Family Friendly Alpe di Siusi – Schlern Trek

The trail kicks off where meadows meet the sky. As you leave the village of Compatsch behind, you’ll soon find yourself walking under the watchful eye of the Schlern, one of the most iconic silhouettes in the Dolomites. The scent of wildflowers, the hum of cowbells, and the sweeping views over the Alpe di Siusi set the tone. And then it happens: as you crest the rocky flank, the high plateau opens up—vast, windswept, and totally silent. That’s your “wow” moment.

From Compatsch, the trail climbs gradually through lush alpine pastures before you start ascending in earnest. You’ll pass the Saltner Hütte, a great spot for a quick drink before pushing on. With 740 meters of elevation gain, this stage is a proper introduction to the trek, but never over the top. The trail winds up to the Tierser Alpl and eventually reaches the lunar landscape surrounding Rifugio Bolzano. You’re now on the Sciliar Plateau, standing high above the clouds. Time to ditch your boots, order a beer, and soak in the views.

From the wide-open Sciliar Plateau, this stage launches you straight into the jagged drama of the Dolomites. As you leave Rifugio Bolzano behind, the trail starts gently, but don’t get too comfortable. Soon, you’ll be contouring along rocky flanks with drop-dead views over the Catinaccio range. And then comes the kicker: the Rosszahn pass. Narrow, wild, and unforgettable. On the other side? A descent straight into fairytale territory.

Follow the trail across open terrain and past panoramic points that make you stop mid-step. You’ll skirt below the Roterdspitze and push through one of the most dramatic saddles of the trek—the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa. Here, rock towers rise like teeth and the trail gets a bit spicy. But nothing technical—just keep your footing. From the saddle, it’s a steady descent to Tierser Alpl, perched snugly in a basin between giants. The views are epic, the strudel warm. Day 2 done right.

Today might feel like a cool-down, but don’t be fooled. You leave Rifugio Tierser Alpl behind, descending through a peaceful valley with the jagged Denti di Terrarossa fading into the background. What follows is a gentle rollercoaster of alpine meadows, flower-filled pastures, and jaw-dropping views of the Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto. This is the Dolomites you imagined.

After a short climb toward the Goldknopf, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramas in every direction. Then it’s a slow, scenic descent across the Seiser Alm—the largest alpine meadow in Europe. The trail widens, the scent of hay fills the air, and the cows give you a lazy glance as you pass. Eventually, you arrive back in Compatsch, where it all began. Time for one last cappuccino, a glance at the peaks, and maybe a quiet promise to come back.