The highest village in Alta Badia, at the foot of the Sella group and the Sassongher, on the Sellaronda and close to the Pisciadù hut.
A short history
Colfosco, Calfosch in Ladin, sits at 1,645 metres and is the highest village in Alta Badia, just above Corvara, at the foot of the walls of the Sella. It is a hamlet of the municipality of Corvara, a Ladin village facing one of the most open basins in the valley.
Its position makes it a natural starting point for the mountains. Above the village rises the Sella group, with the Tridentina via ferrata climbing to the Pisciadù hut, and the Sassongher closing the horizon to the north. In winter Colfosco is on the Sellaronda route, towards the Gardena pass.
The village has kept the calm of a mountain settlement, with its church, its farmsteads and the meadows climbing towards the rock. The Ladin language stays alive, and its closeness to the great walls makes Colfosco a base loved by hikers and climbers.
Colfosco is first mentioned in 1153. The name, Calfosch, comes from col fusch, the hill that lies in the shade of the mountain. The parish church of San Vigilio was consecrated in 1419; its bulb-shaped bell tower, added in 1626, is now among the most photographed in the valley for its onion shape.
In the small cemetery next to the church rests Jan Batista Alton, born in Colfosco in 1845. He was one of the first scholars of the Ladin language and gathered legends and proverbs of the valley. Just above the village, towards the Sella group, the Pisciadù waterfall comes down.
How to fit Colfosco into a three, five or seven day trip: The Dolomites in 3, 5 or 7 Days: How to Plan Your Trip.
What to see
- The Pisciadù hut and the Tridentina via ferrata, which climbs into the Sella group above the village.
- The Tridentina via ferrata, one of the most famous equipped routes in the Dolomites, starting near Colfosco.
- The Sass Songher, the pyramid of rock that towers over Colfosco and Corvara.
How to get to Colfosco
By car you leave the A22 Brenner motorway at Bressanone/Val Pusteria, carry on to Brunico and climb the Val Badia on the SS244 to Corvara, from which Colfosco is a few minutes away going up towards the Gardena pass. From the west you arrive right over the Gardena pass. The nearest station is Brunico, linked by the Alta Badia scheduled buses.
When to go
Summer, from June to September, is the season for hiking and climbing, with the Tridentina via ferrata and the trails towards the Sella group. Winter brings skiing, and Colfosco is on the Sellaronda route towards the Gardena pass. Being the highest village in the valley, the snow tends to last longer.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see in Colfosco?
The Pisciadù hut with the Tridentina via ferrata in the Sella group, the Sass Songher that towers over the village and, in winter, the Sellaronda that passes here towards the Gardena pass. It is an excellent base for high-altitude hiking.
Where is Colfosco?
Colfosco is the highest village in Alta Badia, at 1,645 metres, just above Corvara, of which it is a hamlet, at the foot of the Sella group. It is the last settlement going up towards the Gardena pass.
Is the Tridentina via ferrata suitable for beginners?
It is a demanding via ferrata and should be tackled with experience, full equipment and training; anyone new to it should go with an alpine guide. Those who don't do ferratas can still reach the Pisciadù hut by other trails.
Why is Colfosco a good base in summer?
Because it is at the foot of the Sella group, with quick starts for the Tridentina via ferrata, the Pisciadù hut and the trails below the Sassongher. Its high altitude and closeness to the great walls make it handy for hikers and climbers.
Why is Colfosco famous?
It is the highest village in Alta Badia, mentioned as early as 1153. Its church of San Vigilio, consecrated in 1419, has a bulb-shaped bell tower among the most photographed in the valley. Colfosco is also a gateway to the Sella group and the Tridentina via ferrata.
What is there to do in Colfosco?
In summer you go up towards the Pisciadù hut and the Tridentina via ferrata, walk below the Sassongher and reach the Pisciadù waterfall. In winter the village is on the Sellaronda route towards the Gardena pass. In the village the church of San Vigilio is worth a stop.