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Monte Specie Hike

In the heart of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park in the Dolomites, Monte Specie (Strudelkopf in German) soars 2,307 meters above the Plätzwiese plateau. This easily accessible, panoramic summit offers sweeping views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cristallo, Croda Rossa, Cadini di Misurina, and Sesto Dolomites.

This family-friendly hike has an exceptional effort-to-reward ratio. The only real downside is the heavy foot traffic during peak season.

Remarks

Road access: The road connecting Brückele/Ponticello to Plätzwiese (the last six kilometers) is a toll road and is subject to restricted hours from early June to early November. Private vehicles are prohibited between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the number of authorized vehicles is capped at approximately 100 per day. The toll can only be paid in cash (indicative rate in 2025: €10). Once the quota is reached, access is available exclusively via shuttle bus.

Parking: The upper parking lot (Plätzwiese) is free, while the lower lot (Brückele/Ponticello) requires payment. Indicative rates in 2025: €6 for cars and €12 for campers. The latest information is available on the official Plätzwiese Plateau website.

Shuttle Bus: From early June to early November, line 443 runs between Brückele/Ponticello and Plätzwiese every 30 minutes. Schedules are available on sud-tyrol.com.

Campers: Campers are prohibited on the access road. Parking is mandatory at Brückele/Ponticello, followed by a shuttle ride.

Description and difficulties of the hike

From the Plätzwiese/Prato Piazza trailhead (1 993 m), follow the wide track No. 37 that crosses the alpine pastures to the Rifugio Prato Piazza. It takes about ten minutes to reach the refuge. Behind the refuge, near the small white chapel, take trail No. 40, which climbs gently through larch and Swiss stone pine trees. The fork is easy to miss, so stay alert.

After passing through an alpine gate and crossing a vast meadow, you’ll reach the junction with Trail No. 40A. Take this trail to the right. This almost flat trail runs alongside Malga Prato Piazza before reaching the junction with Trail No. 34. Turn left at this junction. The trail climbs in regular switchbacks along the western flank of Monte Specie, crosses a small pass (Strudelkopfsattel, 2,204 m), and leads directly to the summit cross. An orientation table helps identify the surrounding peaks: Tre Cime di Lavaredo is due east, Cristallo is southeast, Cadini di Misurina, and the Sesto Dolomites.

The descent follows Trail No. 34, which heads directly down to Rifugio Vallandro (2,040 m)—a welcome refreshment stop not to be missed. It is set in a splendid location facing the Cristallo massif. From there, wide Trail No. 37 leads gently back to the parking lot in about 40 minutes.

The loop is optional; the route is suitable for a round trip either way. If you choose this option, take the route via Rifugio Vallandro, which is more varied and allows for a break at the Vallandro refuge.

What you'll love

The panoramic summit view of the Tre Cime, one of the most beautiful vantage points on the north face of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This view is complemented by the Cristallo and the Sesto Dolomites.
The excellent effort-to-reward ratio: only 350 meters of elevation gain to reach an exceptional panoramic summit.
The unspoiled atmosphere of Plätzwiese, a vast alpine plateau grazed by cows and horses where a rare calm reigns due to restricted road access.
The welcome refreshment stop at the Vallandro Refuge: At the end of the loop is a terrace with a magnificent view of the Cristallo massif.