Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park & the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
Just 40 kilometres from Bolzano, the Alpe di Siusi is the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe — a vast, rolling plateau of wildflower pasture at 1,800–2,350 metres, framed by the vertical limestone towers of the Schlern massif. It is the single most photogenic landscape in the entire Dolomites and completely accessible by public transport.
Getting There Without a Car
From Bolzano take the train to Ponte Gardena (Waidbruck), then the bus to Ortisei (St. Ulrich), and finally the Seiser Alm cable car to the plateau — the whole journey takes about 90 minutes and costs under €20 with the Südtirol Guest Pass, which your hotel will provide.
Private cars are banned from the plateau road between 09:00 and 17:00 in summer, which keeps the meadows blissfully peaceful and means you share the landscape with hikers, cyclists, and the occasional horse-drawn cart rather than traffic.
What to Do on the Plateau
The most iconic short walk is the 2.5-hour circuit around the base of the Schlern (Sciliar) massif, passing traditional Malghe (alpine dairy huts) where you can stop for a bowl of Gröstl (pan-fried potatoes with bacon and egg) and a glass of cold buttermilk.
In June and July the meadows are carpeted with Alpine roses, gentians, and globe flowers, making even a slow, aimless wander feel like walking through a botanical illustration. Bring a wide-angle lens.
Winter on the Alpe di Siusi
In winter the plateau transforms into one of the most scenic cross-country skiing areas in the Alps, with 80 kilometres of groomed tracks and the Dolomites' most famous silhouette — the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto peaks — as a permanent backdrop.
The plateau also connects to the Seiser Alm Ski Area with 60 kilometres of downhill pistes, but even non-skiers come up simply to snowshoe through the silence and watch the Enrosadira — the phenomenon where the Dolomite rock turns blazing red at sunset.
More of Bolzano
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Bolzano →
