Day trip destination
Alpine pasture Plätzwiese: a paradise in green
The high plateau of Plätzwiese, one of the prettiest hiking areas in South Tyrol, is part of Pragsertal valley.
Right after entering Pragsertal valley, it forks into two side valleys. Both have highlights in store once you reach the end: one can boast Pragser Wildsee lake, while the other boasts the Plätzwiese plateau in Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. Once the snow has melted, the meadows of this elevated spot set at 2,000 metres above sea level put on a show of colour. From here, between the Dürrenstein and the 3,000-metre-high Hohe Gaisl peak, some of the most famous mountains of the Dolomites come into view: Monte Cristallo, the 'Drei Zinnen' peaks, the Tofana and Marmolata mountains. This is a great place for switching off from your daily routine, especially in the cosy huts found on the mountain pastures serving culinary treats from the Upper Pustertal valley.
Summer and winter too
In summer, this high plateau makes the ideal place to go Nordic Walking, set off on a mountain bike tour or on a hike. In winter, you can also get about on touring skis or wearing snow shoes. Plätzwiese is particularly popular with keen cross-country skiers, who really appreciate the seven kilometres of varied circuit trails. International athletes train here too, but the terrain is also suitable for beginners.
Atop Strudelkopf mountain
Plätzwiese plateau is a real treasure trove for nature-lovers and keen mountain hikers. There are lots of high Alpine tours starting from here and you can explore the Dolomites in all their splendour on easy family walks, too. Anyone wishing to admire the Drei Zinnen peaks from a new perspective should head for Strudelkopf mountain. First of all, you go up to the Dürrenstein refuge at 2,040 metres above sea level, and then carry on to Strudelkopf Sattel col at 2,200 metres. The path leads eastwards from the col to the Heimkehrer-Kreuz cross on the Strudelkopf mountain at 2,307 metres in altitude, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Prags Dolomites and the Drei Zinnen peaks in the neighbouring Sexten Dolomites. The way back is by the same route and the hike lasts around three hours. Doing this walk early in the morning, when the sun slowly comes up over the mountains and rises into the sky, is twice as spectacular.
Plätzwiese
Further information
The Plätzwiese high plateau lies at around 2,000 metres above sea level in Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park and is one of the Dolomites’ most impressive natural highlights. This vast alpine plateau captivates visitors with its flowering mountain meadows, open landscapes and panoramic views of striking peaks such as Hohe Gaisl, Dürrenstein and the Tofane mountains.
In summer, the Plätzwiese high plateau is an inviting destination for leisurely walks and hikes through the alpine landscape. Whether you choose a relaxed stroll across the plateau or a more challenging tour to the surrounding peaks, there are many ways to discover the Dolomites from different perspectives.
In winter, the Plätzwiese high plateau transforms into a snow-covered mountain landscape. Winter walks and snowshoe hikes lead through peaceful surroundings, offering impressive views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks. A special highlight is the Plätzwiese high-altitude cross-country ski trail, which winds through the winter landscape at around 2,000 metres above sea level, offering cross-country skiing enthusiasts a memorable experience surrounded by nature.
Whether surrounded by flowering alpine meadows in summer or the tranquillity of winter, the Plätzwiese high plateau is a special place to enjoy the vast landscapes of the Dolomites and explore the mountains actively.
There are 100 parking spaces directly on the Plätzwiese high plateau. These can be reached before 10:00 am or after 3:00 pm upon payment of a toll fee. During the peak season in particular, it is advisable to observe the traffic regulations in the valley.
Alternatively, you can leave your car in the paid car park at Brückele. From there, you can reach the Plätzwiese high plateau by bus or on foot via the hiking trails.
Important: Motorhomes and private coaches are prohibited from driving up to the Plätzwiese high plateau all year round. Parking spaces for these vehicles are available at Brückele/Ponticello.
All information about traffic regulations, parking and toll fees is available at www.prags.bz.
The Plätzwiese high plateau can be reached by car, bus, bicycle or on foot.
By car: Access is via the toll road starting at Brückele/Ponticello. Traffic regulations apply from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in both summer and winter. Descending from the plateau is possible at any time. Access is limited to a maximum of 100 cars.
By bus: During the summer season, bus line 443 connects Welsberg/Monguelfo and Toblach/Dobbiaco directly with the Plätzwiese high plateau. In winter, the bus runs as far as Brückele, where you can take a private fee based shuttle service.
By bicycle: The mountain bike route from the valley climbs towards the Plätzwiese high plateau along trail no. 37. A good level of fitness is required.
On foot: Hiking trails lead from Brückele/Ponticello up to the high plateau. Depending on the route, the ascent takes approximately two to two and a half hours.
Please check the latest traffic regulations and bus timetables before travelling. All information is available at www.prags.bz.
During the summer season, the Plätzwiese high plateau is easily accessible by public transport. Bus line 443 connects Welsberg/Moguelfo and Toblach/Dobbiaco directly with the plateau. In winter, the bus runs as far as Brückele/Ponticello, where you can use a private fee based shuttle service.
Please note that there is no regular bus service to the Plätzwiese high plateau outside the designated operating periods. We therefore recommend checking the latest timetables and seasonal connections before travelling.
All timetable information is available at www.prags.bz or on the Südtirolmobil website.