9 Reasons Why You’ll Be Enchanted with Alpe di Suisi in the Dolomites

Alpe di Suisi, also known as Sesser Alm, is Europe’s largest alpine meadow- in other words, simply a breathtaking place. With hundreds of hiking trails (let’s translate it to more than 440km) you would have a whole week only to explore Alpe di Suisi. After visiting Lago di Braies, the fascinating scenery of Alpe di Suisi will enchant you in its own way.

As the majestic rocks intertwine with the rolling hills, it’s fascinating to admire the scenery.

Surrounded by Val Gardena on the North and Sassolango massif in the North-East, Alpe di Suisi is the famous destination in the Dolomites. Ideal for easy hikes in summer and autumn plus skiing in winter, the mountain wonderland awaits you here.

Let me guide you the fabulous hiking adventure at Alpe di Suisi where you will eagerly return. I would even say that Alpe di Suisi with its rolling hills is the mountain version of the Tuscanian Val d’Orcia.

Where is Alpe di Suisi

This large plateau takes place in the Western Dolomites above the villages of Ortisei (St.Ulrich) in Val Gardena and Castelrotto (Kastelruth). From Alpe di Suisi you can see majestic mountains such as Sassolungo, Sassopiatti, Sciliar Range, Marmolata or Puez-Odle Nature Park.

How to reach Alpe di Suisi

That being said, you can reach Alpe di Suisi either by cable car from Ortisei or the village of Suisi (the latter is cheaper). Basing yourself in the pretty towns of South Tyrol like Bressanone or Bolzano is an excellent idea. About 1h of distance by car or bus is only what it takes to start this route. The bus will drop you directly to the cable car station.

Whichever starting point you take, the hiking routes are the same leading to the same viewpoints.

Arriving by car to Alpe di Suisi is possible through a windy mountain road, but driving times are permitted from 9am till 5pm. The only exception is if you’re staying in a hotel at Alpe di Suisi.

Where to stay

Alpina Dolomites– 5-star hotel with spa facilities and excellent views;

Sporthotel Sonne Seiser Alm– hotel with the stunning pool and its own lake;

Paradiso Pure Living Vegan Hotel– vegan hotel sounds attractive enough to visit;

Ortisei:

Hotel Grones– with luxury spa facilities you can enjoy awesome views of the Dolomites;

Castelrotto:

Gasthof Tschötscherhof– budget-friendly place with an idyllic atmosphere;

Hotel Lamm– luxury hotel with the marvelous rooftop views and a swimming pool;

Top hikes at Alpe di Suisi

Hans and Paula Steger Trail

From Compatch you can enjoy this easy trail that connects the path to Saltria, another alpine settlement. Hans Steger and Paula Wiesinger inspired the name of this path as the awesome local mountaineers.  It’s 14 km long hike that passes through the mountain marvels and rolling hills. With the stunning views of Sassolungo/Langkofel and Sciliar/Schlern mountain groups, you’ll be delighted to take this path.

Saltria- Williamshutte

Williamshutte offers stunning panoramic views of Sassolungo at its restaurant and outdoor terrace. The swing with the picturesque ambiance is even more Instagrammble that the one at Malga Sanon.

From Williamshutte you can also take a hike to Sasso Piatto, on Sassolungo.  With a chairlift at Williamshutte, you can continue your journey to Saltria.

Compatch- Rifugio Bolzano

This is a long trail starting in Compatch and leading to Saltnerhutte in Tschapit. After ascending to Sciliar/Schlern Plateau you will arrive at castle-like Rifugio Bolzano (Schlernhaus).

1. Visiting the best viewpoint at Alpe di Suisi- Sanon

Starting from Compatch you can take this easy 1h route towards the charming viewpoint at Sanon.

Compatch is the alpine settlement that will welcome you after arriving with the cable car from the Suisi village. You’ll several restaurants and rental shops at the cable car station and plenty of hotels around. There’s also a possibility to rent a bike here. In Compatch you can also take a bus to other places such Saltria, Panorama and Rauch.

The viewpoint scatters just above the lovely restaurant Malga Sanon. Here you can enjoy a popular Instagram swing though in reality it’s an ordinary children’s swing.

Taking rest at a bench and admiring the view comes as a reward at Sanon viewpoint. Particularly in autumn the images are incredible breathtaking.

Following the way down to Compatch you will see the stunning big bench.

2. Perfect place to ride a mountain bike

As most of the trails follow an easy and straight route, you’ll enjoy a bike ride at this fairy scenery. It’s a fantastic way to explore several points of interest in a shorter time.

3. Plenty of easy hikes

Alpe di Suisi is suitable for any type of hikers and enjoyable for families too. What makes these easy hikes even more attractive is the incredible scenery full of gentle slopes.

The picturesque mountain photos

Wherever you turn around, there’s a picture postcard opportunity. In any season Alpe di Suisi captivates with its colours and scenery. There are big benches, hearts and details that only artistic eye can see and frame. Anyhow, Alpe di Suisi unveils your artistic perspective to see the smoother path.

Seeing so many surrounding peaks at this gorgeous plateau makes visiting even more compelling.

Fairy tale mountain atmosphere

The rolling hills pop up straight out of a fairy tale book which you can enter so easily. The mystery of seemingly endless paths intertwine with the lovely hutts and hotels.

Autumn vibes rock

Though spring and summer have its advantages, autumn will enchant your soul to the fullest. The marvel lies in the colours and picking yours in the fabulous scenery brings the proper rewards. Admiring the incredible trees creates images to remember and seek similar treasures.

Awesome place to see a mountain sunrise/sunset

Seeing the sunset at Alpe di Suisi is a dream for someone who can afford it. If you’re a photographer, the enchanting colours of sunset or sunrise will be your favourite hiking moments. Even if you’re staying in the villages below Alpe di Suisi (like Castelrotto, Ortisei or Suisi) you could still catch the sunset. You might be arriving by car or take the last cable car, which is more adequate in the autumn time. Still, I think it’s a fun experience to stay on Alpe di Suisi itself and explore its treasures.

Alpe di Suisi is a place that will captivate you with the best sunset viewpoint in the Dolomites so don’t hesitate to check.

Admire the wildflowers

In the springtime Alpe di Suisi bursts with the carpet of flowers and playing to identify them is so fun. Some of them include crocus, edelweis, gentian, bearded bellflower or orange lily.

Go paragliding

Paragliding is such a unique opportunity to enjoy Alpe di Suisi. Standing in owe with endless waves of the green hills and majestic rocks is incredibly empowering. You can book it here https://www.tandemfly.info/ and it starts in Spitzbühl, at the south of Compaccio/Compatsch. Costing 140€ for 15-20 minutes, it’s an overwhelming experience.

Final thoughts

Alpe di Suisi with its scenic scenery attracts numerous visitors to the heart of the Dolomites. Easily reachable by cable car, you can enjoy incredible hikes and views. Staying overnight would be a fabulous treatment to feel the essence and beauty of Alpe di Suisi.

PIN IT FOR LATER: