Our Detailed Guide to Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, South Tyrol’s Alpine Playground

Alpe di Siusi Guide
 

This detailed guide to Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm covers all corners of Europe’s largest alpine meadow, including what to see and do, the best hikes, where to eat and sleep, and how to get there.


On a beautiful day, there’s perhaps no better sight on the planet than that of the rolling meadows of Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, located in the Dolomites, northern Italy.

Vast, flower-filled pastureland encompassed by searing Dolomiti peaks, dotted throughout with quaint alpine cabins, shrouded in a golden glow from the morning sun, it’s somewhere that will take your breath away.

But after our fourth visit, we thought we’d never see Alpe di Siusi in all her glory. On four separate trips, each early rise had been met with awful weather - low-lying clouds and incessant rain - the type of weather to spend all day by the fire reading a book, or enjoying hours of wellness.

On our fifth visit, our luck finally changed.

Stars sparkled above as we hiked in to watch the sunrise from a famous viewpoint. Not a cloud in the sky, the wind non-existent, we waited patiently for the sun to rise from behind the Sassolungo peaks.

And then it did.

First, the mountains turned purple. Then pink. Then orange.

The expanse of pastureland turned marmalade, and a low-lying mist began to appear, shrouding the rolling hills in a mystical blanket of fog.

Wow. Five times we’d waited for this moment, and it was absolutely worth it.

Alpe di Siusi is not just a pretty face.

Europe’s largest alpine meadow is home to some of the best hikes in the Dolomites, as well as a range of exciting outdoor pursuits that will leave even the most excitable enthusiast drooling.

It’s also filled with exceptional restaurants serving regional dishes alongside locally sourced wine, and incredible accommodation prioritising wellness above all else.

Sounds perfect, huh?

If you’re convinced to visit, our guide to Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm covers all corners of the meadow, including what to see and do, the best hikes, where to eat and sleep, and how to get there.

We just hope you experience its beauty after just one visit, and not five! Enjoy.


Love our photos? They were all edited using our Europe Preset Pack, which you can purchase here!

A Cabin in Alpe di Siusi

ALPE DI SIUSI

SNAPSHOT

MAIN ATTRACTIONS | Watch the famous sunrise, go paragliding, e-bike through the plateau

BEST DAY HIKES | Alpe di Siusi panorama, Compatsch to Rifugio Bolzano

WHERE TO STAY | Adler Mountain Lodge, Paradiso Pure Living

WHERE TO EAT | Malga Sanon

HOW TO GET THERE | Cable Car, car rental or public bus


ALPE DI SIUSI TRAVEL ESSENTIALS


WHERE IS ALPE DI SIUSI/SEISER ALM | ALPE DI SIUSI MAP

Alpe di Siusi, also known as Seiser Alm, is located in the region of South Tyrol in Northern Italy, 45 minutes northeast of the regional capital, Bolzano.

As part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site, Alpe di Siusi is Europe’s largest alpine meadow, comprising 52 km² of flower-filled meadows.

It’s also surrounded by some of the most famous mountain ranges in the Dolomites, including the Rosengarten Group, Sassolungo Group, and the regional icon, the Sciliar massif.



WHEN TO VISIT ALPE DI SIUSI

We recommend visiting Alpe di Siusi during the shoulder seasons of June/early July, and September/October. While most accommodation, lifts and attractions are still open during these periods, there's a sense of calm that exists in the region.

Wildflowers will be in abundance during mid-June and mid-July, and the sunsets are incredible. In late September and October, the meadows are quieter, cheaper, and far more enjoyable.

To help reduce over-tourism in the Dolomites, try to avoid visiting during the busy and expensive summer months (between July - early September).

If you must visit during the summer months, try to avoid the crowds by arriving as early as possible, or later in the day when the day crowds have vanished.


THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT ALPE DI SIUSI/SEISER ALM

If you’re photographers like us, we highly suggest visiting Alpe di Siusi from sunrise through to sunset. That way, you’re able to photograph in the best light, while also being able to hike one of the many trails in the region during the day.

If photography isn’t your thing, we suggest arriving mid-morning (prior to 9 am if you’re planning to drive - prior to 8 am if you wish to avoid the crowds) and starting your hikes early to avoid the throngs of hikers who descend on the alpine meadow.


A winding path in Alpe di Siusi

ALPE DI SIUSI HOTELS / WHERE TO STAY

The hotels in Alpe di Siusi are absolutely incredible, but due to its location, accommodation in Alpe di Siusi can be quite expensive. Don’t get us wrong, it’s worth the splurge if you can afford it, however, we suggest to most budget-conscious travellers to stay in neighbouring Val Gardena.

