Alpe di Siusi: A 2026 Guide to Europe’s Largest High-Alpine Meadow
Imagine a vast, rolling emerald sea of grass framed by the jagged, cinematic peaks of the Dolomites. Covering a staggering 56 square kilometers, Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is the largest high-altitude alpine pasture in Europe and, quite frankly, a paradise for nature lovers.
This place will always hold a very special place in our hearts because Kev proposed here and we got engaged on these meadows. Even though the weather wasn't the sunniest when we were there, it was still incredibly beautiful and peaceful. The misty atmosphere only made the moment feel more private and magical.
Sitting at an elevation of 1,680m and reaching up to 2,350m above sea level, this plateau offers front-row seats to the most characteristic peaks of the region: the Sassolungo, Sasso Piatto, and the iconic Sciliar. While it feels like a world away, it is exceptionally accessible from Val Gardena. Despite its almost car-free status, getting there is a breeze if you know the rules for 2026.
The largest alpine meadow in Europe
Arriving by Car: The New 2026 Rules
If you plan to drive your own vehicle up to the meadow, you must navigate the strict regulations designed to keep this landscape pristine.
The "Golden Rule" of the Road
Starting in mid-May 2026, you must make an online advance reservation for parking. Reservations open in May 2026 and can be made up to six days before arrival. Even with a booking, the road is closed to private traffic between 09:00 and 17:00.
To Park: You must pass the St. Valentin checkpoint (Infopoint) before 09:00.
To Leave: You can drive down at any time, but you cannot drive up until after 17:00.
Note: Overnight parking (11:00 pm – 6:00 am) is strictly prohibited and heavily fined.
Choosing Your Parking Lot: P1 vs. P2
Location: Near Spitzbühl lift
Price: €15.00 per day
Perks: Includes a discount for the Spitzbühl lift or Bus 14*.
Access: 30-minute uphill walk to Compatsch.
*Your parking ticket at P1 includes a discount for the Spitzbühl lift or Bus Line 14, which connects Spitzbühl to Compatsch.
Service Dates: Line 14 operates from 15 June to 28 September 2026.
Costs: Spitzbühl → Compatsch costs €4.00 per single ride, while the return (Compatsch → Spitzbühl) is free for everyone.
Free Transit: If you have a Spitzbühl lift ticket, Südtirol Pass, Combi Card, Seiser Alm Card Gold, or Dolomiti Supersummer Card, the ride to Compatsch is free.
Off-Season Perk: From 3 November 2025 to 30 April 2026, no parking fee is charged at P1.
Location: Heart of Compatsch
Price: €30.00 per day
Access: Located directly in Compatsch, near the top station of the Seiser Alm cable car.
If you're staying at a hotel on the Seiser Alm, these rules are relaxed. You can drive to your hotel at any time on arrival/departure days, and you'll receive a special permit at check-in.
The Cable Car Options
There are two primary ways to reach the meadow via cable car, depending on where you are staying.
Option 1: Mont Sëuc Cable Car (from Ortisei)
If you are in Val Gardena, take the Mont Sëuc (Ladin for Alpe di Siusi) lift located in the heart of Ortisei.
Parking: Use the underground garage at the station or "Garage Central" in the center of Ortisei (a 5-minute walk over a pedestrian bridge).
Option 2: Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway (from Siusi)
This is the main access point from the Sciliar area.
2026 Hours: Open 22 May to 2 Nov. Hours are 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (stays open until 7:00 pm from 15/6 to 14/9).
Price: Adults €21.00 (Single) / €30.00 (Return). Dogs are €3/€6.
Parking: The outdoor parking lot is free. If it’s full, head to the Walderer garage (P1) or the new P2 station garage (both paid).
Alpe di Siusi in the rain
Transport Cards & Passes
Depending on how long you're staying, one of these passes might save you a fortune:
1. Combi Card
Best For: Travelers staying directly on the Alpe di Siusi or in the surrounding villages (Kastelruth, Seis, Völs) who primarily want to explore the plateau.
What’s Included: Unlimited use of the Seiser Alm gondola, the Seiser Alm Express (Line 10), the Almbus, and all local shuttle buses.
Where to Buy: Ticket offices in Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, and Völs am Schlern. It is personal and non-transferable.
2. Dolomiti Supersummer Card
Best For: The "Explorers" who want to visit multiple regions (like Cortina or Val di Fassa) in one trip.
2026 Prices:
1-Day: €67
3-out-of-4 Days: €145
5-out-of-7 Days: €185
Validity: From 14 May to 8 November 2026
What’s Included: Access to over 130 lifts across the Dolomites, including bike transport.
Crucial Note: On Alpe di Siusi, it covers the Mont Sëuc cable car from Ortisei. However, it is not accepted on the cable car from Siusi or the specific Seceda lifts (Furnes/Seceda).
3. Gardena Card
Perfect if you plan to explore the Val Gardena area for 3 days or more. Valid from 06 June to 11 October 2026, it covers 19 lifts in the Gardena area. Please note that the Gardena card only includes includes the Mont Sëuc cable car from Ortisei but not the lift from Siusi.
3-day pass: €124
6-day pass: €160
Best For: Hikers staying in Val Gardena (Ortisei, S. Cristina, Selva) for 3 days or more.
2026 Prices:
3-Day Pass: €124
6-Day Pass: €160
What’s Included: Unlimited use of 19 lifts within the Val Gardena area.
Crucial Note: Like the SuperSummer card, this includes the Mont Sëuc cable car from Ortisei, but it does not include the main aerial cableway from Siusi.
Reaching Alpe di Siusi by Bus
You can easily reach Alpe di Siusi without a car. Regional bus services connect valley towns to both lift stations. From Bolzano or Brixen, simply take a bus to Ortisei or Seis am Schlern and connect to the cable cars from there. Check bus route using Suedtirol Mobil Journey Planner.
Our engagement
Things to do
Alpe di Siusi isn't just one meadow; it’s a collection of beautiful regions including Compaccio, Spitzbühl, Joch, Saltria, Hartl, Monte Pana, Monte Piz, and Bullaccia. It is bordered by dramatic valleys like Val Gardena, Valle Ciamin, Valle Duron, Valle di Jender and Valle d'Isarco.
Nature & Wildlife
Keep your eyes peeled! The plateau is home to 790 plant species. With a bit of luck, you might spot rare birds, deer, or chamois against the backdrop of peaks like Santner, Denti di Terrarossa, and Monte Pez.
Hiking Trails
Alpe di Siusi Round Tour: This 10km round tour takes you through the heart of the plateau, offering a perfect mix of wide-open vistas and cozy mountain huts.
The Family tour: This fantastic Family Loop is suitable for everyone and crosses the most iconic parts of the pasture.
Highlights: Incredible views of the Sassolungo, Sassopiatto, Sciliar, and Catinaccio. A small section leads into the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park.
Hans & Paula Steger Trail (Moderate): A beautiful themed trail from Compatsch to Saltria highlighting the area's natural history.
Rifugio Bolzano (Moderate): A steep ascent up the "Tourist Trail" to the Sciliar plateau for the most dramatic views in the region.
