Trentino Alto Adige: Fiè allo Sciliar, a paradise in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomites

Fiè allo Sciliar is a small municipality with just over 3000 inhabitants,  located in the autonomous province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. It lies at the foot of the Sciliar (2,563 m), an imposing mountain that is part of the Dolomites mountain range and the symbol of South Tyrol, from which it takes its name. The Sciliar can be reached on foot along various paths:  for example from Alpe di Siusi, from Fiè allo Sciliar or from Tires. With its two peaks, the Santner peak (2,413 meters, reminiscent of a pyramid) and the Euringer (a soaring tower of 2,394 meters), it dominates above the villages of Castelrotto, Siusi, and Fiè allo Sciliar. However, the Sciliar - and the equally fabulous Catinaccio mountain range - owes its name to the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park area. The protected area, established in 1974, has a total surface area of 7,291 hectares, of which also the municipalities of Castelrotto and Fiè allo Sciliar are part. The Sciliar-Catinaccio Reserve on the western side of the Dolomites is the "oldest" nature park in South Tyrol. The panorama is impressive due to the geomorphological and geological features and the numerous varieties of flora and fauna: 790 species. 

Around the Catinaccio range, at sunset time, a spectacular phenomenon called Enrosadira takes place. When kissed by the evening sun, the Dolomites take on striking shades of pink. There is a famous legend that attempts to give a mythical explanation for the phenomenon. It is said that King Laurin, King of the Dwarfs, had a beautiful rose garden on the Catinaccio and, in fact, the German name for the Catinaccio is Rosengarten, or 'rose garden'. One day the King of the Adige decided to give his beautiful daughter Similde in marriage and invited all the nobles except Laurin. However, King Laurin showed up anyway, wearing a magical cape that made him invisible. When he saw the girl, he fell in love with her and kidnapped her, taking her with him to the Rosengarten. The vassals of the king of the Adige gave chase to free the princess Similde, but Laurin, thinking that with the cape he would be invisible, also wore the belt that would give him the strength of 12 men. However, they recognized Laurin's movements and believed he was invisible because of the movement of the roses. Laurin was therefore imprisoned and to his garden, which had betrayed him, he made this curse: no eye would ever be able to admire him again, neither by day nor by night. However, he forgot both the sunrise and the sunset and since then, in those brief moments, the mountains of the Catinaccio have been tinged with pink.

Since 2009, the Dolomites have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and consequently also the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park.

The areas around the Sciliar-Catinaccio Park are very picturesque, the ideal place for all mountain lovers.

Thanks to its favorable location, with altitudes ranging from 315 to 2564 meters, Fiè allo Sciliar offers countless opportunities, both in summer and winter, for sport and leisure.

Snow-capped landscapes, 60 km of ski slopes in the nearby Alpe di Siusi ski area, an ideal destination for skiers of all levels and ages. Worthy of interest from a naturalistic point of view is undoubtedly the Laghetto of Fiè, a little lake at 1,036 meters above sea level, which is one of the cleanest alpine lakes in Italy and awarded by Guida Blu Legambiente-Touring Club for the excellent quality of its water. In summer it is possible to go swimming to cool off, while in winter it is possible to go ice-skating on this wonderful stretch of water.

Once the winter is over, the snow gives way to the green of the dense woods and lush meadows, and the surroundings change, in step with nature in a new spectacular panorama: an oasis of peace and tranquillity. These are truly relaxing places for hiking, cycling, swimming, climbing, riding, golfing... there is something for everyone!

Fiè allo Sciliar, in a panoramic position and always kissed by the sun, offers numerous possibilities also from a cultural point of view.

The Presule Castle is a meeting place and venue for events. Built by the Lords of Fiè in the 13th century as their noble residence, it stands in Presule, a small hamlet of Fiè. Its current appearance, in Gothic style, dates back to the 16th century and is due to Leonardo di Fiè who wanted to restore the castle using the most modern techniques of the time. About five centuries ago, it seems that the castle was also the scene of the witch trials.