Below are our top accommodation recommendations in both Alpe di Siusi and Val Gardena/Ortisei:

ADLER MOUNTAIN LODGE | ALPE DI SIUSI

5* luxury and light-filled, with panoramic views so beautiful they’re like something out of a movie, this is one place you want to stay.

BOOK | ADLER MOUNTAIN LODGE

PARADISO PURE LIVING VEGETARIAN HOTEL | ALPE DI SIUSI

Paradiso Pure Living is a modern, exceptionally designed hotel in the heart of the Seiser Alm that promotes a more conscious way of living (something we’re always on board with).

It’s 100% vegetarian, but the food is still exceptional

BOOK | PARADISO PURE LIVING VEGETARIAN HOTEL

BRUNELLE SEISER ALM LODGE | ALPE DI SIUSI

A one-of-a-kind sanctuary at the foot of Sassolungo and Sassopiatto mountains in the heart of Alpe di Siusi, Brunelle embodies the region - sleek, minimal, and cosy. There’s a wellness retreat, and epic views… what more could you want?

BOOK | BRUNELLE SEISER ALM LODGE

HOTEL GRONES, ORTISEI | VAL GARDENA

Located right in the heart of Ortisei, Hotel Grones has breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites and the verdant valley below. Rooms are spacious and sparklingly clean, a generous buffet breakfast is on offer, and if you opt for half-board the evening meals are tasty AF.

BOOK | HOTEL GRONES

GRANDPARENTS’ HOUSE | ORTISEI

Lavi (aka grandma!)’s Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful stay in Val Gardena, with a huge bedroom and living space perfect for relaxing after a long day of adventuring outside. If you’re searching for a truly authentic taste of Dolomites’ life and hospitality, this is the Airbnb you're after.

BOOK | GRANDPARENTS’ HOUSE, ORTISEI

Accommodation in Alpe di Siusi


THINGS TO DO IN ALPE DI SIUSI/SEISER ALM


PHOTOGRAPH THE SPECTACULAR ALPE DI SIUSI SUNRISE (OR SUNSET)

The Dolomites are filled with endless photogenic vistas, notably the staggeringly beautiful Lago di Braies, sunset over Val di Funes, the emblematic three peaks of Tre Cime, and the piercing Seceda ridge line, but none are quite as astounding as at sunrise at Alpe di Siusi.

During the summer months, the morning sun slowly creeps above the Sassolungo massif, shrouding the Seiser Alm meadow in a golden glow which needs to be seen to be believed. Due to the altitude, the alpine meadow is generally covered in a soft fog, which provides the perfect contouring to the subtle valleys, providing an ethereal feel - It’s little wonder South Tyrol is filled with mystical stories.

In shoulder seasons, the peaks may be covered in snow, which makes the scene even more breathtaking, if at all possible. For those of you (like Mim), who’d prefer to sleep in rather than see another Dolomites sunset, sunset is almost as spectacular.

For photographers or even those who are simply obsessed with nature, watching an Alpe di Siusi sunrise is a must-do when visiting the region.


Now for the practical side of an Alpe di Siusi sunrise photo mission. While you can take incredible sunrise photos just about anywhere in the meadow, the ‘famous’ sunrise spot can be found here, and it’s really hard to go past the simple beauty of this vista. It’s here that rolling meadows, dotted by picturesque mountain huts, twist and fold in front of the Sassolungo peak, and a short walk in any direction from here provides unique and incredible perspectives.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you’re keen on preserving the natural environment and against over-tourism!), cars are restricted in Alpe di Siusi between the hours of 9 am - 5 pm. If you’re caught driving on the roads in between these hours, you may be subject to a pretty hefty fine (€150 +). So we recommend parking at Compaccio/Compatsch (P2), and hiking 4 km to the aforementioned photo location. If you do this, plan to be at the parking spot at least an hour before sunrise.

Alternatively, if you’re visiting just for sunrise, you can drive near the photo spot and park on a nearby verge, and walk a short distance to the spot. You’ll just need to be out before 9 am.

Now, let’s talk about the weather… we’ve visited Alpe di Siusi 5 times, and have had four cloud overs, so be prepared for inclement weather, and keep a tab on weather apps (MeteoBlue is the best). We’d advise visiting between mid-June for the best weather and sunrise position.


