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Dolomites hikes near Bolzano Italy

We will be in Bolzano in August and looking for some Family day hikes in the Mountains. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

Posted by
26836 posts

I know you'll get some good responses from others, but I want to be sure you realize how hot it can be in Bolzano (as opposed to up in the mountains) during the summer. Be sure your lodgings are air conditioned. (I am the voice of experience.)

Posted by
197 posts

We did a couple of day hikes from Bolzano when we were there last summer. Alta Badia (we took the gondola up to the top then hiked for a few hours.) It's breathtaking up there! The other, shorter hike we did was around lago di Braies. It's a locals favorite day hike around a beautiful alpine lake. You won't hear much English around there.

And, as the previous poster mentioned, make sure your lodging has ac. It does get hot but certainly manageable. Enjoy your visit!

Posted by
19650 posts

Your closest is likely a bus to Castelrotto (Kastelruth) and then ride the gondola up to the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm). Lots of hiking trails through the meadows with occasional chairlifts to boost you up hills if you want.

Per advice already given by others, seriously consider staying in the mountains, Castelrotto, or better, Ortisei. All reachable by frequent buses from Bolzano.

Posted by
37 posts

We will have a car and we have friends in Laives which is near Bolzano. We will be staying with them. They are not hikers so I thought I would ask this forum.

Posted by
19650 posts

Then you can drive to the Seiser Alm lift. Get on the A-22 north, exit at Bolzano Nord, continue north on the SS12 about 2 miles, then take the LS24. That is at a "Y" in the middle of a short tunnel, stay to the left, then a switchback road up the mountain about 7 miles.

Posted by
37 posts

We don't need rooms. We are staying with our friends.

Posted by
37 posts

Thanks for the information. Has anyone hiked up to the Seceda Puez-Odle?

Posted by
11247 posts

How ambitious are you as hikers? You said family hikes. What duration can you handle and how much elevation?

Posted by
37 posts

Some of us are strong hikers and some are moderate. The Elevation should be fine we have all been in higher elevation. How long of a hike is it? Is it considered a moderate to easy hike or difficult? How do you get there?

Posted by
11247 posts

My favorite hike, the one I tell people to take if they can only take one, is the Hans and Paula Steiger Natire Trail on the Alpe di Siusi. Ride up in the big blue gondola at Siusi, take the 8km trek, having lunch at Malga Laranzer, then ending at Saltria where you can choose to return to Compatsch via bus or walk the additional hour. Return to Siusi by gondola. There is a large car park at the gondola base station.

You can get more detailed directions for the trail locally. It is not hard at all, but satisfying.

Rick Steves’ guidebook has a moderately strenuous hike in the same area that starts at Panorama and goes to Zallinger. Very nice day hike.

If you can see your way ditch your car, take a bus to Siusi, take the lift up, hike one of the trails above, then hike from Saltria to Mont Seuc returning to Ortisei on the cable car there. For me, a long day, but age is probably on your side.