Looking for advice on which town to stay in for 3 full days to explore the Dolomites and Alpe di Suisi. We won't have a car and will only be using Buses and Trains. Seen pictures of both cities and is one better then the other to stay to explore the area and the lifts? Or is Bolzano better and just day trip each day towards the lifts?
Posted by
Green Bay
20168 posts
I'd stay in Ortisei as it is in the mountains, has good bus service to Bolzano and other points in the valley and extensive lift network right there. Also good restaurants and many hotels from B&B's to 5-star luxury.
Posted by
NYC area
2910 posts
Hi Robert,
What month?
Ortisei. Castelrotto is not in the Dolomites, but on the outskirts. Bolzano is a busy city even further on the outskirts, about 40 minutes from the Dolomites. Ortisei is in the Val Gardena, right in the Dolomites. Ortisei is the largest and the only "town" in the Val Gardena, with a smallish but nice pedestrian zone. St. Christina (smallest) and Selva are good choices also, as all 3 are just a few minutes from one another by bus, St. Christina being in the middle.
Paul
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Robert,
I suppose either one would fit the goals that you mentioned. I haven't been to Ortisei yet, but it seems to be favoured by more people on the forum. I found Castelrotto to be a good "home base" to explore that area. It's an easy trip from Castelrotto to Alpi di Siusi by Bus and you can also take the Chair Lift to Marinzen and hike from there to Alpi di Siusi, assuming the lift is operating (the hike is about 1H:10M according to the signs).
I wouldn't suggest staying in Bolzano and day-tripping as you'll waste too much time in transit each day. As I recall, travel to Castelrotto is at least an hour each way by Bus.
Posted by
Washington DC
27175 posts
I, too, preferred Ortisei to Castelrotto, though I enjoyed walking around Castelrotto for an hour or two, and the Alpe di Siusi hiking options are very good.
Bolzano's a very attractive city with some interesting museums. The tourist zone is easily walkable from the train station and bus station. It's worth a day-trip from wherever you choose to stay.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
I prefer Ortisei ; great location and a very pretty town with shopping, restaurants, etc...
If you want access to alpe di Suisi at all hours though stay at neither and stay at one of the many hotels on the alpe di Suisi itself
Ortisei keep in mind has 3 different lifts in town and I prefer Seceda for views over Alpe Di Suisi
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15202 posts
My vote also goes to Ortisei. Hands down.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1091 posts
We stayed at Hotel Fortuna in Ortisei and loved it. Great mountain views, two blocks walking to the town center and funicular to take you straight up to the Alpe di Siusi. Lovely town with plenty of restaurant choices.
Agree with Roberto : hands down, Ortisei.
Posted by
georgetown, KY, USA
107 posts
We loved Ortisei. With the 3 lifts ( one that goes to the Alpe di Siusi) we spent 5 days exploring the dolomites and never used our car.
Posted by
7 posts
My girl and I are planning on staying in Bolzano. I'm trying to get a DJ gig in Ortisei while we're there, which looks like it has a great nightlife. Everything we've read and researched led us to believe that it would be better to stay in Bolzano for the trip and just take shuttles to ski. The activities - day and night (in case there's less snow than we'd hoped) - look to be a lot more varied in Bolzano. Plus, you're looking at way lower costs than staying in resort villages. We're from Tahoe...consider the difference between staying in Reno or Carson City vs. staying in Truckee or South Lake Tahoe. Everything is cheaper, though maybe someone less charming 100% of the time. Get to know locals, though, and you'll have a good time in the less touristy areas.
Posted by
54 posts
No question, no need to even THINK about it: Ortisei