GO PARAGLIDING ABOVE ALPE DI SIUSI

Of all the experiences we’ve had in the Dolomites, paragliding over the unique landscapes and quaint towns of the region really stands out.

For some, the idea of floating on the wind high above the earth is fear-inducing, but take it from us; paragliding is actually incredible calm and relaxing, and oh so exciting. And doing so above a UNESCO World Heritage-listed marvel such as the Dolomites is quite the experience.

Now, we should preface this recommendation with the fact that we haven’t flown directly over Alpe di Siusi, but rather the Puster Valley near Tre Cime di Lavaredo, however, if we had our time again, we 100% do it here - the vast mountain ranges of the Schlern, the Rittnerhorn and the Rosengarten, and the endless green alpine meadow provide a spectacular backdrop to the flight.

Paragliding over Seiser Alm commences and ends at Spitzbühl, to the south of Compaccio/Compatsch, near car pack #1 and can be booked here.


THE DETAILS

Where | Alpe di Siusi path 38

Cost | €140 per person - 15-20 minutes flight time (as of 2022)

Book | Book directly through the Tandemfly Alpe di Siusi by email at info@tandemfly.info

Tips | It can be cold up in the sky, so wear layers


Paragliders over Alpe di Siusi

TAKE A SWING WITH THE MOST PICTURESQUE BACKDROP

Cliche? Maybe. Built for Instagram? Probably. But does that make this epic swing overlooking Sassolungo and Sassopiatto mountains any less incredible? Nope.

Located just below the wonderful Malga Sanon alpine restaurant, this swing is all things fun, allowing you to embrace your inner child while drooling over the outrageous vista.

It’s free, so regardless of your age, jump on the swing and fill your heart.

CYCLE THROUGH ALPE DI SIUSI

We’re guessing that cycling probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Alpe di Siusi. Truthfully, it wasn’t for us either.

And yet, discovering the beauty of Europe’s highest alpine meadow on two wheels is unbeatable, with miles and miles of cycle paths, country roads almost empty of cars, beautiful scenery, and a number of tasty pit-stops along the way, the Alpe di Siusi is made for two-wheeled adventures. There are over 1,000kms of routes through Alpe di Siusi and the adjoining Val Gardena valley, including both hard and easy routes, plus over 33 MTB itineraries to sink your quads into.

Fortunately, E-mountain bikes are just about everywhere in the mountains, which makes cycling adventures for casuals like us, achievable.

Mountain bikes can be rented in Compaccio/Compatsch, as well as surrounding towns in both Siusi and Val Gardena, while MTB tours can be organised here.

THE DETAILS

Where | Alpin Sports Store, Compatsch

Opening Hours | 8 am - 6:30 pm (19/05/2022 - 02/11/2022)


A moody Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm


HIKING IN ALPE DI SIUSI

Having now visited Alpe di Siusi many times, we’ve enjoyed a number of popular hikes in the region, and let us assure you, it’s one of the most beautiful places to hike in the Dolomites.

Due to its location in the heart of the Dolomites, there are towering mountains and incredible hikes in just about every direction.

Unique landscapes, endless views, and manageable hikes suited for all fitness types make Alpe di Siusi one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Dolomites, so be prepared for busy paths during the summer season.

Below are our favourite hikes in Seiser Alm, including our recommendations on where to stop and eat or enjoy a beer:


ALPE DI SIUSI PANORAMA WALK

The easiest and most popular walk in Alpe di Siusi, the Panorama Walk offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges, as well as the vast alpine pastures, so if you’re only visiting for one day, we highly recommend this hike.

Commencing in Compaccio/Compatsch, the round tour first heads east towards the famous rolling hills near Mt. Piz and the Ortisei cable car station. Here provides some pretty epic views over Val Gardena towards Seceda and the Odle Group, Sassolungo & Sasso Piatto in the near distance, and south towards the famous Sciliar peak.

We recommend stopping at the nearby Malga Sanon for lunch, which has exceptional local food (their dumplings are exceptional, as is the apple strudel!) and the most impressive views over Sassolungo. From here, the hike descends through the meadows to Saltria at the base of Sasso Piatto, before ascending towards the southern part of the region and arriving at the Panorama cable car station. We recommend stopping here for an afternoon snack before jumping on the cable car back to Compaccio/Compatsch.

If you’re not keen to hike the 16km tour, we suggest focusing on the northeastern part of the meadows, toward the Ortisei cable car station, before looping back through the centre of the meadows.


