Monte Specie, (“Strudelkopf” in German), offers one of the most scenic and rewarding hikes in the Dolomites. In the heart of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park in South Tyrol, this stunning trail begins at Prato Piazza. This high plateau sits at 2,000 meters above sea level and is the second highest alpine meadow in the Dolomites (Alpe di Siusi being the highest). This hike leads to the panoramic summit of Monte Specie / Strudelkopf. With the summit standing at 2,307 meters, the hike elevation is minimal but the views are next level!
What we also loved about this hike are the unique views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina – but without the crowds! This guide will outline everything you need to know about hiking Monte Specie / Strudelkopf, and how to reach Prato Piazza.
Hiking to Monte Specie / Strudelkopf from Prato Piazza
Hike Overview
- Starting Point: Prato Piazza Car Park (1,970 m) | Google Maps
- Route type: Circular
- Distance: 9.5km (6 miles)
- Time needed: 3 hours
- Elevation gain / loss: 389 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- Route: Prato Piazza Car Park – Rifugio Prato Piazza – Almhutte Platzwiese – Monte Specie / Strudelkopf summit – Rifugio di Vallandro – Rifugio Prato Piazza
- Best time to hike: June to October, sunrise or sunset
- Parking: We parked at the Prato Piazza car park, but there are restrictions (more on this below).
Why You’ll Love the Hike to Monte Specie /Strudelkopf
-
Unrivaled Views: The summit’s panoramic view is the real show stopper! This hike offers some of the best perspectives of the Dolomites and some of the most iconic peaks in the region. If you’re a photographer or a nature lover, this is a bucket-list hike.
-
Accessible but Rewarding: This is a moderate hike, making it accessible to many, while still offering a sense of achievement. The gradual ascent is manageable, and the path is well-marked.
-
Rich in History: For history lovers, there are World War I ruins, which adds an interesting element to this hike.
-
Wildlife & Nature: Keep an eye out for wildlife like marmots and golden eagles. The rich biodiversity of the Dolomites is apparent here, making this hike a nature lover’s paradise.
The Starting Point: Prato Piazza Car Park
The trail begins from the Prato Piazza car park. During the high season (typically late-June to early-September), you can only access the car park before 10am or after 3pm. If you arrive between these times you will have to catch the shuttle bus from Ponticello. If you visit out of season, then you can visit at any time. Both options are subject to paying a €10 toll fee. Access is subject to change so it’s worth checking the details online before you plan your visit.
The hike starts off easy on a tarmac road leading to Rifugio Prato Piazza and the neighbouring Hotel Hohe Gaisl. We started the hike shortly before sunrise in September. This high plateau is such a peaceful place to be at that time of the morning, with only the sound of birdsong surrounding you.
Follow trail 37 along the path towards the Rifugio until you see a white chapel on your left, marking the start of trail 40. Along the way the surrounding jagged peaks of Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo and Picco di Vallandro, create a dramatic backdrop and the hike hasn’t even started yet!
The initial part of the hike is a gentle ascent through larch and stone pine trees. The sound of cowbells adds to the alpine ambiance as you make your way through pastures dotted with grazing cows. While the animals are used to hikers, it’s always a good idea to respect their space and not disturb them.
After passing through an alpine pasture gate and crossing a large meadow, you’ll reach the intersection of trails 40 and 40a. Turn right onto trail 40a, which will take you to Monte Specie / Strudelkopf.
The route continues through the meadow, behind Malga Prato Piazza hut. The path heads uphill, which is manageable, but a little tiring. Thankfully you’re surrounded by completely unspoilt views of the mountains and hillsides around you, so there’s plenty of opportunity for a rest and to admire the views. Continue to follow trail 40a to Monte Specie/Strudelkopf.
Monte Specie / Strudelkopf Summit
This point in the hike marks roughly 1km from the Monte Specie / Strudelkopf summit. Continue to follow the route all the way up hill – it’s a little unforgiving, but manageable. At about 2,200 meters you’ll reach Strudelkopfsattel, which is the perfect spot for a quick rest and to admire the views, before your last push to the summit.
This route will take you up the western path of Monte Specie / Strudelkopf. A bit of a push is needed, but the reward at the top is well worth it! Along the way you’ll pass an old WWI fort ruin. This region was a significant front during the war and the fortifications are a poignant reminder of the area’s history.
