This not too challenging circular hike can be split into two days. The route leads to the most magnificent spots of the Sciliar-Catinaccio nature park in the Dolomites and passes three mountain huts
Image gallery: Hike between the Catinaccio group and Mt. Sciliar
Our hike starts at the Lavina Bianca / Weisslahnbad car park in Tires al Catinaccio in the vicinity of the visitors centre of the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park "Steger Säge". Path no. 3 ascends across the unspoilt nature of the Val Ciamin south of the Sciliar and the rock towers in the centre of the Catinaccio group. At the end of the valley the path splits in two. We keep to the right and take path no. 2A which climbs the Vallone del Principe to the Rifugio Bergamo / Grasleitenhütte mountain hut at 2,164 m a.s.l. where we stop for the night.
After a hearty breakfast we are ready for the second day of our hike. We remain on path no. 3 and enter the basin separating the Cime del Principe, the Molignon, the Croda dei Cirmei and the Cime di Valbona. At the next crossroads we keep left and ascend the hairpin bends to Passo del Molignon at 2,598 m a.s.l. After a short descent we recognise the red roof of the Alpe di Tires / Tierser Alpl hut at 2,440 m a.s.l. at the foot of the impressive Denti di Terrarossa. We stop for a break before returning to the Sciliar high plateau and to the rif. Bolzano / Schlernhaus mountain hut at 2,457 m a.s.l. The Alpe di Siusi extends at our feet.
The steep descent along the "Prügelsteig" path takes us to the Malga Seggiola / Sesselschweige at 1,940 metres of altitude. A short uphill section leads to the Sella Cavaccio / Tschafatasch at 2,050 m a.s.l. We descend from the Gola dell'Orsara / Bärenfalle to the Lavina Bianca and return to our starting point. The steps and wooden boardwalks in the upper part of the Gola dell'Orsara make this section easier. However, sure-footedness and caution are still required to successfully complete this path.
Experienced hikers can complete this tour in one day. The route delights you with stunning panoramic views of the protected natural landscape of the Sciliar-Catinaccio nature park and the Dolomites.
Date of the hike: 18 July 2015
Last updated in: 2026
Author: Giacomo Roccabruna
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- Starting point:
- parking space in Lavina Bianca / Weisslahnbad near Tires al Catinaccio
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- Overall time:
- 09:00 h
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- Total route length:
- 21,6 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.185 m to 2.654 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +1937 m | -1937 m
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- Route:
- Lavina Bianca / Weisslahnbad - Val Ciamin / Tschamintal - Rifugio Bergamo / Grasleitenhütte - Alpe di Tires / Tierser Alpl - Rifugio Bolzano / Schlernhaus - Lavina Bianca / Weisslahnbad
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- Signposts:
- No. 3, 3A, 4, 1, 9, 2
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- Resting points:
- Tschaminschwaige / Rifugio Ciamin - Rifugio Bergamo / Grasleitenhütte - Alpe di Tires / Tierser Alpl - Rifugio Bolzano - Sesselschwaige / Malga Sessel
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike between the Catinaccio group and Mt. Sciliar
We highly recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this tour.