HIKE DETAILS

Distance | 16 km Duration | 5 hrs Difficulty | Moderate


COMPATSCH - RIFUGIO ALPE DI TIRES

For those wanting a moderately challenging day hike with spectacular views over Alpe di Siusi and the famous Sciliar peak, the Rifugio Alpe di Tires trail is perfect.

Starting in Compaccio/Compatsch, the hike heads south towards the imposing Catinaccio mountains, slowly meandering up through the beautiful meadows. Once the hike hits the rocky base of the mountains, the hike starts to get a little harder. There are a number of steep switchbacks before you reach the top of Forcella Denti di Terrarossa, so be careful with your footing.

From here, it’s another 30 minutes until you arrive at the James Bond-esque Alpe di Tires rifugio, where we recommend stopping for lunch, beer and relaxation under the Denti di Terrarossa peaks.

The return hike is much the same way you came, although you can extend the hike by forming a loop back towards Saltria through Passo Duron, and then the bus back to Compaccio/Compatsch. This is intense, so probably best for those with a strong base fitness.

If you’re looking to shorten the hike, you can take the chairlift from Compaccio/Compatsch to Panorama (€10 return).

All in all, this is a great hike to truly admire the soaring peaks and vast alpine pastures of Alpe di Siusi.


HIKE DETAILS

Distance | 13 km Duration | 5 hrs Difficulty | Moderate


COMPATSCH - RIFUGIO BOLZANO

A long, rewarding trail that takes in the famous Schlern/Sciliar plateau, the hike to Rifugio Bolzano is highly recommended.

Again, the hike starts in Compaccio/Compatsch - you can either hike from town or take the Panorama chairlift and slowly meanders through the alpine meadows of Alpe di Siusi towards Malga Gstatsch Schwaige. From here, continue your ascent towards Baita Saltner/Malga Saltner at which point you’ll join the ‘tourist path’ towards Rifugio Bolzano.

This steep, forested section of the hike is delightful but tough, but once you start to get to the Schlern/Sciliar plateau, you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible views of the Catinaccio/Rosengarten range and Latemar massif, making any pain in the legs worth it.

From here it’s about 20 mins to Rifugio Bolzano, where a long lunch, dessert and a few beers are much needed.

If you wish, you can add a sidewalk onto the hike, taking in Monte Pez/Petz a short 20 minutes away.

To return, follow the path you came towards Compaccio/Compatsch.


HIKE DETAILS

Distance | 17 km Duration | 7 hrs Difficulty | Medium


SALTRIA/WILLIAMSHÜTTE (RIFUGIO WILLIAMS) - RIFUGIO SASSO PIATTO

The Saltria/Williamshütte to Rifugio Sasso Piatto hike was recommended to us by the owner of Malga Sanon, Luca, when asked “what’s your favourite hike in the region”. And it’s easy to understand why - this hike showcases just about everything we love about the Dolomites; soaring peaks, rolling meadows, and incredible views.

Starting at the Florian cable car near Saltria (you can take bus 11 from Compaccio/Compatsch to Florian chairlift), take the chairlift to Williamshütte, where the hike really commences.

The initial part of the hike is through the higher alpine meadows that sit under Sasso Piatto, before joining an intense, rocky path towards Rifugio Sasso Piatto. The views are outstanding, with Sassopiatto to your left, and vast green hills to your right.

The food at the rifugio is delicious, so again, we suggest stopping here for lunch and enjoying the views.

The hike back is much the same with a few variations if you wish to extend the hike.


HIKE DETAILS

Distance | 8.5 km Duration | 5 hrs Difficulty | Hard



ALPE DI SIUSI HIKING TIPS

Hiking in this part of the world can be a little confusing at first, especially in regards to parking, transport in the region, and food & drink options.


Here are our top Alpe di Siusi hiking tips:

  • We suggest taking the Seiser Alm Bahn cable car from Siusi/Seis to Compaccio/Compatsch and commencing any hikes from there. If you’re staying in Val Gardena, take the Ortisei cable car

  • Remember, if you are driving into Alpe di Siusi, you must arrive and park prior to 9 am. Parking in Compaccio/Compatsch P2 is €19, however this fills quickly

  • There are buses that service parts of Alpe di Siusi, which can help you get to certain trail heads. Buses depart regularly from Compaccio/Compatsch

  • Bring a reusable water bottle. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again

  • Alpe di Siusi trails can get extremely busy in the height of summer, so we suggest trekking either side of the peak periods to avoid contributing to over tourism and environmental degradation

  • It’s also a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, which in our opinion makes the experience far better

  • Whatever you do, don’t litter in this pristine natural environment. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you can’t, carry it out of the national park with you

  • Pick up any trash you see. Although there’s not much rubbish on the Alpe di Siusi, the odd piece can be found. If you come across rubbish on your trek, collect it in a tote bag and take it off the trails with you to dispose of properly later


WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN ALPE DI SIUSI

As is the case in most of South Tyrol, the food in Alpe di Siusi is incredible, with a number of restaurants, hotels and rifugios serving exceptional local cuisine throughout the valley.

