Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) Day Trip from Ortisei
A 20-minute drive or a direct cable car from Ortisei's neighbouring village of Siusi brings you onto the Alpe di Siusi — 56 square kilometres of rolling high meadow at 1,800–2,350 m, framed by the iconic Schlern massif and the twin spires of the Sciliar. It is Europe's largest Alpine plateau and one of the most photographed landscapes on the continent, yet it still manages to feel serene if you wa
Getting There and Getting Around
Private cars are banned on the plateau road between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from late May to early November; take the Siusi–Alpe di Siusi cable car (Kabinenbahn Seiser Alm) from the village of Siusi/Seis, 12 km from Ortisei, or board the dedicated bus from Ortisei's main bus stop (Line 10, runs every 30 minutes in summer). The cable car takes 7 minutes and deposits you at Compatsch, the main hub at 1,844 m.
From Compatsch, a network of well-signed trails fans out across the plateau. The most rewarding moderate walk is the 12 km Panorama Trail (path No. 7) that circles the central meadow with the Schlern always in view; it takes about 3.5 hours and requires no special equipment. Electric mountain bikes are rentable at Compatsch for €35/half-day if you want to cover more ground.
What to See and Eat
The Schlern/Sciliar massif — a flat-topped dolomite table mountain — dominates the eastern horizon and changes colour dramatically through the day, from pale gold at dawn to deep orange at sunset. The classic foreground for photographs is the cluster of wooden barns (Heustadel) near Saltria, about 4 km from Compatsch, which appear in almost every postcard of the region.
For lunch, Rifugio Molignon (Schlernhäuser) at 2,513 m on the Schlern plateau is a serious but rewarding detour (add 2 hours return from the main trail). Closer to Compatsch, Gasthaus Sattlerhof at Saltria serves excellent Bauernknödel (farmer's dumplings in broth) and has a south-facing terrace open from late morning. Reservations recommended in July and August.
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