Between legends and magic on the peaks of the Dolomites
Impressive panoramas and breathtaking views. If you like the mountains and want to spend a high altitude stay with your family, the tourist area ofAlpe di Siusi, the largest plateau in Europe, is the one for you. It stands out among the peaks of the The Dolomites, Unesco heritage, this varied territory rich in opportunities. Extending for about 50 square kilometers, it is bordered to the Northeast by the Sassolungo Group and to the Southeast from massif of the Sciliar.
You can follow it on foot or even by bicycle, stopping off, to savor the local specialties, among the mountain huts, where shepherds keep their animals and carry out livestock activities in the warmer months or in villages such as Castelrotto, Siusi, Fiè slto Sciliar, Tires al Catinaccio.
Castelrotto and the medieval past
In summer, the local tourist facilities provide a series of initiatives designed for the family, starting with nature walks in the name of magic with a witch as a guide.
In these parts there are legends that tell of witches, treasures and mysterious sources. There are many organized excursions in the area. Among the most interesting is the one that goes from Castelrotto on the Marinzen Alp, at the foot of Mount Bullaccia, at 1490 meters above sea level, although challenging in the last stretch. Simple and suitable for everyone is the one along the Hans & Paula Steger Trail, dedicated to the two skiers and mountain pioneers, who moved here after the war. It runs without steep climbs from Compaccio to Saltria.
For those who love culture, I recommend a visit to castelrotto which retains traces of Roman and medieval fortifications. There it is worth visiting as well Church of Saints Peter and Paul.
Behind the witch Martha
Until 31 August in the tourist area ofAlpe di Siusi, together with your children you can discover the mysteries of the area with a very special guide: the witch Martha. And his agenda is full of appointments.
On Monday, in Castelrotto, the witch tells of legends and hidden treasures. On Tuesday she is ready to give magic lessons, showing the little ones the properties of spontaneous herbs. On Wednesday, the mysterious guest leads the children to the Witches' Benches, a mystical site located on Mount Bullaccia. Finally, on Thursday there will be an excursion to the rooms of Castel Prosels. You will wear medieval costumes to hunt for a secret treasure.
Everyone's crazy about strudel
What a Dolomite holiday it would be without one strudel? Typical dessert of the Alpe di Siusi, it is celebrated on 8 September with a themed party that involves all the villages in the area ready to prepare it in different variations with the basic element of apples, strictly from Trentino.
Apart from desserts, refresh yourself after the hikes and stop off at the mountain huts. You can enjoy platters of speck and cheeses or the classic dumplings, bread dumplings, milk and eggs, stuffed with cured meats, caci and with parsley and onion.
