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 both road and gravel bikers.
Cycling on the Seiser Alm
With an extensive network of roads and trails, cyclists of all levels can enjoy the Seiser Alm. The paved roads wind through picturesque villages and offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. For gravel enthusiasts, there are numerous unpaved paths that run through lush alpine meadows and forests, making for an adventurous riding experience.
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 kilometres with an average gradient of 8%. Once at the top, cyclists are rewarded with sweeping views of the plateau and 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 stunning Val Gardena - Seiser Alm tour. This 35.8-kilometre route starts at the Seiser Alm cable car valley station and offers a mix of ascents and descents with breathtaking views of the surrounding Dolomites. The route reaches a maximum altitude of 2,083 metres and has a total of 1323 altitude metres.
MTB paradise
This region is also highly recommended for MTB riders. Mountain bikers on the Seiser Alm can enjoy an extensive network of 600 kilometres 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 lead through alpine meadows and forests, with height differences easily bridged thanks to modern cable cars. Routes such as the well-known "Freeride Ciampinoi" or the challenging "Seiser Alm Ronda" combine spectacular views with exciting descents. Moreover, the trails connect the high plateau with lower-lying villages such as Kastelruth and Seis am Schlern, providing plenty of variation in surface and difficulty.
SudTirol is culture!
Besides cycling, the Seiser Alm also offers a lot of culture. The region is known for its traditional Sud-Tyrolean villages, where you can find many local festivals and markets, especially in summer. A visit to the castle of Prösels Whether the church of San Valentino is always a must-see. You can include it as a break stop during your drive, but we recommend definitely visiting the castle separately!
Practical tips
- Best travel time: The months of May to September offer the most stable weather conditions for cycling. Keep in mind that you are in the mountains here. The weather can turn at any time, so make sure you set out well prepared.
- Accommodation: There are numerous bike-friendly accommodations in the region that offer special amenities for cyclists, such as secure storage areas and repair facilities. The website Bike Hotels South Tyrol is a good resource. A tip from us: HOTEL DIGON In Val Gardena. 'Bike up, slow down'
- Rentals and guides: Local bike rental companies and guides can help you plan routes to suit your level and interests.
The Seiser Alm in the Dolomites is fantastic. If you go by road bike you are also close to the Sella Ronda, That is also a brilliant classic ride.
Find out more about the Seiser Alm here
