The Alpe di Siusi Edelweiss Loop is one of the most scenic bike rides in the Dolomites. At 27.7 km with about 930m of climbing and some steep unpaved sections, it is best suited to experienced recreational riders, mountain bikers and e-bike riders comfortable on gravel.

Located in the heart of South Tyrol’s Seiser Alm, this loop takes you through alpine meadows, sweeping mountain vistas, and plenty of fresh mountain air.

We LOVE cycling in the Dolomites! Our favourite location in northern Italy is the Val Gardena and the Alpe di Siusi, the largest alpine meadow in Europe. The plateau is also known as the Seiser Alm in German and Mont Sëuc in Ladin.

Many places in South Tyrol and the Ladin valleys have Italian, German and Ladin names, reflecting the region’s history and its three living language communities.

The area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its breathtaking scenery and iconic Dolomite peaks.

RIDE AT A GLANCE

Distance: 28 km loop
Surface: Paved roads, packed gravel and dirt
Difficulty: Mostly easy paved and gravel trails with some steeper sections
Elevation gain: Approximately 930 m
Direction: best ridden counter-clockwise
Best for: Experienced recreational riders, mountain bikers, capable gravel riders and e-bike riders
Best season: Generally May to October, depending on snow and trail conditions

My favourite ride, the Edelweiss Loop combines paved roads, packed gravel and dirt, with some steep sections. It’s best done in a counter-clockwise direction. A mountain bike or capable gravel bike is recommended; an e-bike makes the substantial climbing more manageable.

plan your ride

View this ride on a Google map
Alpe di Siusi hiking map
Val Gardena bike routes map
Follow the Edelweiss Loop on RideWithGPS

Why You’ll Love This Ride

Alpine Meadows & Wildflowers – Rolling landscapes blanketed in colorful summer blooms, including the famous Edelweiss.
Panoramic Views – Sweeping vistas of the Sassolungo, Schlern, and Sella mountain groups.
Mountain Huts – Stop at the Edelweiss Hütte, a traditional rifugio for South Tyrolean specialties like speck, cheese, and apple strudel. I call this ride the Edelweiss Loop as we always stop here for lunch!
Scenic Mixed-Surface Trails – A mix of packed gravel and dirt paths makes this route enjoyable for mountain bikes, capable gravel bikes and e-bikes.

NOTES & TIPS

Where to Stay: Ortisei/St.Ulrich is our favourite base for exploring the area. With three gondolas from the valley leading to different regions, it’s easy access to great hiking and biking routes. We’ve ridden or walked most of the trails in the Alpe di Siusi, and will go back again. Information and maps at Val Gardena Tourism
Bike Rentals & Tours: MTB School Ortisei rents bikes and offers guided tours. They’re conveniently located at the bottom of the gondola.
How to get there: Take the Mont Sëuc-Alpe di Siusi gondola. As you step out of the gondola, you’ll be greeted by Sassolungo (3,181 m)—the iconic peak of Val Gardena and one of the most recognizable mountains in South Tyrol.

The Alpe di Siusi–Edelweiss Loop is a rewarding mountain ride that captures the magic of the Dolomites. Allow plenty of time for the climbs, changing surfaces, photographs and, of course, lunch at the Edelweiss Hütte.