Hans and Paula Steger Trail: Popular Walk on Alpe di Siusi, Dolomites

The Hans and Paula Steger Path (“Hans und Paula Steger Weg” in German, “Sentiero Hans e Paula Steger” in Italian) is an easy hiking trail which connects Compaccio/Compatsch with Saltria atop Alpe di Siusi in the Italian Dolomites

This scenic path cuts across alpine pastures and pockets of forest, delivering memorable views of the Sassolungo/Langkofel and Sciliar/Schlern mountain groups. 

Along the way, you can detour to some of Alpe di Siusi’s most acclaimed alpine pasture huts for gourmet South Tyrolean cuisine. 

Those looking for a short and easy hike, can descend along the Hans and Paula Steger Trail to Saltria and return to Compaccio by bus (Almbus Route 11, 2.50 EUR). 

Those seeking a longer circuit trail, can continue following the Steger Weg to Compaccio via Tirler Alm and Malga Laranzer. 

This popular Alpe di Siusi trail is named after Hans Steger and Paula Wiesinger, two prominent South Tyrolean mountaineers and skiers who created a foundation for the natural conservation of the Alpe di Siusi plateau. They also built Hotel Steger-Dellai and managed it for decades. The foundation created this trail to showcase the beauty of Alpe di Siusi.

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Hans and Paula Steger Trail Map

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How to Get to the Compaccio/Compatsch Trailhead

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Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway

Take the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway (Seiser Alm Bahn – Cabinovia Alpe di Siusi) from Siusi/Seis to Compaccio/Compatsch.

Address | Schlernstreet, 39 39040 Seis am Schlern | Google Maps

Parking | There is a large free parking lot at the cableway valley station.

Summer Season | May 18 – November 3, 2024 (see summer timetable)

Operating Times |

• Late May until Mid-June: 8 am – 6 pm
• Mid-June until Mid-September: 8 am – 7 pm
• Mid-September – Early November: 8 am – 6 pm 

Adult Pricing | 26.50 EUR (roundtrip ticket)

Learn more about Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway prices.

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Car – before 9 am

It’s only possible to drive to Compaccio before 9 am or after 5 pm. The road leading up to Compaccio is closed during the day (between 9 am and 5 pm).

Park at the P2 Car Park at Compaccio.

Parking Lot | Compatsch Parcheggio (aka P2 Car Park). Exact Location: Google Maps.

Parking Fee | 26.50 EUR per vehicle (all day)

Off-Season | If you’re driving up to Compaccio/Compastch when the cableways are not operating (e.g. mid-April to mid-May), then you can drive up at any time. The parking fee is reduced to 13 EUR.

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Bus

The Alpe di Siusi Express/Seiser Alm Express (Bus Route 10) connects Siusi/Seis, Castelrotto/Kastelruth, Frommer, with Compaccio/Compatsch.

Check out this bus service page for updated timetables and pricing.

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Hans and Paula Steger Trail Description

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Compaccio to Saltria (1:25 hours)

From the cableway mountain station, walk down the stairs (on your right) and follow the road towards Hotel Urthaler. 

When you intersect with the main road, turn left and follow the paved road towards the striking St. Francis Church.

Turn left between the wooden church and the mountain rescue building and cross the small parking lot. 

Trail 30 and the Hans and Paula Steger Path begin at the end of the parking lot. 

After about 1 kilometer, cross the paved road, and continue following trail 30 to Saltria. Soon, you’ll pass Hotel Steger-Dellai.

Insider Tip | Shortly after passing the hotel, you can detour on trail 6B to Gostner Schwaige for lunch. This is one of the best places to eat in the region. Their Gostner Heublütensuppe (Mountain Herbs Soup) is sensational. 

The Hans and Paula Steger Trail gently leads through a pocket of forest to a hill, overlooking the  prominent Sassolungo/Langkofel Group. 

The path ever-so-gently descends towards the Sassolungo massif. When the trail intersects with the paved road at the Wiedner Eck bus stop, you have two options. 

You can cross the road and continue descending along the Steger Weg in the direction of Saltria. 

Or, you can detour to Rauchhütte for delicious South Tyrolean food and wine combined with panoramic mountain views. This welcoming hut occupies one of the most enviable locations on the plateau. 

From Wiedner Eck, trail 30 crosses the Römeralm alpine pastures. Cattle graze freely here during the summer months. Signs inform walkers to maintain a safe and respectful distance from livestock. 

As you near Saltria, the path widens and then merges with a paved road. Follow the road into the tiny hamlet of Saltria. 

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Optional: Almbus

It’s possible to end your hike here and take the Almbus (Bus Route 11) back to Compaccio.

A one-way ticket costs 3 EUR (cash only). You can purchase your ticket directly on the bus.

Note: this ride is complimentary for Combi Card and Seiser Alm Card Gold holders. 

From Saltria, the Almbus runs every 20 minutes, starting at 8:45 am and ending at 6:55 pm. These times may vary throughout the season.

Consult seiseralm.it for up-to-date bus timetables and pricing.

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Saltria to Almhütte Tirler (25 minutes)

The extended Steger Weg trail leads to Tirler Alm (trail 9) and Malga Laranzer (trail 12 and 12a), and eventually back to Compaccio (trail 30).

Turn right on trail 9, following the paved road to Almhütte Tirler and Tirler – Dolomites Living Hotel. This is also a  popular bike path. 

It’s a 1.2 km walk to Almhütte Tirler, an atmospheric alpine pasture hut with a restaurant and playground. 

On certain days in summer, an ensemble of alphorn blowers play traditional folk music outside the alm. This musical group conducts free concerts at different huts throughout the season. To find out when and where these alphorn concerts are held, contact the Alpe di Siusi tourist office. 

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Almhütte Tirler to Malga Laranzer (1:10 hours)

Continue following the road towards the Tirler – Dolomites Living Hotel. About 500 meters after passing the hotel, turn right on trail 12, following “Steger Weg” trail signs. This path is also labeled “8B” on paper trail maps. 

Trail 12 is a wide forest road, which weaves through the Spiegelwald forest. 

After about 1.8 km, turn right on trail 12A in the direction of Malga Laranzer (signed 20 minutes). 

Descend through a wooded area to a stream. Cross the stream at the wooden bridge and then continue to Laranzer Schwaige/Malga Laranzer. 

The Laranzer alpine pasture hut is located on a hill just beyond the Floralpina chairlift. 

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Malga Laranzer – Wiedner Eck Bus Stop – Compaccio (1:25 hours)

The gravel path leads between fenced-off alpine pastures to Lanzin Alm. 

Once again, the Sassolungo massif is the primary focus. 

You’ll pass a number of hay huts and private huts as you progress through the valley of Tschafonsbach. 

Eventually, the gravel trail returns to the Wiedner Eck bus stop, thus completing the circuit. 

From the bus stop, follow the familiar Hans and Paula Steger trail back to Compaccio. 

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Where to Stay near Alpe di Siusi

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Compaccio

Compaccio/Compatsch is the largest settlement atop Alpe di Siusi. It’s basically a hub of luxury hotels and tourist shops. In addition to the Hans and Paula Steger Trail, the Rifugio Bolzano and Rifugio Alpe di Tires hikes start in Compaccio as well.

Though Compaccio is accessible by cableway from Siusi/Seis, it’s also possible to drive all the way up here before 9 am or after 5 pm (parking fees apply).

5-Star Luxury | Alpina Dolomites is a modern 5-star hotel designed with the philosophy: Nature, our origin, is also a basic need, like the air we breathe.” Taking in the full sweep of the Sassolungo/Langkofel and Sciliar/Schlern mountains from its divine location, Alpina Dolomites boasts panoramic mountain views, a contemporary wellness area, and gourmet restaurant.

The hotel design is inspired by nature and stitches together a neutral color palette with raw materials. The wellness area comprises a panoramic indoor-outdoor swimming pool, classic Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, saline steam bath, fitness room, and spa.

Look for accommodation in Alpe di Siusi.

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Siusi allo Sciliar 

Siusi allo Sciiar (Seis am Schlern in German) is a village beneath Alpe di Siusi in South Tyrol. The Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway valley station is located in this village.

Budget | Ratzeshof is a hillside farm stay with apartments, located between Siusi and Compaccio. Stay here for the idyllic setting, mountain views, and price point.

Midrange | La Paula Apartments & Suites is a fresh-faced aparthotel in Siusi with lovely rooms, a wellness area (Finnish sauna, steam bath infrared cabin, Salounge, and relaxation rooms), and free parking. Guests love the healthy breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients as well as made-to-order egg dishes. 

Luxury | Sensoria Dolomites (formerly Ritterhof Hotel) is a newly renovated, all-inclusive hotel in Siusi, close to the Alpe di Siusi cableway. With its divinely-crafted interiors and harmonious architecture, Sensoria aims to create a place that nourishes the soul. 

Look for accommodation in Siusi. 

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Castelrotto

The village of Castelrotto (Kastelruth in German, Ciastel in Ladin) is situated at an elevation of 1095 meters, on a plateau above Valle Isarco/Eisacktal valley and beneath Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm. 

Castelrotto is only 3.4 km from Siusi allo Sciliar/Seis am Schlern and 11.4 km from Ortisei/St. Ulrich. Notable attractions include the St. Peter and Paul Parish Church, the nearby Chiesa di San Valentino, Monte Bullaccia and the Marinzen meadows. 

Luxury | Located in the historic center of Castelrotto, the aesthetically-pleasing Schgaguler Hotel stands out with its high glass windows (designed by Peter Pichler), alpine minimalist design, wellness and spa facilities (2 indoor pools, a whirlpool, a sundeck, and 3 saunas), and knowledgeable staff. Rooms feature tasteful furnishings, a neutral color palette, plush bedding, and an abundance of light. 

We highly recommend booking half board, as the hotel kitchen prepares excellent varied and seasonal 4-course meals. Welcome extras include a free bus pass (which includes the bus to Alpe di Siusi) and nearby underground parking garage. 

Luxury | The 4-star Hotel Lamm is a modern, design-forward hotel featuring striking interiors, a luxurious rooftop Sky Spa, and an outstanding on-site restaurant (Zum Lampl). Rooms are thoughtfully designed with elegant oak floors and stylish furnishings.

Guests enjoy free underground parking, a complimentary Seiser Alm Live Card (transit card), and a wonderful wellness area (3 saunas, experience showers, relaxation room, rooftop terrace, and sky pool). 

Look for accommodation in Castelrotto.

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Ortisei

The village of Ortisei (St. Ulrich in German, Urtijëi in Ladin) is located in Val Gardena. Because of its advantageous proximity to the Resciesa Plateau, Seceda, and Alpe di Siusi, many travelers choose to base themselves in Ortisei for a few days.

Read our Ortisei Travel Guide for info on what to see and do during your visit. It’s a 20-minute drive from Ortisei to Siusi/Seis and the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway valley station.

If you stay in Alpe di Siusi, you can access the plateau with the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi gondola. Follow this Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail, which includes the best stretch of the Hans and Paula Steger Trail

Midrange | Casa al Sole is a newly renovated bed and breakfast in the center of Ortisei, only a short walk from the Seceda cableway and the Resciesa funicular. Highlights of staying here include the modern minimal interiors, comfortable bedrooms, warm hospitality, and delicious breakfast. At Casa al Sole, Alexandra and Manuel host with great care and enthusiasm. They are always available to offer advice and help make dinner reservations.

Midrange | Hotel Grones is a top-rated, family-run hotel which excels in its friendly atmosphere, excellent local and Mediterranean cuisine, and lovely rooms. The hotel spa area comprises a swimming pool, hot tub, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and steam bath. 

Luxury | The renovated Boutique Hotel Planlim sparkles with its new wellness area and polished interior design. This hotel is located in a quiet area of Ortisei, only a short walk away from the village center. The hotel Sky Spa encompasses a panoramic rooftop deck with whirlpool, a steam sauna, Finnish sauna, a Kneipp course, and relaxation room. Guests also have access to a garden pool from June until mid-October. 

Luxury | Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Ortisei, home to the Michelin star Ann Stuben gourmet restaurant. This wellness hotel offers unparalleled spa facilities, flawless service, guided hikes and mountain bike tours and a weekly fitness program. Guests are treated to a welcome cocktail, generous breakfast buffet, and afternoon cakes and snacks (3 – 5 pm). 

The extensive wellness area comprises a fitness area, indoor pool, outdoor whirlpool, Finnish sauna, steam bath, bio sauna, ladies-only spa, cold water pool, infrared beds, sauna lounge, floating beds, and warm water beds.

Look for accommodation in Ortisei.

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More Alpe di Siusi Travel and Hiking Guides

• How to Visit Alpe di Siusi
• Rifugio Bolzano Circuit Trail
• Alpe di Siusi to Monte Pana Hike
• Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail