The Seiser Alm, located in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, Italy, near Bolzano, is a paradise for cyclists who love breathtaking landscapes and challenging routes. As the largest mountain plateau in Europe, the Seiser Alm offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for road and gravel bikers alike.
Cycling on the Seiser Alm
With an extensive network of roads and paths, cyclists of all levels can enjoy the Seiser Alm. The paved roads wind through picturesque villages and offer the most beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For gravel enthusiasts, there are numerous unpaved trails that wind through the beautiful alpine meadows and forests. Is the Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi) unique? No. Certainly not. But it is truly very beautiful.
Routes
A popular route is the climb to Compatsch, the heart of the Seiser Alm. This climb starts in the village of Seis am Schlern and rises over a distance of about 8 kilometers with an average ascent of 8%. Once above, cyclists are rewarded with a vast view over the plateau and the surrounding Dolomites.
Alpe di Siusi, Bolzano, Italy, Italy
• Distance: 16.8 km, Elevation difference: 1339 m, Average gradient: 7.9 %
Another recommended route is the beautiful Val Gardena – Seiser Alm tour. This 35.8-kilometer route starts at the valley station of the Seiser Alm cable car and offers a mix of climbs and descents with even more views of the surrounding Dolomites. The route reaches a maximum altitude of 2,083 meters and has a total of 1,323 meters of elevation gain.
MTB paradise
This region is also a must-visit destination for MTB enthusiasts. Mountain bikers on the Seiser Alm can enjoy an extensive network of 600 kilometers of trails and routes, ranging from technical singletracks to wide gravel paths. The region offers challenging climbs and fast descents, ideal for both experienced riders and recreational bikers. Popular trails wind through alpine meadows and forests, with elevation differences that can be easily overcome thanks to modern cable cars. Routes like the famous “Freeride Ciampinoi” or the challenging “Seiser Alm Ronda” combine spectacular views with thrilling descents. Additionally, the trails connect the high plateau with lower-lying villages such as Kastelruth and Seis am Schlern, offering a wide variety of terrain and difficulty levels.
SudTirol is culture!
In addition to cycling, the Seiser Alm also offers plenty of culture. The region is known for its traditional South Tyrolean villages, where you can certainly find many local festivals and markets in the summer. A visit to the Prösels castle or the church of San Valentino It's always a good idea. You can include it as a break during your ride, but we recommend that you definitely visit the castle separately!
Practical tips
- Best time to travelThe months of May to September offer the most stable weather conditions for cycling. However, keep in mind that you are in the mountains here. The weather can change at any time, so make sure you are well prepared when you go out.
- AccommodationThere are numerous cycling-friendly accommodations in the region that offer special facilities for cyclists, such as secure storage spaces and repair facilities. The website Bike Hotels South Tyrol is a good source. A tip from us: HOTEL DIGON in Val Gardena. ‘Bike up, slow down’.
- This is also our article about the best bike hotels in South Tyrol
- Rental and guidesLocal bike rental companies and guides can help you plan routes that suit your level and interests.
The Seiser Alm in the Dolomites is fantastic. If you go by bike, you’re also close to the Sella Ronda, That is also a brilliant classic ride.
More about the Seiser Alm can be found here
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.