Description
The Villanderer Alm is one of the most beautiful and largest high-altitude alpine pastures in South Tyrol and captivates visitors with its expansive alpine meadows, high moors, Swiss stone pine forests, small mountain lakes, and numerous mountain huts. Spanning approximately 20 km² and situated between 1,700 and 2,500 meters in elevation, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary panoramic view of the Dolomites, the Zillertal Alps, the Geisler Group, the Schlern, the Langkofel, and the Sella Group. Especially beautiful: Unlike many regions in the Dolomites, the Villanderer Alm is a gentle high plateau and thus ideal for families, seniors, and leisurely hikers. Just a few minutes from the parking lot, the open alpine meadows begin, offering magnificent, sweeping views—perfect for relaxed hikes without much exertion.
🚗 Directions from Mountain Lodge Margit:
Travel time: approx. 40–50 minutes
Destination: Gasser Hütte parking lot
Paved and well-maintained road throughout
No difficult mountain passes
Easily suitable even for inexperienced mountain drivers
Large paid parking lot right at the starting point of the hikes
🥾 Why the Villanderer Alm is ideal:
family-friendly
well-suited for seniors
many short loop hikes
numerous places to stop for refreshments
perfect for leisure hikers
stunning Dolomite panorama without much effort
🌄 The most beautiful short hikes:
Totenkirchl
one of the most popular hikes on the Alm
Walking time: approx. 45–60 minutes
Elevation gain: approx. 200 hm
Difficulty: easy
a small historic church on a hilltop with a magnificent view of the Dolomites
Totensee
one of the most beautiful easy walks on the alpine pasture
Walking time: approx. 1–1.5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 250 hm
Difficulty: easy
with wooden benches and lookout points offering breathtaking panoramic views
Hut tour on the alpine pasture
several huts can be visited on a leisurely loop trail
Walking time: approx. 2 hours
minimal elevation gain
ideal as a relaxed, leisurely hike
🍽️ The most beautiful huts
Gasser Hütte
right next to the parking lot
ideal starting point for all hikes
Mair in Plun
Walking time from the parking lot: approx. 30–45 minutes
barely any incline
very family-friendly
Stöfflhütte
Walking time from the parking lot: approx. 45–60 minutes
easy hiking trail
beautiful sun terrace with a view of the Dolomites
Rinderplatzhütte
Walking time from the parking lot: approx. 45–60 minutes
easy hike
can be easily combined with other huts
Pfroder Alm
Walking time from parking lot: approx. 1 hour
cozy alpine hut with traditional South Tyrolean cuisine
Marzuner Schupfe
Walking time from parking lot: approx. 1.5 hours
somewhat more secluded
beautiful panoramic location
💡 Our tip:
The Villanderer Alm is the perfect destination for all guests looking for a relaxed hike with stunning panoramic views. We especially recommend the hike to Totensee combined with a stop at the Stöfflhütte or Mair in Plun. The trails are mostly wide, well-marked, and easy to navigate without any major inclines.
⭐ Recommendations
For families
Mair in Plun
Totensee
Stöfflhütte
For Leisure Hikers
Totenkirchl & Totensee
Stöfflhütte & Rinderplatzhütte
Pfroder Alm & Marzuner Schupfe
Practical information
- Meeting point
- Reception
- Address
- Mountain Lodge Margit Meransen
- Bookable
- No