Val Gardena & Alpe di Siusi

The Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German) is Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow — 56 km² of flower-filled pastures at 1,800–2,350 m, fringed by the most dramatic mountain skyline in the Dolomites: the Sassolungo group (3,181 m) to the west and the Sciliar massif (2,563 m) to the east.

Why it stands apart

Most Dolomites destinations require serious hiking ability to reach the scenery. The Alpe di Siusi inverts this: a car-free plateau accessible by cable car from Ortisei or Siusi, where even a gentle 2-hour walk through wildflower meadows frames views that elsewhere would take an 8-hour mountain day to reach. It is genuinely accessible to families, older walkers, and anyone who wants Dolomites grandeur without technical demands.

The Sella Ronda

Val Gardena is one of the four valleys forming the Sella Ronda — a 26 km circuit around the Sella massif connecting Corvara, Arabba, Canazei, and Selva. Summer hikers can walk individual stages; the full circuit takes 2 days. In winter it is the world's most famous ski circuit (60 km of linked pistes).

Ortisei (St. Ulrich)

The valley's main town is a centre of Ladin culture and the ancient craft of wood carving — workshops and galleries throughout the old town. Bilingual (Italian/German) South Tyrolean character, excellent food, very well organised tourism infrastructure.

Practical notes

• The Alpe di Siusi is strictly car-free May–October. Access by cable car from Ortisei (Cabinovia Ortisei–Alpe di Siusi) or from Siusi/Seis (Kabinenbahn Seiser Alm).
• Cable car tickets: approx. €20 return. Operating hours 8:00–18:00 in summer.
• Dogs welcome on the alp on a lead.
• South Tyrol Card covers cable cars if staying in the region (check with accommodation).
• Language: German dominant in daily life; Italian and English widely spoken in tourism.

Base: Ortisei (Ortisei/St. Ulrich) — excellent bus and train connections via Bolzano (45 min).