Hike Europe's Largest High-Alpine Meadow At Italy's Dolomites
By Hillary Louise Johnson
VACATIONS
The Alpe di Siusi in Italy's Dolomite mountain range is Europe's largest and possibly most idyllic meadowlands, offering miles of trails for visitors to explore.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is multicultural, often interchangeably referred to by its Italian name, Alpe di Siusi, or its German one, Seiser Alm.
Alpe di Siusi doesn't allow private car traffic between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the summer and winter; however, you can enter the area from the Aerial Cableway at Seis am Schlern.
Once in the Alpe di Siusi Nature Preserve, there are 280 miles worth of well-signed trails, such as the popular Panorama Trail and the Trail of Witches.
With there being nearly 14,000 acres to explore, visitors can stay overnight. The area's beautiful sunsets and sunrises are two compelling reasons to do so.
You don't need to pack a tent for your multi-day trek of the area as there are 56 huts in Alpe di Siusi, ranging from micro-hotels to solo off-the-grid rustic cabins.