The Dolomites: Meadows, Mountains, Magic (Part 2)

This post is about the magic of the meadows. Unlike the more vertical, cliff-heavy parts of the Dolomites, the high meadows stretch in vast, rolling hills, full of their own wildness.

1. About Italy’s Dolomites
2. Knock-Yourself-Out Sites
   1. Seceda – “If you only do one thing…this is it.”
   2. Seceda – Pieralongia Rocks
   3. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)- Europe’s Largest Alpine Meadow
3. Practical Tips for First-Timers
4. Where We Stayed

For Part 1 about the Dolomites Peaks – Click Here

About Italy’s Dolomites

In 2009, UNESCO recognized nine regions of the Dolomites as a World Heritage Site—an alpine wonderland.

• Valleys dotted with villages and cable lifts to high trails
• Forests and rolling alpine meadows
• Craggy ridgelines and surreal stone plateaus
• Iconic peaks that stop you in your tracks

Knock-Yourself-Out Sites

For first-time visitors (like us), planning was tough. So we focused on the icons—the must-sees: 1) Seceda Ridgeline; 2) Pieralongia Rocks; 3) Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm).

Seceda – “If you only do one thing…this is it.”

• From Ortisei, ride the cableways to the top of Seceda.
• 10-minute uphill slog to the legendary view of Odle Peaks, stabbing the sky like jagged teeth.
• Bring layers: the wind bites, even on sunny days.

Helpful Post – How to See Seceda: Seceda Ridgeline Hike

At 8,264 ft (2,519 m), the scale of Seceda is humbling. Here, my friend Linda and I are steps from the ridgeline dropping away dramatically, it felt like standing at the edge of a dream.

Seceda – Pieralongia Rocks

Trail 2B descends 2.5 miles into this lush valley, impossible (for me) to resist. You only realize the downhill slope when you see those returning, breathing heavily. The out-and-back trail takes about 2 hours, with meadow views along the way.

Destination, Pieralongia Rocks—a pair of 60-meter-high spires, nicknamed the “rabbit ears.”

Just before the rocks, you’ll stumble upon Rifugio Malga Pieralongia—a mountain hut with homemade food, a sunny terrace, a play area with a swing, and even a barnyard with donkeys, and alpacas.

⚠️ The return climb: Be aware—the hike back up is a grind. I tried every possible detour looking for an easier way back. Spoiler: there isn’t one.

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Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)- Europe’s Largest Alpine Meadow

If Seceda is dramatic, Alpe di Siusi is pure alpine bliss. Stretching from 5,200 ft to 9,700 ft, this vast meadow is criss-crossed by hiking and biking trails, framed by the Sassolungo and Schlern peaks.

• From Ortisei: take the Mont Sëuc cable car. Turn right for an easy panorama stroll; left for a valley path (but beware: the return is steep!)..
• From Siusi (Seis): ride the cable car to Compatsch. From here, rent e-bikes, explore the Witches’ Walk (3 hrs)
• Driving: Compatsch road is closed to private traffic from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., except for bicycles.

Just 4 hours drive from Milan, our Italian friends joined us in Ortisei which made for lots of laughter . . .and occasional trail confusion (even with well-marked routes).

Practical Tips for First-Timers

• Best time: June or late September—lighter crowds, gorgeous conditions
• Weather: Bring layers. It can change from sun to snow in minutes (No kidding!)
• Golden rule of hiking here: “Early and dry vs. late and wet.” Start early—you’ll thank yourself when afternoon storms roll in.

Where We Stayed

Ortisei, Val Gardena – a charming alpine town famous for woodcarving, cafés, with direct gondola access to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.

👉 Tip: Consider apartment rentals in Ortisei or nearby Santa Cristina—an alternative to expensive hotels.

The Dolomites are impossible to see in just one trip—we’re planning our return. What’s your favorite Dolomites trail? Drop a comment below—we’d love your recommendations.

Our Roadtrip Austria/Italy – 3 Weeks June 6 to 27

All sites within a few hours drive. More stories in progress.

1. Wachau – wine country near Vienna
2. St. Wolfgang, Lakes Region
3. South to the Dolomites via Grossglockner Road – Click Here
4. Dolomites, Part 1 “High Hopes, Higher Peaks” – Click Here
5. Innsbruck and Salzburg, Austria

For Blog Archive and Photo Gallery – CLICK HERE