Panoramic Hike to Pian di Cengia - Alpine Serenity With Screaming Beauty

Mountain photography is an art in itself, and the sights the camera captures can be anywhere from inviting, colorful and playful, to imposing, misty and dramatic. It is the fuel for many backpackers, as they plan their hiking route and dream out their portfolio in advance. The Pian di Cengia path, which we cover here, is one of these dream-come-true adventures because results rarely disappoint.

In the shadow of the Three Peaks, the light of publicity fades on the other peaks of the Sesto Dolomites. Much less known than the Three Peaks is the hike to the Büllelejoch. Photographically, however, it has perhaps even more to offer.

In addition to a view of the Three Peaks – which involves a slight detour, but is elevated – the great peaks of the Sesto Dolomites await a photographic voyage of discovery. Zwölferkofel (Croda die Toni), Einserkofel, Sextner Rotwand and Dreischusterspitze are quite rarely in the focus of photographers.

Those who climb the mountains here will find considerably more tranquility and at the same time more high-alpine Dolomite flair.

With their steep flanks and striking peaks, some of which are over 1500 meters high, they nevertheless have enormous alpine potential. Instead of sandals, however, mountain boots are definitely the footwear of choice here. — With their steep flanks and striking peaks, some of which are over 1500 meters high, they nevertheless have enormous alpine potential. Instead of sandals, however, mountain boots are definitely the footwear of choice here

Directions and hiking map for the Pian di Cengia (Büllelejoch) Hike

From the Fischleinboden hut along the road flat into the valley to the Talschluss hut (1548m). Here first slightly right and after about a hundred meters immediately left again and over a small wooden bridge in the direction of Zsigmondy-Comoci hut (trail no. 102, Alpini Steig).

At first steeply uphill, then gently uphill cross a slope to the Zsigmondy-Comici hut (2224m). Here follow the signs on path no. 101 slightly uphill over the Oberbachernjoch (Passo Fiscalino) to the Büllelejoch hut (Rifugio Pian di Cengia, 2528m). Stay on path no. 101 and go downhill from the hut to the Büllelejoch (Forcella Pian di Cengia, 2522m).

From here, continue downhill into the Landrotal valley (photo spot by the lake). At the fork in the road, keep to the right and continue along path no. 102 until you reach the hut at the end of the valley. Along the same and familiar road back to the starting point. The distances of this tour are somewhat longer. We therefore recommend an overnight stay in one of the huts.

This is the best way to capture the splendor of this region photographically.

Experienced mountaineers can also choose to climb a via ferrata (Alpinisteig, Paternkofelsteig). The detour via the Zwölferkofelscharte and along the high trail to the Büllelejoch hut is also recommendable. The expected duration of this 15.5-kilometer route is six hours, and it is considered to be moderately difficult. — Hiking map Pian di Cengia/ Büllelejoch hike. Start your 1 or 2 day hike at Fischleinboden Hut (paid parking). The detour via the Zwölferkofelscharte and along the high trail to the Büllelejoch hut is also recommendable. The expected duration of this 15.5-kilometer route is six hours, and it is considered to be moderately difficult – *hiking level 4 out of 5*

Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – prepare your wide-angle lens for Zwölferkofel

Already at the start we are greeted by the picturesque view of the Fischlein valley. A hiker as a picture element

Pro tip: outfit in a complementary color such as red or orange) often has a very harmonious effect here and completes the picture story of an exciting mountain hike.

Our favorite motif on this tour is the Zsigmondy-Comici hut with striking Zwölferkofel in the background of the picture – the view is deceptive here, a wide-angle lens is mandatory to get the entire mountain in one picture.

Also popular is the perspective from slightly above the Büllelejoch hut with mountain lake in the background

Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.

More information about your next hiking adventure in the Dolomites

How to get there by public transport: By train or bus to Bressanone, change here and continue by train to San Candido. In the center of the village change to bus 446 and get off at the last stop Fischleinboden.

How to get there by car: Brenner freeway to exit Bressanone/Brixen/Pustertal, continue on the Pustertal road (SS49) via Brunico to San Candido, turn right in the direction of Sesto, at Moos turn right into the Val Fiscalina. There’s parking lot at the end of the road (fee required).

Hike difficulty level: medium – difficult

Start/finish: Fischleinboden hut (coordinates geogr. 46.666595, 12.353944)

Duration/distance: 6h, 15.5km

Ascent/descent: 1120m/1120m

Highest point/lowest point: 2528m/1450m

Special hazards: Old snow fields

Catering: Talschluss hut, Zsigmondy-Comici hut, Büllelejoch hut.

Further tips: With an overnight stay at the Zsigmondy-Comici or Büllelejoch hut, breathtaking pictures can be achieved here at night or at sunrise and sunset. Some via ferratas nearby (Alpini-Steig, Paternkofel).

The most beautiful photo spots and hikes in the Dolomites – experience this hiking tour and 29 other exceptional trips in the Dolomites now.

Fancy more hikes in the mountains – and beautiful photos? Get out into nature! Experience the best hikes and locations with our new book: Alps – Photo and Hiking Guide. The 90 best Photo Locations and 30 most panoramic Hikes.

Here we have compiled the most beautiful locations and photo opportunities. 30 hikes with 90 photo spots are selected and described in such a way that you can easily experience these wonderful landscapes for yourself – including GPS tracks and hiking map and all other information.

You can take a closer look at the ebook here– – why not give it as a gift to someone you want to visit and photograph these places with!

Of course, you will find all the information about this hike in the ebook. After registering, you will also receive the GPS track, so you are on the safe side and won’t get lost and will find all photo locations easily.

Marius

Hi, i am Marius, i love exploring the mountains and nature. Friends say, i know the mountains better than most locals, but actually i get lost all the time while photographing ;). Read more about the Mountain Moments Team.