an ideal destination. Children can enjoy the open spaces, play in the meadows, and even interact with the local fauna like cows. The accessibility via cable car and the availability of amenities like restrooms and restaurants make it a comfortable and enjoyable outing for all ages.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit