The Sciliar Plateau is rich in legends and is an ideal area for sports activities all year round. Travel to Alpe di Siusi
The legendary and sunny Sciliar Plateau in Alpe di Siusi in South Tyrol is an integral part of the Dolomite Sciliar group and in the east lies the important Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. Its silhouette is unmistakable thanks to the two peaks Punta Santner (Santnerspitze in German) and Punta Euringer, which has also become the emblem of the South Tyrol region.
Punta Santer or Punta Sciliar, which reaches a height of 2,414 metres, is a dolomite spire in South Tyrol and is the final part of the massif. In ancient times, Punta Santer was called "Punta del Diavolo" (Devil's Peak) or "Punta Grande di Razzes" (Great Razzes Peak), but in the end it took its current name from the climber who made the first ascent in 1880, Johann Santner. Punta Euringer is slightly lower than Santer, but it still reaches 2,400 metres. The plateau also includes Monte Castello or Burgstall (2,515 metres), Monte Pez, the highest peak at 2,563 metres, where the Bolzano Hut is located (2,457 metres).
The plateau is made up of a limestone massif and is said to be shrouded in ancient legends, which revolve around the witches, the Sciliar Witches or Schlernhexen in German, who are said to have lived on it. The Schlernhexen are always blamed for the strongest storms. In addition to the witches, recent studies have shown that this area was already inhabited in the Bronze Age (3500 BC - 12300 BC) and the main functions are thought to be worship and high mountain grazing.
The Sciliar massif can be reached from various locations, from Val di Tires, from Siusi, from Fiè allo Sciliar and, above all, from Alpe di Siusi. In a clockwise direction its geographical limits are the Valle Isarco, the Denti di Terra Rossa pass, the Alpe di Tires pass and the Val di Tires.
The imposing Sciliar massif borders on the Alpe di Siusi, considered to be Europe's largest alpine pasture, which attracts with splendid and scenic summer and winter activities. For example, the Sciliar area is a ski area and is connected to the Val Gardena ski area. Both are part of the Dolomiti Superski ski carousel.
Sporting activities on the plateau
In the winter season alpine skiers and snowboarders can enjoy over 60 km of ski slopes, while cross-country skiers have 80 km of circuits at their disposal. Families with children can also have a lot of fun, thanks to the many amusement parks with modern equipment and games suitable for all age groups. Skiing, snowshoeing or simply skating on the frozen lakes in the magnificent Alpe di Siusi means always being surrounded by fascinating panoramic views of the Dolomites and the Sciliar massif.
Discover the Alpe di Siusi Ski Area
During the summer, the Sciliar turns into a hiking paradise with many pleasant walks through villages and ponds, meadows and fields, well-marked paths through green forests, but also challenging mountain trails leading up to the peaks of the Dolomites. (We recommend tackling the mountain trails in the company of experienced local mountain guides!).
The plateau, however, also offers fun alternatives to mountain walks: mountain bike tours with challenging climbs, downhill trails to descend in one breath or adrenaline-filled climbs on the majestic equipped rock faces.
How to get to Alpe di Siusi
By plane
The nearest airports are in Verona Villafranca (180 km approx.), Bolzano (40 km) and Innsbruck (120 km). From these the connections by bus or train are excellent.
By car
From Modena (A22), Milan (A4), Verona (A22) to the Chiusa - Altipiano dello Sciliar exit: Castelrotto 17 km, Siusi 17 km, Alpe di Siusi 24 km, Fiè allo Sciliar 22 km.
By train
Stop for all IC and EC trains at Bolzano and Bressanone station. Transfer possible by modern bus services.
By bus
Bus service to the Schlern Plateau from Bolzano, Bressanone and Chiusa (railway stations).