Since 1982 the castle has been open to the public for guided tours, events, concerts, exhibitions, and shows. The collection of arms and armor is very famous, mainly comprising 19th-century weapons from the battles of Solferino and Custoza, but also from the 16th century.

Finally, every year at the beginning of June, the Castle hosts a famous historical commemoration that takes us back to medieval times. This is the Cavalcade of Oswald von Wolkenstein, an equestrian spectacle that attracts numerous visitors and in which four villages participate: Ponte Gardena, Castelrotto, Siusi, and Fiè allo Sciliar. It is a team tournament with 4 riders each who compete for the banner.

Also of considerable interest is the Church of Santa Caterina in Aica, a Romanesque church dating back to the 15th century which houses numerous frescoes of particular beauty telling the life story of St Catherine of Siena. Being practically intact and preserved in their original splendor, they have never been restored.

Fiè is also about gastronomy and tradition: a tasty break from your hiking activities is a must. South Tyrolean cuisine is all and sundry, with numerous delicacies not to be missed.

To conclude, Fiè allo Sciliar boasts a peculiar and ancient tradition: the hay baths. This practice has its roots in the peasant customs of the early 1900s, which made Fiè a symbol of care and well-being. During the harvest, farmers discovered that sleeping on hay made them wake up refreshed and invigorated.

The hay bath consists of immersions of various herbs (montana, gentian, yarrow, hypericum, thyme, aconite, bilberry, pulsatilla alpina, and clover) with analgesic, regenerating, and relaxing properties at temperatures of up to 70 degrees.

In the impressive setting of the Dolomites, Presulis Lodges offers a return to tranquillity where time seems to standstill. Deeply rooted in local traditions, owners Sylvia and Meinhard chose the name Presulis, drawing inspiration from nearby Presule Castle. Luxury apartments in unspoilt surroundings, finely decorated in a style that combines elegance, modernity and simplicity, where wood and natural materials give the rooms a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each apartment in the chalets has a bedroom, living area with kitchenette and bathroom, while the furnishings are meticulously cared for in every aspect. Meinhard is also a skilled carpenter who is able to add personality to every single element.

In addition to the concept of hospitality itself, the owners pay great attention to all aspects of hospitality, leaving nothing to chance.

Taste is the king of the five senses in the Presulis KITCHEN Restaurant, which makes the contrast between Alpine traditions and Mediterranean cuisine its strong point. Genuine fresh ingredients of great variety are processed to create refined delicacies for the most demanding palates. A wide range of dishes and specialities are on offer, which, for those who wish to enjoy them in privacy, can be enjoyed directly in your own flat with a small extra charge.

The Presulis Lodge has thought of practically everything, but nevertheless of a new and special interpretation of the concept of luxury: that of being able to take time to experience emotions. This is best expressed in the well-being and relaxation offered by the sauna and swimming pool, in dreamlike tranquillity surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the South Tyrolean landscape.

Steam baths, dips in the Finnish sauna or sessions in the infrared cabin and the ice fountain that reactivates circulation after a sauna. A unique experience to regenerate mind, body, soul and heart.

In this magical atmosphere, an itinerary to discover the Presule Castle is a must, with the possibility of unique visits with exceptional guides, the knight Frederick and the witch Martha!

Moreover, at any time of the year, a shuttle service connects Presulis with the ski resorts, allowing lovers of a more dynamic holiday to practice their favourite activities. The Alpe di Siusi offers endless opportunities for movement, sport, leisure and fun: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, sledging, snowshoeing, ice-skating on the frozen lake in Fiè or even a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride.

In summer, when nature comes back to life in a blaze of colours, sensations and emotions, excursions, Nordic walking, golf, horse riding, mountain biking will be unique experiences in this suggestive context.

Hospitality, comfort, nature, wellness, relaxation, gastronomy, culture and history: a triumphant polynomial in an authentic natural paradise!