Seiser Alm / Alpe di Siusi
Europe's largest alpine meadow, offering stunning panoramic views of the Dolomites, ideal for hiking and skiing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Seiser Alm / Alpe di Siusi
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's largest alpine meadow, offering stunning panoramic views of the Dolomites, ideal for hiking and skiing.
"It’s a peaceful place with breathtaking views in every direction, just like something out of a fairy tale."
🎯 Arrive for Sunrise
Catch the alpenglow and beat the crowds for a magical experience.
🚗 Car Restrictions
No cars 9 AM-5 PM in peak season. Use cable cars or buses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise & Sunset Magic
Across the alpine meadow
Witness the breathtaking alpenglow as the sun paints the Dolomites in warm hues. A truly unforgettable spectacle.
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Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Various viewpoints
Be surrounded by iconic Dolomites peaks like Sassolungo and Sciliar. The views are simply out of this world.
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The Vast Alpine Meadow
Europe's largest alpine pasture
Explore the expansive, rolling green meadows dotted with traditional huts. Perfect for leisurely walks and photography.
Charming Mountain Huts (Rifugi)
Scattered throughout the Alm
Stop for a meal or a drink at cozy mountain huts, enjoying local cuisine with stunning backdrops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Navigating Access & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive for Sunrise
Catch the alpenglow and beat the crowds for a magical experience.
🚗 Car Restrictions
No cars 9 AM-5 PM in peak season. Use cable cars or buses.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Essential for exploring the vast meadows and trails.
🚲 E-bike Rental
Great way to cover more ground and see more scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for Sunrise
Catch the alpenglow and beat the crowds for a magical experience.
🚗 Car Restrictions
No cars 9 AM-5 PM in peak season. Use cable cars or buses.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Essential for exploring the vast meadows and trails.
🚲 E-bike Rental
Great way to cover more ground and see more scenery.
☀️ Summer Heat
Can be very hot in August with few shady spots.
🚡 Cable Car Access
Primary way up; round trip costs around €28.50.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Seiser Alm's breathtaking, fairy-tale-like scenery and vast, peaceful meadows, making it a must-see in the Dolomites. While the hiking is excellent and the views are consistently praised, some find it hot in summer, parking challenging, and note that multiple lift rides can add up.
"You can use this place as a recovery spot after a challenging hike 🥾. It’s a peaceful place with breathtaking views in every direction 🌄, just like something out of a fairy tale ✨.
👉If you want to check out our YouTube video with all the locations we visited (the video has no talking, just hiking, camping, and beautiful nature scenery) 🌄🏕️, search for
The Dolomites Camping and Hiking | Relaxing Video on the Hike & Bike YT channel 🎥✨"
Hike & Bike
"Definitely a must see when in Dolomites. Great hiking area with wonderful view. Even in high season the place is so big you won't see the crowds. Only issue, you need to take a lift. You can try walking but the routes and parking rules are so weird we gave up the idea. You'll have enough trekking once up there."
Radosław Furmaniak
"Panoramic field surrounded by iconic Dolomites mountain. Cable car is really nice view.
Bad thing is it’s hard to get parking in Summer."
Suparat Wirattanapornkul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to drive to Compatsch and park, then take the Seiser Alm Bahn cable car up. Cars are restricted from 9 AM to 5 PM during peak season, so you'll need to use the cable car or bus.
Yes, parking is available at Compatsch, but it can be challenging to find a spot during the summer high season. Consider arriving early or using public transport.
During peak season (typically summer), private vehicles are not allowed on the Seiser Alm between 9 AM and 5 PM. You must use the cable car or bus services.
From Venice, you can drive towards Plan De Gralba and then take a cable car up. Alternatively, fly into a closer airport like Bolzano and then arrange transport.
Yes, public bus services are available to reach the base stations of the cable cars that ascend to Seiser Alm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip ticket for the Seiser Alm Bahn cable car typically costs around €28.50. Prices can vary slightly, so it's best to check the official website.
There isn't a direct entrance fee for the Seiser Alm itself, but you will need to pay for the cable car to ascend and potentially for parking.
