Monte Specie Strudelkopf
Monte Specie (Strudelkopf) offers breathtaking 360° Dolomite panoramas, including the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, via an accessible hike from Prato P...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Monte Specie Strudelkopf
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Monte Specie (Strudelkopf) offers breathtaking 360° Dolomite panoramas, including the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, via an accessible hike from Prato Piazza.
"Spectacular views on Cristallo group, le tre cime di Lavaredo, and more from an easy hike."
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
A good pair of hiking shoes is recommended for this trail, especially if conditions are mixed.
🐄 Friendly Cow Encounters
Expect to see grazing cows along the path, especially in summer. They're usually quite docile!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
360° Dolomite Panorama
Summit of Monte Specie (Strudelkopf)
Unobstructed views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Monte Cristallo, and Cadini group. A true feast for the eyes!
Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese)
Starting point for the hike
A high alpine meadow offering stunning scenery and a gentle introduction to the mountain landscape.
WW1 History Echoes
Along the trails
Discover remnants of WWI bunkers, caves, and lookouts scattered throughout the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views, Easiest Access
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
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👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
A good pair of hiking shoes is recommended for this trail, especially if conditions are mixed.
🐄 Friendly Cow Encounters
Expect to see grazing cows along the path, especially in summer. They're usually quite docile! 
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views are spectacular and perfect for photography.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
While there are rifugios, it's wise to carry your own water and snacks for the hike.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
A good pair of hiking shoes is recommended for this trail, especially if conditions are mixed.
🐄 Friendly Cow Encounters
Expect to see grazing cows along the path, especially in summer. They're usually quite docile!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views are spectacular and perfect for photography.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
While there are rifugios, it's wise to carry your own water and snacks for the hike.
⬆️ Easy to Moderate Hike
This hike is considered relatively easy with moderate elevation gain, suitable for most fitness levels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Monte Specie (Strudelkopf) for its spectacular, unobstructed panoramic views of iconic Dolomite peaks, especially the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The hike from Prato Piazza is noted for being relatively easy and rewarding, making it accessible for many. Some mention that it can get crowded during peak summer months.
"Spectacular winter hike from Carbonin on an easy hard-snow path u to the very top. 900 m total ascent and around 20 km round trip including a rifugio Prato Piazze visit. Magnificent views on Cristallo group, le tre cime di Lavaredo (only from the very top), the Croda rossa, Cadini di Misurina down to the Tofane group. It was a sunny cloudy-less late winter day."
Tony B
"Beautiful Place for a daily hike. In summer often many people on the top due to the easy way from Platzwiese"
Matt HikeDolomites
"This hiking trail at the starts at the car parking of Prato Piazza
(1965 m.) and after 5 kilometres takes you to the summit of Monte Specie (2304 m.) where you have an amazing panoramic view of the Dolomites, including the world famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
The trail is flat until, after 2.5 km, you reach the Rifugio Vallandro, then it gets steeper.
Along the way you can enjoy the peaceful and beautiful landscape around you with fields and grazing cows."
Carlo Scocco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is the Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese) parking lot. You can drive to Prato Piazza, and from there, the hike to Monte Specie begins.
Yes, there is a parking lot at Prato Piazza. It can get busy during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
Public transport options might be limited, especially outside of peak summer months. It's best to check local bus schedules for routes serving the Prato Piazza area.
The most popular and recommended route starts from Prato Piazza, leading to the summit of Monte Specie. It's approximately 10 km round trip with around 400m of elevation gain.
Access to Prato Piazza might be restricted during certain times or seasons, especially in winter. Always check local advisories before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to hike Monte Specie itself. The costs are primarily associated with parking or any services at rifugios.
Yes, there is typically a parking fee at Prato Piazza. The exact cost can vary, so it's good to have some cash on hand.
The hiking trails are generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, winter conditions can make some routes impassable without specialized gear.
