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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Gorge is fully accessible

Serrai di Sottoguda
Best Time
Gorge is fully accessible

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

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Gorge
Serrai di Sottoguda
Walk through a breathtaking canyon with towering rock walls, sculpted by nature over millennia.

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
Entrance to the gorge
Explore the picturesque village of Sottoguda, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, before or after your canyon visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
What to Bring for Your Canyon Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 2km path is easy but requires good footwear for a pleasant walk.
Bring Your Own Helmet
While helmets are provided, bringing your own ensures a good fit.
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.
Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance to guarantee your visit.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 2km path is easy but requires good footwear for a pleasant walk.
Bring Your Own Helmet
While helmets are provided, bringing your own ensures a good fit.
Easy Walk for All
Suitable for families and even wheelchairs, making it accessible for many.
Free Parking Available
Park for free at Pian or Palue as the Serrai area is a ZTL.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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). 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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure entry and avoid disappointment.
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.
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.
🎫 🚶 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. You'll walk up the gorge and then return the same way.
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.
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.
Dogs are generally allowed in the Serrai di Sottoguda, but they must be kept on a leash.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. It's a perfect, low-impact adventure that provides a memorable experience for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
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. Solo visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet, taking their time to capture stunning photographs or simply immerse themselves in the environment.
📸 Photographers
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. 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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Resilience of Nature: Rebuilding the Serrai di Sottoguda
The reopening of the Serrai has been a symbol of resilience and rebirth for the region. 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. The efforts have been praised for their success in bringing this natural wonder back to life for everyone to enjoy.
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.
Exploring Sottoguda: A Gateway to the Dolomites
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. 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.
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.




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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit