Friday 31 August 2012

Excursions in autumn

Autumn is on its way. During day time you can still feel the summer on your skin but in the morning and in the evening temperatures fall slowly welcoming autumn.  After the heat of the past days someone is looking forward to enjoying Indian summer. On September 1, the meteorological fall begins: here some suggestions for leisurely autumn hiking tours in the Dolomites.

Castelrotto – Cult place: The Hill of Castelrotto (Colle/Kofel)
The 14 stations of the Peace Trail lead up to the Hill of Castelrotto, an ancient cult place. This leisurely excursion is a must for everyone in love with this lovely village. Not to miss: Linger a moment and enjoy the silence!

Alpe di Siusi – Magic all around: The Bullaccia Round
The Bullaccia Round leads you to the "Engelrast" and from there to the Filln-Kreuz and the witches' benches. From here, you can walk via the Goller Cross to the end of the circular route. The Bullaccia Round is a magical experience. Not to miss: take a rest on the witches' benches – just like the Sciliar witches!

Siusi – On a knight's footsteps: The Oswald von Wolkenstein Trail
The Oswald von Wolkenstein Trail, in honour of the homonymous knight and poet, leads past the two castle ruins of Salego and Castelvecchio. Both are linked to Oswald von Wolkenstein's life and work. Not to miss: take a look at the legends book!

Fiè – Culinary delights: The Farmstead Trail
The Farmstead Trail leads from Prösels Castle to the chapel of Santa Caterina and runs through a varied natural and cultural landscape. Not to miss: törggelen!

Friday 24 August 2012

Exploring the Dolomites

Enjoy the sunrise on the Sciliar mountain, get an eagle's view of the Dolomites or immerse yourself in the farmer's world: the Alpe di Siusi holiday area boasts some spectacular sceneries, from Dolomite peaks and epic lakes and ponds to stunning alpine meadows. One day you're cycling through the Sciliar-Catinaccio nature park, the next you're swimming in one of Italy's most beautiful swimming lakes, the Laghetto di Fiè. You can go hut-to-hut on the Alpe di Siusi, climb a Dolomite peak or saunter through the villages of Castelrotto, Siusi and Fiè allo Sciliar. Opt for challenging day routes or leisurely strolls. The most popular hiking trail is the one leading from the Alpe di Siusi to the Sciliar mountain but you may also consider the more challenging climb up the Sassopiatto peak or trek around the Sassolungo group.

The Dolomites are known for their outdoor beauty but even on rainy days there are lots of things to do and experience in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area: bouldering, climbing without a rope, is nothing but fun – and a good alternative to outdoor activities. You may take a hay bath and enjoy its relaxing effects or you stay dry while visiting Prösels Castle, built by the Lords of Fiè aroung the year 1200. So you won't need to worry about bad weather either.

Foodies will enjoy both – South Tyrolean specialities and Mediterranean cuisine. Among the most popular dishes rank the dumplings and the strudel in all their varieties. On September 7, the village of Siusi invites to the strudel feast where you can taste different strudel and of course, the apple strudel won’t be missing.