Cable cars generally operate from early morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check the specific operating hours for the Seiser Alm Bahn as they can vary by season.
While not always mandatory, booking cable car tickets in advance, especially during peak season, can save you time and guarantee your spot.
Yes, parking at Compatsch incurs a fee, which was around €26.50 according to one source.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Alpe di Siusi Loop trail is a popular 5.5-mile hike with stunning vistas. Many other trails cater to various fitness levels, offering diverse scenery.
Absolutely! Seiser Alm is a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset, with its vast meadows and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Yes, there are bike shops available, and renting an e-bike is highly recommended for summer visits to explore the expansive area more efficiently.
For the best light and fewer crowds, aim for sunrise. Evenings also offer beautiful alpenglow.
While it's Europe's largest alpine meadow, it can get crowded in high season. Visiting early or during shoulder seasons helps.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Numerous charming mountain huts (Rifugi) are scattered across the Alm, offering local cuisine and refreshments with incredible views.
Expect traditional South Tyrolean dishes, hearty meals, and local beverages. It's a great way to experience regional flavors.
While many dishes are meat-based, most huts offer some vegetarian options like pasta, salads, or cheese dishes. It's always good to ask.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire meadow offers stunning backdrops. Key spots include areas with views of Sassolungo and Sciliar, especially during golden hour.
Sunrise and sunset are magical for photography, offering soft light and dramatic alpenglow.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can bring the distant peaks closer. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the hiking trails are relatively easy and suitable for younger legs, and the presence of cows with bells adds a charming auditory element. Look for trails that lead to accessible mountain huts where you can stop for a break and a treat.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will be captivated by the sheer scale of Europe's largest alpine meadow and the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites.
The changing seasons offer different experiences, from lush green summers to golden autumns and snow-covered winters. +1 Remember to wear appropriate footwear, carry water, and check the weather forecast before setting out on longer hikes. 📸 Photographers
+1 The golden hours around sunrise and sunset are particularly magical, offering incredible opportunities for capturing the alpenglow on the surrounding peaks. +1 Wide-angle lenses are ideal for encompassing the vastness of the alpine meadow and the towering Dolomites. Look for compositions that include the rolling green fields, traditional huts, and the iconic mountain formations like Sassolungo and Sciliar.
The changing seasons also provide diverse photographic subjects, from vibrant summer greens to the golden hues of autumn. Be prepared for early mornings and late evenings to secure the best light and potentially fewer people in your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Seiser Alm: Hiking & Activities
+1Beyond hiking, consider renting an e-bike during the summer months. This allows you to cover more ground and access more remote viewpoints with ease, making it a highly recommended option for exploring the expansive plateau.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the numerous mountain huts (Rifugi) offer opportunities to rest, refuel with local cuisine, and soak in the atmosphere.
Remember that while the Alm is vast, it's wise to plan your routes and be aware of the weather, which can change rapidly in the mountains.Accessing Seiser Alm: Logistics & Tips
+1 The primary way to reach the plateau is via the Seiser Alm Bahn cable car from Compatsch, which offers a scenic ascent and costs around €28.50 for a round trip. +1 Parking is available at the base stations, such as Compatsch, but can be limited and incurs a fee. For those arriving from further afield, like Venice, the journey typically involves driving to a base town like Plan De Gralba and then utilizing cable cars.
Some visitors have noted that signage can sometimes be unclear, so having a map or GPS is advisable. An alternative to driving and parking is to utilize public transport to reach the cable car stations. This can be a more relaxed way to start your mountain adventure.
Planning your ascent and descent, especially if you intend to hike, is recommended to make the most of your visit and avoid any logistical surprises. The Magic of Alpenglow and Mountain Sunsets
Many visitors make a point to arrive before sunrise to witness this breathtaking spectacle, where the Dolomites are bathed in warm, ethereal light. This time of day also offers a chance to experience the tranquility of the alpine meadow before the main crowds arrive. Sunsets at Seiser Alm are equally spectacular, offering a different palette of colors as the day draws to a close.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the experience of watching the sun dip below the horizon in such a majestic setting is often described as peaceful and awe-inspiring.
It's a moment that encapsulates the natural beauty and serenity of the Dolomites, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit