Biking in Gröden & Seiser Alm
Steep Dolomite peaks, vast alpine pastures and well-known towns such as St. Ulrich, St. Christina, Wolkenstein, Kastelruth and Seis create the perfect conditions for cycling in Gröden and on the Seiser Alm pasture. The region combines challenging MTB tours, scenic rides and an extensive network of trails across two very different altitudes. It is precisely this mix that makes the area so interesting: down in the valley, the nature of the tours differs from that up on the Seiser Alm, where vast open spaces, views and unique conditions define the cycling experience.
Between the Dolomites backdrop & the high alpine pastures
Biking in Gröden and on the Seiser Alm thrives on clear contrasts in the landscape. In Gröden, the valley’s villages, striking mountain slopes and more challenging climbs define the landscape, whilst on the Seiser Alm open plateaus, wide paths and impressive panoramas dominate. The Seiser Alm/Gröden cycling region comprises around 1,000 kilometres of cycle routes across two altitudes.
Cycling tours in Gröden & on the Seiser Alm
Mountain bike tour in the heart of the Dolomites at the Sella Pass
Internet ConsultingAnyone looking for bike tours around Gröden and the Seiser Alm will find a wide variety of options to suit different abilities. Typical of the region are, for example:
- Wolkenstein – Seiser Alm – a tour for sporty enthusiasts from Wolkenstein (1,563 m) up to the Zallinger Hut on the Seiser Alm (2,054 m).
- Around the Langkofel – a scenic MTB tour starting from St. Christina, covering 28.8 km, with 1,540 metres of elevation gain and a duration of 5 hours 30 minutes; classified as moderate on the website.
- Seiser Alm from Kastelruth – a relatively short tour to the Gostner Schwaige on the edge of the Seiser Alm, ideal for anyone wishing to combine panoramic views with the alpine atmosphere.
- Trail and bike park options in Gröden – the MTB Trail Arena Gröden features 6 trails, including 3 easy, 2 intermediate flow trails and the Ciampinoi freeride route; a total of 13.9 km of trails are listed.
It is precisely this variety that makes cycling holidays in Gröden and on the Seiser Alm so appealing: some tours focus more on the scenery and alpine experience, whilst others appeal to sport-oriented mountain bikers seeking longer climbs, trails or bike park features.
Rules & guidelines for the Seiser Alm
When cycling on the Seiser Alm, it is not only the nature of the route and your fitness level that matter, but also clear rules of conduct and usage. According to the official guidelines, you should only use marked trails; unmarked trails are considered unsuitable for various reasons and should not be used. It is also recommended to stay on marked routes, avoid shortcuts, ride with foresight and be ready to brake at all times. The protection of nature and animals is also expressly emphasised. The following also applies to the approach: The road to the Seiser Alm is closed to private traffic from 9:00 to 17:00 when the cable car is operating; bicycles are exempt from this.
Frequently asked questions
Is it permitted to ride a mountain bike anywhere on the Seiser Alm?
No, only the designated trails are permitted. The official guidelines explicitly state that unmarked trails should not be used.
Which routes are more suitable for leisurely riders and which for more athletic cyclists?
Panoramic alpine routes such as the tour from Kastelruth to the Seiser Alm seem more accessible, whilst tours such as the Langkofel or the Wolkenstein–Seiser Alm route demand significantly more fitness. For trail-oriented riders, the bike park facilities in Gröden are also worth considering.
What is particularly important when cycling around the Seiser Alm?
Above all, it is important to stick to the marked trails, adopt a considerate riding style and be aware of the specific conditions in the mountainous terrain. There are also practical considerations, such as the access regulations for the Seiser Alm, which are restricted to private cars during the day but not to bicycles.
