Towers of vertical limestone tinged pink in the evening light loom above the rolling, green meadows and intriguing castles, ruins and onion-domed church steeples of the villages below in the enchanting Alto Adige region of Northern Italy. The Dolomites are one of the earth's most dramatic ranges and a paradise for hikers who come to enjoy the startling, vertical topography as well as the charming blend of cultures in the villages beneath.
Our point-to-point hiking route through the region traverses from west to east and links not only the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Sciliar, Sassolungo, Puez and Tofane ranges, but the most atmospheric and authentic villages along the way. Hiking days are moderately strenuous -- five to seven miles with up to 1500 feet of elevation gain. To hike between villages, you will rely primarily on high mountain footpaths, many above treeline, and take advantage of a number of lifts so that you can use your energy to climb high into the peaks for views over the Dolomites to the Austrian Alps and the Marmolada, one of Italy's most difficult summits. More challenging or less challenging options will be outlined on some days, but all hikers should be prepared for the most challenging days listed on the itinerary.
One of the great charms of the Alto Adige is the region's mix of culture. You'll begin in the antique, German speaking, Tyrolean village of Castelrotto, with its cobblestone streets and looming church tower. Above the village, hovers the Sciliar, an impressive rampart of limestone, and the objective of your second day's hike, which begins from Alpe di Siusi, or Seiser Alm, a spectacular alp, or meadow, that is the largest in Europe. From here, the views seem endless: from the Ortler, Stubaier and Zillertaler Alps of Austria to the north, to the nearer peaks of the Sassopiatto and Sassolungo ranges. After a day spent hiking beneath the Sassolungo, you'll descend into the Val Gardena, a long a narrow valley beneath the Pordoi, Gardena and Sella Passes, and home to a number of quaint Tyrolean villages. Here you'll overnight in the principal village of Selva or Wolkenstein. After ascending the passo gardena, you'll cross into the Alta Badia, a valley with an intriguing remnant from the Roman Empire-- the Ladin or Romansch culture with its unique language, a blend of Latin and Celtic tongues.
Along the way, we have chosen the most charming four star inns, with one night in a simple mountain refuge. From antique Tyrolean inns with hand painted furniture, to superior four star inns known for their hospitality, ambiance and cuisine, we have hand selected each inn to reflect the unique character and atmosphere of each village. The cuisine is a delicious blend of Tyrolean and Italian influences, and the many wines of the Alto Adige are a fabulous accompaniment to every meal.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Travel independently by rail to Bolzano and by bus to Castelrotto. Visit the Ice man museum in Bolzano if you have time.
Day 2 Today you'll enjoy a gentle warm up hike from Castelrotto through lush forest and wonderful green meadows.You'll enjoy spactacular views of the Sciliar above and the towns below before looping back to Castelrotto.
Day 3 Today's hike begins in Alpe di Siusi, the largest meadow, or alp, in the Alps. Views extend to the Austrian Alps to the north and to the region's dominant peaks, the Sassopiatto, Sassolungo and today's objective, the Sciliar. Overnight in the simple but charming mountain hut on Zellinger. Distance: 5 miles
Day 4 Today you'll enjoy expansive views over the Alpe di Siusi as you head toward the Sassopiatto and Sassolungo. Our route travels directly beneath the Sassolungo before crossing over the Alp di Suis and a nice gondola ride to the bottom of the valley. A short transfer delivers you to Selva in Gardena and our welcoming 4 star inn. Distance: 6 miles
Day 5 Today we ascend to Passo Gardena by gondola. We hike through lush forest with a towering limestone wall and good possiblilities of seeing climbers high up on the wall. It is all descent today to the village of Corvara in the Alta Badia, a valley where the Ladin culture dominates. Overnight in a superior 4 star inn. Distance: 6 miles
Day 6 You'll begin this morning on a river walk in the Val Di Corvara. The trail shadows the Rio Gadera to the small town of La Villa where a gondola boosts you to the Forceles and grand, 180 degree views of the Puez group, the Sella group and the glacier covered Marmolada. Return to Corvara by decending a mix of trail and dirt roads or if you are tired, ride the chairlift right back in to your 4 star hotel. Distance: 6 miles
Day 7 Departure.
