The Alpe di Siusi is one of the most generous scenic terraces in the Alps. To the west, the unmistakable profile of the Sassolungo (Langkofel) and the neighbouring Sassopiatto commands the view, while to the south-west stretches the long wall of the Catinaccio (Rosengarten) — literally, rose garden. Legend places the kingdom of King Laurin here: according to the Ladin tale, the dwarf king, betrayed and robbed of his magic belt, condemned his roses never again to be admired by day or by night, forgetting the dawn and dusk. Since then, at those hours, the rock has glowed pink.
That phenomenon is the enrosadira, the effect by which dolomite — rich in calcium and magnesium carbonate — turns pink and red when struck by raking light: on the Catinaccio it is particularly intense. The best vantage points are reached along the level trails of the plateau or by riding the lifts to higher elevations, where open meadows frame the summits without obstruction. The right moment is sunset, with the camera already in hand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the enrosadira of the Catinaccio?
It is the phenomenon by which, at sunrise and sunset, the dolomite ignites in shades of pink and red. On the Catinaccio it is particularly vivid, and local Ladin tradition links it to the legend of King Laurin and his rose garden.
Where is the best place to see the Sassolungo?
From the westward-facing meadows of the Alpe di Siusi and from the elevations reached by the ski lifts, the profile of the Sassolungo and the Sassopiatto stands out in its full grandeur.