If you’re staying in the region, or just visiting for a day, below are our suggested options for delicious, local food:

MALGA SANON | Situated in the heart of the meadows, it serves some of the best South Tyrolean cuisine we’ve enjoyed (and we’ve had a LOT), the food at Malga Sanon is exceptional, so we suggest enjoying at least one meal here. Serving a mix of Tyrolean and Ladin specialities, plus homemade desserts, you won’t go hungry here. We suggest the Tyrolean dumplings or the Spätzle with mushrooms, topped off with Apple strudel or Kaiserschmarren. Delicious

RAUCHHÜTTE | Rauchhütte is one of the best places to eat in Seiser Alm, with a mix of South Tyrolean, Mediterranean & Italian dishes, including some top-notch homemade pasta. The wine selection is also brilliant. We recommend any of the pasta (fresh pasta is our vice!), and finish off with Kaiserschmarrn. The view is also unbeatable, so arrive early to avoid missing out

HOTEL PARADISO | As vegetarians, finding food in the Dolomites can be a little hard. That’s why Hotel Paradiso is so unique - it’s 100% vegetarian, offering an exceptional array of contemporary Italian options to satiate any hiker. We recommend the potato gnocchi, with pesto, olives and green beans, or the rice with saffron, truffle and almond. Prices are a little expensive (€ 16 - € 19), but the portions are enormous and the presentation exceptional.

MALGA SCHGAGULER SCHWAIGE | Located close to the Ortisei cable car, Malga Schgaguler Schwaige serves standard regional fare with incredible views over Sassolungo. It’s the perfect place to load up before a hike in Alpe di Siusi

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING ALPE DI SIUSI


HOW TO GET TO ALPE DI SIUSI

Alpe di Siusi might feel worlds away from everything, but it's actually super accessible from most of the main hubs in the South Tyrol region, including Bolzano/Bozen.

We recommend hiring a car and exploring the Dolomites, as it gives you the flexibility and freedom to see what you wish to.

That being said, the public transport in the region is second to none, so you’ll be able to get where you need to, even without your own vehicle. Read how to get to the Dolomites here.

CABLE CAR

ORTISEI - ALPE DI SIUSI (MONT SËUC GONDOLA)

Connecting the main village of the Val Gardena, Ortisei, with Alpe di Siusi, the cable car is a super easy way to visit the alpine plateau for those based in the Gardena valley.



THE DETAILS

Where | Ortisei, Val Gardena

Timetable | The timetable varies throughout the summer. See the official timetable here

Summer Season Operating Hours | Late May – Late October/Early November

Cost | € 15.90 (single trip), €23.90 (return) - free with the Val Gardena card



ALPE DI SIUSI BAHN (CABLE CAR)

Connecting Siusi/Seis with Alpe di Siusi is the popular Alpe di Siusi bahn, which easily transports passengers between the valley and plateau.



THE DETAILS

Where | Siusi allo Sciliar/Seis am Schlern

Timetable | The timetable varies throughout the summer. See the official timetable here

Summer Season Operating Hours | Late May – Late October/Early November

Cost | € 13,50 (single trip), € 20,00 (return), bike ticket € 4

Note | Free parking is available at the Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway valley station in Seis






BUS

The Seiser Alm Express connects Siusi/Seis with Compaccio/Compatsch and is a super easy alternative to visiting the alpine pasture by cable car or car.

A round-trip ticket costs €20 and can be purchased on the bus. Timetables and further information can be found here.

There’s also the Almbus, which connects Compaccio/Compatsch with various stops within the meadows, and is great if you’re looking to access specific trailheads.


CAR

Alpe di Suisi/Seiser Alm is located close to the South Tyrolean capital, Bolzano and the famous Brenner Pass, making it a super accessible destination to many visitors to the Dolomites.