For the hike itself, no booking is necessary. If you plan to stay at a rifugio or use specific services, advance booking might be recommended, especially during peak season.
Guided tours are often available for the Dolomites, including hikes to Monte Specie. These can be booked through local tour operators.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike from Prato Piazza to Monte Specie is generally considered easy to moderate. It involves some elevation gain but is manageable for most hikers.
The round trip from Prato Piazza to the summit and back typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and time spent at the top.
The summit offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of iconic Dolomite peaks, including Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Monte Cristallo, and the Cadini group.
There are rifugios (mountain huts) like Rifugio Vallandro and Rifugio Prato Piazze along the route where you can find refreshments and restrooms.
Yes, the hike is often described as family-friendly due to its moderate difficulty and rewarding views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are rifugios (mountain huts) like Rifugio Vallandro and Rifugio Prato Piazze located along the hiking route, offering food and drinks.
Rifugios typically serve hearty South Tyrolean and Italian cuisine, including local specialties, pasta, and sandwiches.
During peak season, it's advisable to book a table, especially for lunch, to avoid disappointment.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery. There are plenty of scenic spots along the trail.
Options can vary, but many rifugios are becoming more accommodating. It's best to inquire directly about vegetarian or vegan choices when ordering.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers magical light for photography. However, midday can also provide clear, sharp views of the peaks.
The summit itself provides the best panoramic shots. Also, the trails leading up, with grazing cows and wildflowers in summer, are very picturesque.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the vastness of the Dolomite panorama. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific peaks.
Drone regulations can be strict in national parks. It's essential to check current local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
Clear, sunny days offer the best visibility. However, dramatic clouds can add to the moodiness of the landscape photos. Be prepared for changing mountain weather.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2Packing plenty of snacks and water is key, and taking breaks at the rifugios along the way can make the journey more comfortable. The relatively short duration of the hike (around 3-4 hours round trip) is also ideal for keeping younger attention spans engaged. The panoramic views from the top are sure to impress even the youngest adventurers, offering a memorable introduction to the Dolomites.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The best light for photography is often during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues across the landscape. Beyond the summit, the trails themselves offer picturesque scenes, especially in summer with wildflowers and grazing cows.
+1 A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to do justice to the expansive vistas, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific mountain features. Be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather, as dramatic cloud formations can add a unique mood to your shots. 🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Day-Trippers
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at the summit or at one of the scenic spots along the trail. The presence of rifugios provides options for refreshments and a break. Arriving earlier in the morning can help you avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike from Prato Piazza
Many visitors highlight the 'big-bang-for-your-buck' nature of this hike, meaning you get immense scenic rewards for a relatively modest effort. The presence of WW1 bunkers, caves, and lookouts along the way adds a layer of historical intrigue to the natural beauty. This makes the hike not just a visual experience but also an educational one. The trails are often described as peaceful, especially outside of peak hours, allowing for a more immersive experience in the Dolomite wilderness.
For those seeking a different perspective, fat biking is also an option on Monte Specie during certain seasons, offering a unique way to explore the snowy trails.
In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, accessible via snowshoes or touring skis, with the view of the Drei Zinnen remaining a grand spectacle. Summit Views and Iconic Peaks
+2Beyond the Tre Cime, the summit provides sweeping vistas of other majestic mountain groups. Visitors can admire the rugged beauty of the Monte Cristallo range, the jagged spires of the Cadini group, and the imposing Croda Rossa. On clear days, the views can extend even further, encompassing the Tofane group and beyond. This expansive panorama is what draws so many hikers and nature lovers to Monte Specie, offering a profound sense of awe and connection with the alpine environment.
The accessibility of these world-class views from a relatively easy hike makes Monte Specie a standout destination. It provides an opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Dolomites without requiring extreme mountaineering skills, making it a popular choice for a wide range of visitors. The sheer scale and beauty of the surrounding peaks are consistently praised in reviews and social media content.
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