The summit is marked by a wooden cross. From the top you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360 degree panoramic views of some of the most iconic peaks in the Dolomites. Directly in front of you, you’ll see the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The view is just incredible. Well-earned from the hike, and all the sweeter for not having to deal with the huge crowds that particular hike attracts. You’ll also see Cadini di Misurina, the Cristallo Group, and on a clear day, even the Tofane Group in the distance.
The views are honestly truly stunning. We reached the summit, feeling very hot and puffed out, but we had the whole summit all to ourselves. We sat with a thermos of tea and watched the sun rise higher, burning off the low morning clouds.
The Way Back to Prato Piazza
To make your way from the Strudelkopf summit back to Prato Piazza, you can retrace the route all the way back to the start. Alternatively, you can complete a loop towards Rifugio Vallandro / Dürrenstein-Hütte. This is the route we took. The route isn’t as well defined. It’s a little steeper in places, but again, it’s manageable and a far more interesting route (in our opinion).
To complete this route, follow the path back down the western slope from the summit. At the Strudelkopfsattel intersection, follow the route left towards Rifugio Vallandro / Dürrenstein-Hütte. The trail gradually descends back towards the tree line, with the valley hills slowly rising above you. There’s a very small number of switchbacks, as you make your way down towards the Rifugio. The views continued to amaze us the whole way along.
Reaching the Rifugio is one of three opportunities you have to stop for a drink and refreshment break if you wish. We chose to carry on and grabbed some breakfast from Rifugio Prato Piazza instead.
From Rifugio Vallandro, follow the path all the way along back to Prato Piazza and the car park.
How to Reach Prato Piazza
As a reminder, during the high season (typically late-June to early-September), you can only access the car park before 10am or after 3pm. If you arrive between these times you will have to catch the shuttle bus from Ponticello, which runs throughout the day. If you visit out of season, then you can visit at any time.
The car park only fits about 100 cars. So even if you arrive in the low season, or before 10am, you will not be able to park at Prato Piazza and you’ll need to take the shuttle.
Both options are subject to paying a €10 toll fee. Access to Prato Piazza is subject to change, so it’s worth checking the details online before you plan your visit.
The Best Time to Hike
This trek is ideal for anyone looking for a relatively easy yet rewarding hike. The route is accessible year-round, it’s even doable in the snow! This is a stunning part of the Dolomites, there’s not really a bad time to visit. While this route is nowhere near as popular as the full Tre Cime loop, it can still get busy past 9am, so we really recommend sunrise or sunset for this hike.
What to Know Before You Go
-
Weather Conditions: While summer is the most popular time to hike, weather in the mountains can change quickly. Be sure to check the forecast and come prepared with layers, even on warmer days. Afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon, so aim for an early start.
-
Trail Difficulty: The hike is considered moderate. It’s roughly a 9km round-trip and involves around 300 meters of elevation gain. Though the path is well-trodden, sturdy hiking boots are recommended due to rocky sections near the summit.
-
Facilities: Rifugio Prato Piazza is located near the start of the hike, offering refreshments and meals before or after your trek. There’s also Rifugio Vallandro, or Hotel Hohe Gaisl, all providing excellent rest stops with stunning views. Although card is accepted, we recommend bringing cash. These rifugio’s have restrooms if needed, or there are toilets are the Prato Piazza car park.
Hiking Route
Here’s an easy to follow route on AllTrails. Be sure to download the route to your phone, so you easily follow the trail even with no data or signal.
Get in Touch
The hike from Prato Piazza to Monte Specie is a must-do for anyone visiting the Dolomites. With easy access, moderate difficulty, and some of the most spectacular views in the region, it’s a perfect choice for both seasoned hikers and casual adventurers alike. The crowd-less views of some of the most famous peaks in the Dolomites is also just the icing on the cake!
Are you planning to hike to the Monte Specie / Strudelkopf summit? Drop us a comment below, we’d love to hear from you! If you found our blog helpful, check out our Insta @welovetravel.in – if you give us a follow feel free to drop us a message and say hello 👋
Interested to see where else we’ve adventured to? Check out our Travel Bucket List below 👇
For more travel inspiration, fun things to do, and travel guides, check out our other posts below:
