Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park
South Tyrol's oldest nature park, offering Europe's largest alpine meadow, dramatic Dolomite peaks, and diverse hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh air and fewer crowds
Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park
Best Time
Fresh air and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Tyrol's oldest nature park, offering Europe's largest alpine meadow, dramatic Dolomite peaks, and diverse hiking trails.
"One of the most fantastic places I have been, a heaven for hikers with majestic views!"
🎯 Base Towns for Access
Stay in Fie allo Sciliar or Castelrotto for easy access to park trails. :housewithgarden:
🚡 Funicular & Chairlift
Use the Alpe do Suisi funicular and Panorama chairlift to reach prime hiking spots. :mountain_cableway:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
Largest alpine meadow in Europe
Europe's largest mountain pasture, offering vast meadows and stunning Dolomite views. Perfect for hiking and biking.
Catinaccio Mountain Views
Wuhnleger and Tschafon
Experience intense views of the Catinaccio mountain range, especially magical during sunset.
Rifugio Passo Santner
Santner Pass
A mountain hut offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites and surrounding Alps.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Base Towns
Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Base Towns for Access
Stay in Fie allo Sciliar or Castelrotto for easy access to park trails. :housewithgarden:
🚡 Funicular & Chairlift
Use the Alpe do Suisi funicular and Panorama chairlift to reach prime hiking spots. :mountain_cableway:
🥾 Hike Mont Pez
A rewarding medium hike with great views, suitable for those with good cardio. :hiking_boot:
📸 Sunset Magic
Witness stunning sunsets over the Catinaccio; Wuhnleger and Tschafon offer prime spots. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Base Towns for Access
Stay in Fie allo Sciliar or Castelrotto for easy access to park trails. :housewithgarden:
🚡 Funicular & Chairlift
Use the Alpe do Suisi funicular and Panorama chairlift to reach prime hiking spots. :mountain_cableway:
🥾 Hike Mont Pez
A rewarding medium hike with great views, suitable for those with good cardio. :hiking_boot:
📸 Sunset Magic
Witness stunning sunsets over the Catinaccio; Wuhnleger and Tschafon offer prime spots. :camerawithflash:
⛰️ Via Ferrata Prep
Via ferrata sections exist; experienced climbers should still be prepared for demanding passes. :climbing:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking, majestic views and the vastness of the Alpe di Siusi, calling it a hiker's paradise with well-marked trails for all levels. The opportunity to witness stunning sunsets over the Catinaccio is a major highlight. Some find longer uphill hikes physically demanding, but the scenery is consistently praised as out-of-this-world.
"Free parking near the ticket office. Take the Alpe do Suisi funicular then walk about one kilometer to the Panorama chairlift. From there you have a multitude of amazing hikes and views on this majestic high plain. Plan for a full day."
E. F.
"Great place for a gateway away from the city. If you love hiking this is definitely the place to be. One of the most fantastic places i have been. I took the hike to Mont Pez. And it was great one it medium hike everyone can do it however if you have a good cardio. You might be hiking around 2 hours uphill.
On top of the mountain you can find an hotel with restaurant."
nathalie youness
"Very nice natural park, good trails, and signpost.
Highly recommended 👍🏽 😀"
Ralph Brunner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible via charming towns like Fie allo Sciliar and Castelrotto, which serve as excellent bases. From these towns, you can access the park's trailheads and lift systems. Consider driving to the base of the Alpe di Siusi funicular for convenient access to the high plains.
Yes, public buses connect the surrounding towns, and local transport options can lead you to the park's entry points. The Alpe di Siusi funicular is a key public transport link into the heart of the park.
Free parking is often available near the ticket offices for the Alpe do Suisi funicular, making it a convenient starting point for your exploration.
Once at the Alpe di Siusi, you can take the Panorama chairlift to access a multitude of amazing hikes and views on this majestic high plain.
While some areas are accessible by car, it's often recommended to use the public transport and lift systems within the park to preserve its natural beauty and avoid congestion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the nature park itself is generally free. However, you will need to purchase tickets for the Alpe di Siusi funicular and the Panorama chairlift to access the higher hiking areas.
The park is an open natural area and accessible at all times. However, the operating hours for the Alpe di Siusi funicular and chairlifts vary by season and should be checked in advance.
While the park is free to enter, specific attractions like mountain huts or guided tours might have their own fees. The primary costs are for the cable cars and lifts.
Tickets for the Alpe di Siusi funicular and chairlifts can typically be purchased at the respective stations. It's advisable to check their official websites for any online booking options.
Yes, there are visitor information points in the surrounding towns and at key access points within the park that can provide maps and details about trails and facilities.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The park offers a wide range of trails, from easy walks on the Alpe di Siusi to challenging ascents like Mont Pez. The signposting is excellent, catering to all levels.
Absolutely! The vast meadows of Alpe di Siusi are perfect for family strolls, and there are many accessible trails suitable for children.
Prepare for breathtaking, majestic views of dramatic rock towers and the surrounding Dolomite peaks from virtually every direction.
Yes, numerous mountain huts (Schutzhaus/Rifugio) are scattered throughout the park, offering refreshments, meals, and even accommodation.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots, layers of clothing as mountain weather can change quickly, and bring rain gear. Sun protection is also essential.
📸 📸 Photography
The Alpe di Siusi offers endless photographic opportunities. For dramatic shots, aim for Wuhnleger and Tschafon during sunset for incredible views of the Catinaccio.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes. Sunset, in particular, provides a magical glow on the mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive meadows and mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific peaks. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The area around Rifugio Passo Santner provides unparalleled panoramic views. The alpine meadows themselves are a photographer's dream.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check the specific rules and regulations for drone usage within the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking the Alpe di Siusi funicular and then the Panorama chairlift to reach higher, scenic spots without strenuous climbs. The mountain huts offer kid-friendly meal options and a welcome break. The sheer scale of the landscape and the opportunity to see cows grazing can be incredibly engaging for younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Staying in towns like Fie allo Sciliar or Castelrotto provides a good base with amenities and opportunities to connect with other travelers. The stunning scenery and the sense of accomplishment from reaching viewpoints like Mont Pez or enjoying the sunset over Catinaccio are incredibly rewarding experiences for solo adventurers.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Seek out viewpoints like Wuhnleger and Tschafon for iconic Catinaccio vistas, and don't miss the panoramic views from Rifugio Passo Santner. Beyond the grand landscapes, the park offers rich biodiversity, from alpine flora to fauna. The changing light throughout the day offers a dynamic subject matter. Remember to pack your wide-angle lens and be prepared for early mornings or late evenings to capture the best light. The sheer beauty of the park is often described as unreal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Paradise: Trails for Every Level
For those seeking a moderate challenge, the hike to Mont Pez is highly recommended, offering rewarding views after a couple of hours of uphill trekking.
Key Takeaway: Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a demanding climb, Sciliar-Catinaccio offers a diverse network of trails to suit every preference. Always be prepared for changing mountain weather and carry essentials like water and snacks.
Capturing the Dolomites: Photography Tips
Rifugio Passo Santner is another must-visit for photographers, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas that stretch across the Dolomites and even to the Austrian and Swiss Alps.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive scenery, while a telephoto lens can help isolate the dramatic peaks. Consider bringing a tripod for those magical low-light moments during sunrise and sunset. The park's natural beauty is so striking, it often looks photoshopped! Pro Tip: Plan your visit around sunrise or sunset to take advantage of the dramatic lighting. The reflections in alpine lakes, if present, can also create stunning photographic opportunities.
Mountain Huts: Refuel and Recharge
Many of these huts are strategically located to offer spectacular views, making them ideal spots for a lunch break with a million-dollar backdrop. Some huts, like Rifugio Passo Santner, are destinations in themselves, providing lodging for those wishing to spend a night amidst the mountains.
It's a good idea to check the operating hours and services offered by specific huts, especially outside the peak summer season. Trying local South Tyrolean specialties is a must! Community Insight: The food and drink at huts like @tschafonschutzhausrifugio are highly recommended, adding another layer of enjoyment to the park experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit