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Serrai di Sottoguda

4.4
·2k reviews·Sottoguda-palue, Italy

A breathtaking natural gorge in the Dolomites, offering an accessible and awe-inspiring walk through towering rock walls and cascading waterfalls.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Spring to Early Autumn

Gorge is fully accessible

CrowdMedium
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Panorama

Serrai di Sottoguda

Best Time

Late Spring to Early Autumn

Gorge is fully accessible

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking natural gorge in the Dolomites, offering an accessible and awe-inspiring walk through towering rock walls and cascading waterfalls.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"Fantastic place to visit. Went today the 19th of September, hardly anyone there!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Status First

Always verify if the Serrai are open before you go, especially after storms like Vaia.

Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance to guarantee your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Gorge

The Majestic Gorge

Serrai di Sottoguda

Walk through a breathtaking canyon with towering rock walls, sculpted by nature over millennia.

Cascading Waterfalls

Cascading Waterfalls

Within the gorge

Marvel at the numerous waterfalls that tumble down the sheer rock faces, adding to the dramatic scenery.

Charming Sottoguda Village

Charming Sottoguda Village

Entrance to the gorge

Explore the picturesque village of Sottoguda, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, before or after your canyon visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

The Serrai di Sottoguda are a stunning natural gorge, but access can be restricted. Check the official website for current opening dates and times, especially after winter or significant weather events. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, as visitor numbers can be managed.

What to Bring for Your Canyon Adventure

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the path is mostly flat but can be uneven in places. A helmet is included with your ticket, but if you have your own, bringing it is a good idea. Consider bringing water and snacks, as facilities within the gorge are limited. The weather in the Dolomites can change quickly, so layers are advisable.

Best Times

When
Late Spring to Early Autumn
Why
Gorge is fully accessible
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Mornings
Why
Golden light on the rocks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Serrai di Sottoguda @visitroccapietoremarmolada #sottoguda#marmolada#borghipiubelliditalia #borghiditalia #borghi #yallersitalia #italiait #ig_italia #serraidisottoguda #dolomites#natgeo#natgeolandscape #natgeotravel
lauroalex_photography
1.4K likes • 97.3K views

Check Opening Status First

Always verify if the Serrai are open before you go, especially after storms like Vaia. Instagram+1

Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance to guarantee your visit. Instagram

Buongiorno dallo splendido borgo di Sottoguda!!! Un sole splendido ed i Serrai aperti...vi aspettiamo!!! #sottoguda #roccapietore #visitroccapietoremarmolada #fattoamano #handmadegifts #handmadewithlove #artigiani #artigianatoitaliano #artigiano #artigianali #fattoamano #arredodimontagna #arredamento #arredamentointerni #design #legnodicirmolo #legnodirecupero #ideeregalo #complementidarredo #ca...
dolomiti_creations
44 likes • 1.7K views
⚠️ Per avere maggiori dettagli scrivi “info” nei commenti ⚠️ La riapertura dei Serrai di Sottoguda, uno dei posti più belli delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, la si aspettava da anni! Fino al 15 settembre si ha la possibilità di visitarli. Attenzione però che per farlo ci sono tante cose stringenti, se vuoi saperlo commenta qui sotto. . . . . . . #alps #mountainlovers #mountain #italia #ig_italy #dolomi...
federicograziati
35.1K likes • 1.9M views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The 2km path is easy but requires good footwear for a pleasant walk. Reddit

Bring Your Own Helmet

While helmets are provided, bringing your own ensures a good fit. Reddit

Tornare a camminare tra le pareti imponenti dei Serrai di Sottoguda dopo sei anni di silenzio è un’emozione unica 💚 Questa antica strada, che collegava Sottoguda a Malga Ciapela, era stata distrutta… ma oggi possiamo di nuovo percorrerla, passo dopo passo, immersi nella bellezza delle Dolomiti. Qualche informazione importante per la visita: ✔️ L’ingresso è contingentato: massimo 200 persone alla...
babytrekking
11.7K likes • 601.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Status First

Always verify if the Serrai are open before you go, especially after storms like Vaia. Instagram+1

Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance to guarantee your visit. Instagram

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The 2km path is easy but requires good footwear for a pleasant walk. Reddit

Bring Your Own Helmet

While helmets are provided, bringing your own ensures a good fit. Reddit

Easy Walk for All

Suitable for families and even wheelchairs, making it accessible for many. InstagramReddit

Free Parking Available

Park for free at Pian or Palue as the Serrai area is a ZTL. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Serrai di Sottoguda as a fantastic and beautiful natural wonder, especially after its restoration. The easy, accessible walk through the stunning gorge is a major highlight, perfect for families and all ages. Some visitors note that the path from Malga Ciapela remains impassable, requiring a return trip from Sottoguda.

"Fantastic place to visit. Went today the 19th of September, hardly anyone there 😊"

Diana vella

"Reopen now,
09:00 >17:00
Wheelchairs accessible
€ 5 including helmets"

သီရိ လင်းနွယ်

"Nice walk , very easy, suitable for kids. 2 km going up the trail and then the same way back. It took us 1 hour. You have one hour free parking."

מאיה גרף

What People Like

Stunning natural gorge
Easy and accessible walk
Beautiful waterfalls

What People Dislike

Path from Malga Ciapela impassable

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Serrai di Sottoguda are located in Sottoguda, near Rocca Pietore in the Dolomites. You can drive to the village and park for free in designated areas like Pian or Palue, as the gorge itself is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). Instagram From there, it's a short walk to the entrance. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus schedules is advisable.

Currently, the full canyon path from Malga Ciapela to Sottoguda is still impassable due to past storm damage. Visitors can only access the gorge from the Sottoguda side and must return the same way. Reddit

Sottoguda is accessible by car. If you are using public transport, you'll likely need to take a bus to a nearby town like Alleghe or Rocca Pietore and then arrange local transport or a taxi to Sottoguda. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is typically around €5 for adults and €2 for children. This price usually includes the use of a helmet, which is mandatory for safety. InstagramReddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the Serrai are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding seasonal closures or re-openings after events. InstagramReddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure entry and avoid disappointment. InstagramReddit

The Serrai di Sottoguda are a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), so private vehicles are not allowed inside. Parking is available outside the gorge. Helmets are mandatory for all visitors. Instagram

The Serrai di Sottoguda have undergone significant restoration after being devastated by Storm Vaia in 2018. Reopening dates have been staggered, with significant parts becoming accessible again in July 2023. Instagram+1

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The trail is approximately 2 kilometers long, leading you through the stunning gorge. It's a relatively easy and flat walk, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Reddit You'll walk up the gorge and then return the same way. Reddit

Yes, the path through the Serrai di Sottoguda is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs, making it a great option for visitors with mobility challenges. Reddit

Expect to be amazed by towering rock walls, lush vegetation, and numerous beautiful waterfalls cascading down the sides. It's a truly immersive natural experience. Instagram

Dogs are generally allowed in the Serrai di Sottoguda, but they must be kept on a leash. Instagram

A typical visit, including walking up and back, takes about 1 hour. This allows for plenty of time to admire the scenery and take photos. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Every turn in the gorge offers a stunning photographic opportunity. Focus on capturing the scale of the rock walls, the delicate waterfalls, and the interplay of light and shadow. The bridges crossing the stream also make for picturesque shots. Instagram

Mornings often provide softer light that beautifully illuminates the gorge walls. However, the dramatic shadows and light can also be captivating in the afternoon. Experiment to see what works best for you. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in natural parks and protected areas to preserve the environment and visitor experience. It's best to check local regulations or inquire at the entrance before flying a drone. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Serrai di Sottoguda are an excellent choice for families. The 2km walk is easy, flat, and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it stress-free for parents. Reddit Kids will be fascinated by the towering canyon walls, the sound of waterfalls, and the feeling of being in a natural wonderland. Instagram The included helmet adds a fun, adventurous element for younger visitors. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited within the gorge. Instagram

Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and allow children more space to explore. The nearby village of Sottoguda also offers a charming atmosphere for a post-walk stroll. Instagram It's a perfect, low-impact adventure that provides a memorable experience for the whole family. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers, the Serrai di Sottoguda offer a safe and incredibly scenic experience. The well-maintained path and clear signage make it easy to navigate, and the relatively short duration of the walk (about 1 hour round trip) allows for flexibility in your itinerary. Reddit It's a fantastic opportunity for quiet contemplation amidst dramatic natural beauty. Instagram

Hikers looking for a more challenging route might find the Serrai a gentle warm-up or a pleasant recovery walk. While the gorge itself is an easy path, the surrounding Dolomites offer numerous more strenuous hiking opportunities. TikTok Solo visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet, taking their time to capture stunning photographs or simply immerse themselves in the environment. Instagram

📸 Photographers

The Serrai di Sottoguda are a dream for photographers. The dramatic scale of the canyon, with its sheer rock faces and numerous waterfalls, provides endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking shots. Instagram The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day creates dynamic scenes, with mornings often offering the most flattering light. Instagram

Experiment with different angles to emphasize the height of the walls and the delicate flow of the water. The bridges crossing the stream also offer unique perspectives. Instagram Remember to bring your wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the gorge. The village of Sottoguda itself, with its traditional architecture, also presents charming photographic subjects. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Resilience of Nature: Rebuilding the Serrai di Sottoguda

The Serrai di Sottoguda, a spectacular natural gorge, faced devastation from Storm Vaia in 2018. The powerful winds and rain caused extensive damage, rendering the popular walking path impassable for years. Instagram+1 This event highlighted the raw power of nature and the vulnerability of even the most enduring landscapes. The subsequent restoration efforts were significant, involving careful planning and execution to rebuild the path and ensure the safety of visitors while respecting the natural environment. Instagram

The reopening of the Serrai has been a symbol of resilience and rebirth for the region. Instagram It signifies the community's determination to recover and showcase the enduring beauty of the Dolomites. The restored path allows visitors to once again experience the awe-inspiring scale of the gorge, the sound of cascading water, and the unique atmosphere that makes this place so special. Instagram The efforts have been praised for their success in bringing this natural wonder back to life for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

Key takeaways from the rebuilding process include the importance of sustainable reconstruction methods and the ongoing need for vigilance regarding natural events. The Serrai di Sottoguda now stand as a testament to nature's ability to reclaim and regenerate, and the human spirit's capacity to restore and preserve. Instagram

Exploring Sottoguda: A Gateway to the Dolomites

The village of Sottoguda itself is a charming destination, recognized as one of the 'Borghi più belli d'Italia' (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy). Instagram Before or after your walk through the Serrai, take time to wander through its narrow streets, admire the traditional Ladin architecture, and soak in the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Instagram The village offers a glimpse into authentic alpine life and is a perfect starting point for exploring the wider Marmolada region.

Sottoguda is also known for its local craftsmanship, particularly woodworking. You can find artisan shops selling handmade items, often made from local materials like Swiss pine. Instagram This adds another layer of cultural richness to your visit, allowing you to take a piece of the Dolomites' heritage home with you. The proximity to the Marmolada glacier also makes Sottoguda a strategic base for those interested in mountaineering or skiing in the area. TikTok

Visiting Sottoguda provides a holistic experience of the Dolomites, combining natural wonders with cultural heritage. It’s a place where you can truly connect with the mountain environment and its traditions. Instagram

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