The Alpe di Siusi and the Sciliar Massif
with its famous profile are the subject of old legends
concerning witches and magic. But the aura of mystery
lives on. South Tyrol's trademark, the Sciliar Massif,
dominates Europe's largest high-altitude meadow. Accept
no substitutes: A unique, legendary landscape!
The group of Catinaccio, also known with the name of
Rosengarten, has its origins in a legend of dwarves
and knights. The story says that the very particular
pink color that covers the rock at sunset is due to
the roses of king Laurin. The spectacle lasts few minutes
but is unforgettable, with the sun that reflects on
the walls of the Rosengarten. The group of the Catinaccio
is a fascinating succession of imposing walls and rocky
towers: the Vajolet Towers (2.813 m), Cima Sforcella
(2.810 m), Roda di Vael (2.806 m) and Cima Catinaccio
di Antermoia (3.002 m). These walls unavoidably attract
hikers and climbers from all the world.
Embark on an epic trip of unforgettable scenery and
legend ... |
| 1. day: Arrive at Munich airport,
Germany
Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Munich
near Schwabing. Welcome dinner at a local beer garden.
2. day: Drive to South Tyrol in Italy
On the autobahn we drive via Innsbruck in Austria across
Brenner pass into Italy. Before Bolzano we leave the
autobahn and head up to Castelrotto
(1060 m) on a picturesque and winding road. After lunch
stroll a little through the old part of the town, visit
the old church on the hill above. It' s time to drive
up to Alpe
di Siusi. On a good road with splendid views across
the west of South Tyrol and Austria we reach our solitary
hotel in the midst of undulating meadows. This is Icaro
Hotel at 1910 m.
Drive time 4-5 h
3. day: Hike to the Witches Benches, 2174 m
No need to tremble in fear, the witches have all gone.
Yet still, this lovely hike is very rewarding, historically,
geologically and offers superb panoramic views. Drive
for just 15 minutes to Compacio (1844 m) from where
we start our hike up towards Albergo
Bulaccia (2119 m). Through rhododendron-dotted meadows
the trail winds comfortably to Fillner Cross (2130 m)
from where the famous Val Gardena can be seen. On the
panoramic trail No. 24 we reach Monte Bulaccia (2174
m) in no time. A little lower lie the famous Witches
Benches. Legend has it that the witches congregated
here to practice their magical powers. And indeed, according
to the annals of the 16th century Leonhard of Voels
held court at Castello Presule against 9 women accused
of witchdom.
On our circuit back we reach the Arnika Hut (2061 m),
a welcome place for a break with some pasta, speck and
wine. After lunch we travel on trail A back down to
our car and return to Icaro Hotel.
4. day: Hike to Tierser
Alpl Hut (2440 m) via Schlernhaus
(2457 m)
We leave the car park near Compatsch and walk towards
south on the goods trail, from which we fork off after
a short while (marking 10). We take another goods trail
(marking 5) which connects Frommer with the refuge Saltnerhütte
(1,832 m). An optional way is to use the cable-car up
to Spitzbühel and hike in 45 minutes to Saltnerhütte.
The hiking track called Touristensteig (marking 1) leads
us in many serpentine turns through a terrain full of
mountain pines. Around 3 hours after leaving Compatsch
we reach Schlernhaus (2457 m) of the Sciliar Massif.
The view is breathtaking and lunch is waiting for us.
From there, an almost flat track (marking 3-4) leads
across the plateau to Tierser Alpl Hut (about 2 hours).
After reaching the Western side of the Roterdspitze,
we walk to the upper edge of Bärenlochtal at the
end of the Tschamin Valley . From there the trail (marking
4) goes through the dark Wengen Laven to the refuge
Tierser-Alpl-Hütte (2,440 m). Recline and enjoy
the wonderful food.
>> Those who want to take it easier, can reach
the Tierser Alpl Hut by taking the Panorama cable car
and hike in about 2 h to the hut.
5. day: Molignon pass - Grasleiten Hut - Tierser Alpl
Hut
After a good breakfast we start our hike uphill
to the Molignon pass, 2604 m. The Kesselkogel, highest
peak in the Rosengarten, makes a dominating presence.
We continue to Grasleiten Hut, 2134 m, for a break before
returning via Tschamin valley and through the 'Bear
Hole' to our hut.
After lunch transfer by car to the Gardeccia Hut. We
drive down to Siusi via Seiseralm and on to Tiers
on very good and scenic roads. On to St. Cyprian and
across the Karer Pass (1752 m) into Val di Fassa to
Pozza di Fassa (> webcam).
Here the road branches off to the Gardeccia
Hut (1950 m). Drive time 2 h.
6. day: Great Rosengarten - Vajolet Towers
We hike up to Rifugio Vajolet (2243 m, 45 min.) past
Catinaccio (Rosengarten Spitze) and turn west. A couloir
leads up to the Gartl Hut at 2821 m. From this amphitheater
we have have an excellent view of the Vajolet
Towers. We retreat along the same trail down to
the Rifugio
Vajolet for lunch and settle down.
7. day: Rifugio Vajolet - Rif. Antermoia - Val Duron
After a good nights sleep in the heart of Rosengarten
we follow trail 584 and the Ciadenac d'Antermoa (Catinaccio
d'Antermoia) mountain (3002 m) becomes increasingly
imposing, and eventually we will reach the Rifugio
Passo Principe (2599 m), which as the name suggests
is on the pass (1.5 h). On the trail to the right we
trek up by the base of the Ciadenac d'Antermoa. The
path is a steep zigzag and soon brings us to the Passo
d'Antermoa (2770 m). Down the other side is the valley
of Antermoa with its lake. The legend tells that Oswald
von Wolkenstein, a famous bard of Castelvecchio, was
fallen in love with the beautiful Antermoia (read
on). At the end of the valley is the Rifugio Antermoia
at 2497 m (45 min. from pass). Now on path no. 580 to
the Passo Dona (2516 m) and descend to the Val de Dona,
first over the scree and then grass. We leave trail
no. 580 and continue on no. 578 cutting diagonally across
to the Pas de le Ciaregole (2282 m). Behind the pass
is the Val Duron, and the valley floor is reached by
way of a path of black volcanic rock which then takes
us through an alder wood. A stream is to be crossed
at the bottom and turning right on trail no. 532 towards
the Baita da Lino Brach we can get some refreshments.
Rifugio
Micheluzzi at 1,850 m is soon reached. Our car will
transfer us from Baita Fraina to Campitello
di Fassa (1448 m) to the hotel Gran Chalet Soreghes.
full
itinerary here |
