Castelrotto, Italy

Eileen - it really depends on what 2 nights means to you - do you want to have 2 full days or really only 1? We stopped for 2 nights in Castelrotto, but we arrived the first night only in time for dinner (traveled from Venice). We had one full day to hike around, one more night and we were gone. It was a decent break for us, different from all the city traveling. Also - we enjoyed seeing Bolzano on the way out (check out Otzi the Ice Man!).

Eileen, I'm planning to visit that area for three nights in September and I'm a bit concerned that I haven't planned enough time. I just got confirmation on my Hotel reservations a few minutes ago. I suppose the answer will depend on how much hiking and exploring you want to do? I'm planning to spend the better part of a day exploring Alpi di Suisi and that area and a day around Castelrotto (including the small Marinzen Chair Lift), so I suspect I won't have much free time. Given the time and effort to get there by Train and Bus, there's no way I'd stop for just one night. Happy travels!

Hi Eileen, With 3 nights you'll wind up with 2 full days. For "minor hiking" and walks, head into the gorgeous Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi. I'm just giving an opinion here (not that anyone asked), I prefer the Val Gardena to Castelrotto. Castelrotto is on the outskirts of the Dolomites and mountains. www.val-gardena.com Paul

We spent 2 nights in Castlerotto last fall and wished I had spent more time there. The town itself, while beautiful, is tiny and really takes no time to see but the area is beautiful with other little towns to see and plenty of trails to hike.

Thanks everyone. Really helpful information. I know if we end up keeping the trip as planned, we will be just fine. I'm now getting even more excited about visiting the area because everyone was so positive. Thank you all again.

You didn't mention if you are driving or training/bussing. We spent only one night there several years ago and it wasn't nearly enough. The whole area is breathtaking. I can't wait to return and spend several nights in the area. Enjoy!

Hi again, Keep in kind most cable cars and lifts don't start running until early to mid June. There are a couple that start May 26. The earliest I know of is the Mont Seuc (Seiser Alm) cable car from Ortisei up to the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi which starts on May 21. www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/eng/preise.htm Will you have a car? If so, no problem. The nearby Dolomite Passes are spectacular drives. Paul

In answer to some question, we will have a car. My husband and I just had a discussion after going over all the posts and decided we are keeping our plans for the 3 nights stay. It sounds like we will find much to enjoy and don't want to rush it. Thanks again for all the extra info added. It is most helpful.

You may want to have a look at the Italy 2012 Guidebook, as there's information there concerning access to some of the areas via Lifts, etc. I believe there's a Bus that travels up to Compatsch and Alpi di Suisi during the day. It was also mentioned that the roads into that area are closed during the day to all but local traffic. Cheers!

Eileen, I highly recommend the Hotel Santner if you are in the area. It's located up the mountain from Castelrotto, smack in the middle of the Alpe di Suisi.

We are also spending 3 nights in Castelrotto in mid-May, arriving by train/bus. Since it doesn't appear that the lifts will be running yet, as Paul mentions, will we be able to sightsee & reach the hiking areas by public transport? We loved the walks/hikes we did in the Berner Oberland 2 years ago and hope to repeat that here next month.

Hi Eileen, You may be interested in this: This is our own "best of the Dolomites drive". It can easily be done in a day and covers drives over 4 Dolomite Passes. It can be started/ended from any point really, but I'll use Castelrotto: Head to the Val Gardena and drive through Ortisei, St. Christina and Selva to the Gardena Pass (maybe 15 to 20 min.). Take the Gardena Pass to Corvara (Alta Badia) and then take the Campolongo Pass to Arabba. From Arabba take the Pordoi Pass towards Canazei. Before you get to Canazei, take the Sella Pass. From the Sella Pass get right on the Gardena Pass towards Val Gardena and then back to Castelrotto.There's a cafe/restaurant/rest stop at the "top" of the Gardena and Sella Passes. You'll also notice a few small places to park along the passes to get out and walk among the Dolomite peaks. For some info and photo's of the passes, check out: www.alpineroads.com/dolomites.php Some are listed under the German and or Italian name: Gardena Pass - Grödnerjoch Sella Pass - Sellajoch Pordoi Pass - Passo di Pordoi
Campolongo Pass - Passo di Campolongo We have our own photo's at: www.worldisround.com/articles/351565/index.html www.worldisround.com/articles/324504/index.html www.worldisround.com/articles/355539/index.html Paul

Hi Patty, I'm not too familiar with public transportation, but if you haven't looked at these sites yet, you may find them helpful: www.alpedisiusi.info/en/info/welcome.html www.seiser-alm.it/en/ www.castelrotto.com/en/castelrotto.html www.kastelruth.net/kastelruth/walking.htm Paul

Again, thank you so much for the additional information about hotels, links to drives, etc. Wow! The area looks fantastic; way more than I imagined. Can't wait to go there! Now I'm worried we may not have enough time there!

Hi Paul- I have seen your posts on several of these threads and just wondered why you prefer the Val Garden to Castelrotto?