To get to Alpe di Suisi/Seiser Alm from major airports in the region:

Milan | 4.5 hours/352 km by car

Venice | 3.2 hours/305 km by car

Verona | 2 hours/183 km by car

Innsbruck | 1.45 hours/118 km by car

Munich | 3.45 hours/315 km


If you’re basing yourselves in the Dolomites and exploring the main attractions from there, we suggest making that in Val Gardena or Ortisei as they’re both central enough to a lot of the major things to see in the area.

If you do stay in one of these towns, the drive to Alpe di Siusi is easy and takes around 45 mins to 1 hour.


READ MORE | How to get to the Dolomites, Where to stay in the Dolomites


HIRING A CAR IN THE DOLOMITES

We highly recommend hiring a car for the duration of your stay in the Dolomites - it makes reaching all the wonderful natural attractions such as Alpe di Siusi, Alta Badia, Val di Funes, Lago di Braies, and elsewhere very easy, and gives you far more freedom than public transport.

We’d recommend hiring a car in Bolzano, which is pretty much the gateway to your Dolomites adventures.

Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities.


We use RentalCars.com to book rentals - check prices and availability for Italy here

ALPE DI SIUSI ENTRY RULES AND REGULATIONS

In a bid to maintain the serenity and natural beauty of Alpe di Siusi, there are a set of strictly enforced regulations regarding driving in the meadows.

These rules include:

  • No entering Alpe di Siusi between 9 am - 5 pm unless you’re staying at a hotel within the region (you’ll need to prove this)

  • Between 9 am - 5 pm, you may only drive to Compaccio/Compatsch. You can descend from Compatsch at any time

  • If you’re caught driving in Alpe di Siusi between 9 am - 5 pm, you may risk a pretty hefty fine

  • Parking is available in Compaccio/Compatsch, in both P2 and P1 carparks. Parking is €20 per day (as of 2022), and is payable by machine

  • If you’re planning to photograph the sunrise, you may drive into the meadow and exit by 9 am. However, we suggest parking at Compaccio P2, and walking in


PRO TIP | Forget driving up to Alpe di Siusi and instead take the cable car from either Siusi/Seis or Ortisei. Unless of course, you’re photographing the sunrise

Alpe di Siusi hiking signs

RESPECT THE LOCALS AND ALPE DI SIUSI

With the rise of Instagram, so too have we seen a rise in those willing to break rules, disrupt others and be a general nuisance. And while Alpe di Siusi is nowhere near as bad as Lago di Braies, for instance, there are still people who disrespect the locals by trespassing and disobeying rules.

In isolation, this wouldn’t be a problem, but if this happened day after day, month and month, and year after year, the local environment and community feel the pain.

Instagram doesn’t give you a license to break the law in order to get a ‘banger’ shot, and there are plenty of ways to admire (and photograph) the valley’s beauty and still preserve it so that the generations after your Instagram shot can enjoy it too.

Be part of the solution, not the problem.



Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

Stay on the trails | To maintain the pristine natural environment, always stay on the trails

Don’t trespass | Some of the land in Alpe di Siusi is private, so it’s important not trespass unless granted permission

Pick up any trash you see | Thankfully we didn’t encounter too much rubbish in this area, but if you do happen to come across any litter, pick it up to dispose of properly

Don’t litter | This goes without saying, but don’t drop your trash anywhere. Take it out with you

Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. We use The Grayl water filtration and purification bottles

Visit in shoulder season | Over tourism is a huge problem, and the easiest way you can help is to visit out of peak season


DOLOMITES PACKING ESSENTIALS

Travelling through South Tyrol comes with a unique set of needs. To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:

READ | check out our eco-friendly travel essentials to travel through Italy consciously and comfortably

TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN THE DOLOMITES

If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.

For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out of pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.

For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.

Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy

*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.


PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES SOON?

Check our these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:

DOLOMITES | Our detailed Dolomites Travel Guide, Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, where to stay in the Dolomites, how to get to the Dolomites, A guide to Val di Funes

HIKES TO REMEMBER | 7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites, including the famous Tre Cime De Lavaredo loop, Lago di Sorapis

SOUTH TYROL | 19 amazing things to do in South Tyrol during Summer, plus everything we love about the beautiful South Tyrol region

THE LAKES OF THE DOLOMITES | How to visit Lago di Carezza, our guide to Lago di Braies, and Lago di Sorapis

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Grab the presets we use on every photo here

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe

ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials


PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE DOLOMITES TRIP


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