Siusi: Nature, Trails and History

Siusi lies at the foot of the Schlern and the Seiser Alm. Several interests come together when planning a stay: the Seiser Alm, themed trails around Siusi, Kneipp treatments, golf and historic buildings. If you are looking for a hotel, you can take these themes into account when planning and consider which activities will be the deciding factor for your trip. At Karlotten Kofel, the thermal properties of the lava rock and the exceptionally sunny location give rise to surprisingly Mediterranean vegetation. From Karlotten Kofel, you can enjoy views of the Schlern massif and seven church towers.

Getting Your Bearings Between the Village and the Alm

The Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park Visitor Centre is right in the centre of Siusi, about a two-minute walk from the bus station. You can reach the Seiser Alm from Siusi by cable car. For planning purposes, this answers two different questions: where to find a central point of reference and how to get to the Alm from Siusi.

Trails and Activities

There are several themed trails around Siusi: the Gumperer Trail, Pilzeweg, Geologensteig, Oswald von Wolkenstein Trail and Geomeile. The Oswald von Wolkenstein Trail has 15 play stations and starts at the valley station of the Seiser Alm cable car. The stations give the trail a playful character; the starting point also provides a useful orientation cue for planning.

The Ratzes Kneipp facility is supplied with fresh spring water. Kneipp treatments are available in the foot-treading pool and the arm and face basins. The St. Vigil Seis golf course lies between Völs and Seis am Schlern, at the foot of the Schlern. These details appeal to different planning interests: the water source and basins are the focus at the Kneipp facility, while the location helps you pinpoint the golf course.

Churches and Castle Ruins

Construction of the parish church of the Holy Cross in Siusi began in 1937; it was consecrated in 1950. The two dates mark different milestones in its history: the start of construction and its consecration.

The church of St. Vigil was first mentioned in 1260. After it was destroyed by a landslide and rockfall, it was rebuilt in the 15th century. Its history can therefore be traced through an early mention, its destruction and its later reconstruction.

The historic reference points for the ruins of Hauenstein and Salegg also differ. Hauenstein was built in the 12th century; one of its owners was the Minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein. Salegg also dates from the 12th century, but passed into the possession of the Wolkenstein dynasty in the 16th century. Hauenstein is thus associated with a historical figure, while Salegg’s history also includes a later change of ownership.

Discover more destinations: Prenn, Pustertal, Riscone, Weißlahnbad, Longega, Astfeld, St. Johann, Obereggen.

For the broader travel overview: Bozen.