A historic hut on the Sciliar summit plateau, one of the oldest in the Dolomites.
Rifugio Bolzano allo Sciliar, in German the Schlernhaus, stands at 2,457 metres on the vast summit plateau of the Sciliar, just below the peak of Monte Pez, on the landmark mountain that towers over the Alpe di Siusi. It is one of the oldest huts in South Tyrol. The Alpenverein built it in 1885, it has been heavily renovated over the decades, and a cable lift still hauls up the supplies. The Gasser family has run it for generations, and it keeps the real, history-heavy feel of the great old huts, with long views over the Alpe di Siusi, the Catinaccio, and the summits around.
You walk up from the Alpe di Siusi on trails that climb the flanks of the Sciliar to the summit plateau. It is scenic, and it asks for a good level of fitness. The kitchen does the usual South Tyrolean food, just what you want after the climb. There are plenty of beds split between dormitories and rooms, so it is a comfortable base for staying over and taking your time on the Sciliar summit. Sleep here and you get the dawn and dusk on one of the most iconic mountains in South Tyrol.
The practical starting point is the Alpe di Siusi, where the trails that climb the flanks of the Sciliar to the summit plateau come together. To reach the Alpe di Siusi plateau you usually ride the cable car up from Siusi, or drive towards the Compatsch area, where there are paid car parks: keep in mind that car access to the plateau is regulated, with rates and hours to check for the current year. From the car parks you carry on by foot, so factor in the walking time on top of the approach. Summer is the right window, usually late June to late September, when the high trails are clear of snow. Given the altitude, set off with layered clothing and check the forecast, because the weather up on the Sciliar changes fast. For exact cable car and plateau access times, check the up-to-date information before you leave.
Services & info
Trails passing through Rifugio Bolzano allo Sciliar
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Rifugio Bolzano allo Sciliar?
You walk up from the Alpe di Siusi on trails that climb the flanks of the Sciliar to the summit plateau, just below Monte Pez. It asks for a good level of fitness.
Can I stay overnight at Rifugio Bolzano?
Yes. It is a good-sized hut with plenty of beds in dormitories and rooms, and it makes a great base for the Sciliar summit. Book ahead in high season.
How old is Rifugio Bolzano allo Sciliar?
It was built in 1885, which makes it one of the oldest huts in South Tyrol. The Gasser family has run it for generations, and a historic cable lift still brings up the supplies.
Where do I park to reach Rifugio Bolzano allo Sciliar?
You use the Alpe di Siusi car parks, in the Compatsch area, which are paid. Car access to the plateau is regulated, with rates and hours to check for the current year; otherwise you ride the cable car up from Siusi and carry on by foot.
When is the best time to walk up to Rifugio Bolzano?
Summer is the right season, usually late June to late September, when the high trails are clear of snow. The hut's exact opening dates change from year to year, so check them before you leave and always check the forecast, because the weather up on the Sciliar changes fast.