Villanderer Alm! Capture the Second-Largest High Alpine Pasture in South Tyrol

Villanderer Alm! Capture the Second-Largest High Alpine Pasture in South Tyrol

Neither rain nor sleet nor snow will stop hikers’ desire to go. To a true hiker, photographer, and nature lover, on the Villanderer Alm hike in the Dolomites, different weather conditions present different photo opportunities. This is not only a positive way of thinking but an honest true, as this route will more often than not show you.

Gently rolling ridges, wild alpine flora, stone pine forests, mountain lakes and high alpine moors. The Villanderer Alm is a must for every nature and panorama lover! Significantly less frequented by tourists than its big brother, the Alpe di Siusi, the second-largest high alpine pasture in South Tyrol is located just outside the Dolomites. 

Family-run alpine huts with local dishes and the detailed view of the partly rare herbs and plants in the high moor attract nature lovers. Although no dolomite walls shoot up here, it is an excellent place to stroll in alpine nature on easy to moderately difficult hikes. 

Photographers will particularly enjoy the fabulous panorama of the Dolomites, which is already visible on arrival. Should the weather not cooperate, it is not far to the alternative photo spot at the Earth Pyramids (Erdpyramiden) near Ritten.
Photographers will particularly enjoy the fabulous panorama of the Dolomites, which is already visible on arrival. Should the weather not cooperate, it is not far to the alternative photo spot at the Earth Pyramids (Erdpyramiden) near Ritten

Directions! This is how your Villandro adventure looks like on a map

From the Saltnerstein parking lot (1757m) follow hiking trail no. 6 to the Mair in Plun Alm. Here take the road (no. 7A, later no. 7) uphill to the Gasteiger Sattel (2058m). Turn right here and follow hiking trail no. 3. 

Across wide alpine meadows into a wide basin, past a small waterfall to the Sarner-Scharten bivouac (2380 m). Now always continue over the wide ridge on trail no. 2 to the first summit: the Sarner Saddle (2468 m). Now go downhill a bit and after the saddle go uphill again to the Villandererberg (2509m). 

Continue path no. 2 in a southeasterly direction to the Zwölfernock (2430m) and shortly after go downhill a bit steeper to the(Lake Toten) Totensee (2208m). The descent continues (keep left) over the Totenkirchl (2186m). 

From here, always follow trail marker no. 6 via the Villanderer Alm back to the Saltnerstein parking lot at the Gasser hut. Various shorter alternative routes through the moors and wide meadows make the Villanderer Alm also attractive for dignified hikers and families. 

As a bad weather alternative, the hike to the earth pyramids near Ritten is a good choice. The landscape spectacle is well signposted and can be reached by a 45-minute walk.
There are plenty of hikes at Villandro Alpine Pasture, most of the start and end at Gasser Hut. As a bad weather alternative, the hike to the earth pyramids near Ritten is a good choice. The landscape spectacle is well signposted and can be reached by a 45-minute walk

Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – Lake Toten and the “earth pyramids” near Ritten

Our favorite motif along the hike, besides the view and the many natural spectacles in the moors and on the meadows, is Lake Toten. When there is no wind, it reflects the Puez-Odle mountain range with the Peitlerkofel. This motif can already be found on the road uphill to the starting point. 

As a bad weather alternative in case of rain, clouds or fog we choose the earth pyramids near Ritten. Gloomy rain-cloud atmospheres are just the right photographic ingredients to perfectly show off the pointed earth mounds.

Rain, clouds and fog are a frequent site, but a new photo opportunity in itself. Take advantage of these photo opportunities with the help of Mountain Moments
Rain, clouds, and fog are a frequent sight, but a new photo opportunity in itself. Take advantage of these photo opportunities with the help of Mountain Moments. Photo: Sebastian Lehrke.

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.

Sunset views from Villandro Alpine Pasture to the main Dolomites area.
The famous Earth Pyramids near Ritten – best photographed in bad weather conditions. Come and get on a guided photo tour in the Dolomites with our professional photo-guides and learn how to make such epic landscape pictures on the most beautiful destinations in the Dolomites.
the exeptional beautiful view from Villandro Alpine Pasture to the main Dolomites is outstanding – often called as the balcony of the Dolomites. Sella Massive (left) and Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto (right) linger far-away in the background.

More information about your backpacking route in Dolomites

How to get there by public transport: Take the train to Klausen, change here and take bus 345 to the Saltnerstein stop.

How to get there by car: On the Brenneratobahn (A 22) to Klausen and via Villanders to the Gasser-Hütte (parking lot subject to charges).

Hike difficulty level: medium

Start/finish: Villanderer Alm/Gasser-Hütte/stop Saltnerstein (coordinates: geogr. 46.509256,11.757469)

Duration/distance: 7h/17.5km

Ascent/descent: 850m/850m

Highest point/lowest point: 2509m/1757m

Special hazards: 

Catering: Gasser hut, Mair in Plun, Pfroderalm

Further tips: Shorter round trips are signposted at the Gasser hut. 

Alternative photo spot: Earth pyramids Ritten. Duration hike approx. 1.5h.

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.
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