Ringed by jagged, sky-piercing peaks, Vallon Popera is an overwhelmingly lovely basin within the Comelico sub-group of the Sexten Dolomites. This mesmerizing mountainscape is dwelling to Rifugio Berti and the small but totally enchanting Lago di Popera.
For those who’re touring and not using a automotive, you can begin this tour on the Kreuzbergpass (Passo Monte Croce di Comelico), accessible by bus from Sesto-Sexten, San Candido-Innichen, and Dobbiaco-Toblach. Kreuzbergpass sits between the Sexten Dolomites and the Carnic Alps, serving because the connection between Val Pusteria in South Tyrol and Val Comelico in Belluno.
These touring by automotive can shorten the round route by beginning on the paid automotive park of Rifugio Lunelli (Google Maps) in Val Grande, Padola.
A number of routes result in Rifugio Berti and Vallon Popera. I opted for the one really useful by Nicolas Wachtler, proprietor of Wachtler Residences.
Vallon Popera Climbing Map
Vallon Popera Important Path Information
The way to Get to Kreuzbergpass | Take Bus Line 446 from Toblach/Dobbiaco, Innichen/San Candido, or Sexten/Sesto to Kreuzbergpass.
Climbing Season | June – October, relying on present situations. I hiked the path in mid-October.
Issue | Average – Reasonably-Troublesome. Between Forcella Pian della Biscia and Rifugio Olivo Sala, There’s one uncovered part alongside a slim ridge that’s solely appropriate for hikers who’re comfy with steep drop offs.
Path Variations | For those who begin the hike at Rifugio Lunelli, ascend the army street as much as Forcella Pian della Biscia (1942 m). From right here, observe the route as defined beneath. Alternatively, you’ll be able to hint the official Anello del Vallon Popera lollipop path, which is a better possibility for people who wish to skip the balcony-ledge path between Forcella Pian della Biscia and Rifugio Olivo Sala.
The place to Eat | Rifugio Berti
Kreuzbergpass – Vallon Popera – Rifugio Berti Path Description
Kreuzbergpass to Forcella Pian della Biscia (1:10 hours)
Behind Lodge Kreuzberg, observe path 15 within the path of Rifugio Berti throughout the ski slope into the forest. The path follows a forest street uphill and reemerges on the high of the ski slope, the place there’s a monumental view of the Sexten. Proceed following path 15.
On the subsequent junction, flip left alongside path 124 to Lago Dell’Orso (Bärensee) and Rifugio Berti. The path crosses a melancholy, dwelling to the grassy Lago Dell’ Orso, after which steeply ascends the forest. Views divulge heart’s contents to the Carnic Alps, one of many Austrian-Italian border ranges.
Earlier than arriving on the Forcella Pian della Biscia mountain cross, the path joins a large gravel observe and passes a couple of WWI buildings. The view from the cross is mesmerizing, providing a tantalizing preview of the journey forward.
Forcella Pian della Biscia to Rifugio Sala (1 hour)
Flip proper alongside the army street (path 124). After about quarter-hour, you’ll arrive at a signed junction. Path 124b to Ferrata Campanile Colesei (Klettersteig Arzalpenturm) is signposted, whereas path 124 towards Rifugio Sala lacks signage. Nonetheless, veer left on the slim path by way of dwarf pine, leaving the large army street.
The path crosses the rugged southeastern flank of Arzalpenkopf (Croda Sora i Colesei). As the trail develops right into a balcony, there’s a slim stretch, initially secured with a hard and fast cable. Although this uncovered ledge is brief, I think about it’s lengthy sufficient for anybody who doesn’t like steep drop offs.
With time, the path descends, plagued by unfastened rock and scree.
A pointy proper flip leads right into a steep, secured gully. After crossing it, extra fastened cables support the demanding ascent, essentially the most bodily difficult part of the tour attributable to its punishing gradient.
Because the path evens out, Rifugio Sala (ruins), the command put up of the Vallon Popera troops in the course of the First World Struggle, seems forward.
Rifugio Sala to Lago di Popera (35 minutes)
Flip proper towards Laghetto Popera (path 124) and ascend Creston Popera. From this lovely perch, a heavenly panorama of the Vallon Popera basin unfolds earlier than you. Simply off the principle path, a marked viewpoint, Belvedere Creston Popera, identifies the encompassing towers and their path.
The path to Lake Popera is a simple stroll, inviting leisurely steps throughout meadows sparsely peppered with younger larch. As you close to the small lake, the observe will get more and more rockier.
A slender groomed path descends to the shore: no have to scramble down the slippery rocks for an important view.
Lago di Popera to Rifugio Berti (25 minutes)
Observe path 101 to Rifugio Berti. The best way, completely clear and straightforward to observe, leads gently down the excessive valley to Rifugio Berti. I made very sluggish progress, compelled to pause and switch round each few steps to savor the view.
Rifugio Berti to Rifugio Lunelli (50 minutes)
I can’t converse to the meals or hospitality of the hut, for the reason that refuge was already closed for the season. There’s a water supply (drink at your personal threat) subsequent to the hut.
Path 101 twists right down to Rifugio Lunelli in Val Grande.
Quickly after leaving the hut, the path crosses a stream, the place there are some fastened footholds for safety. All through the descent, there are a couple of steep rock steps to navigate, however general the gradient could be very nice. Your knees will probably be blissful.
The ultimate stretch finishes alongside a flat forest path.
Rifugio Lunelli to Kreuzbergpass (1:half-hour)
To finish the circuit, merely observe path 155 all the best way again to the cross.
The route follows the outdated Monte Colesei army street to the third bend, then heads straight into the woods. It skirts the jap slope of Colesei and continues to the meadows south of Montecroce Cross earlier than ascending again to the cross.
The place to Keep close to Vallon Popera
Kreuzbergpass – Passo Monte Croce
Lodge Kreuzberg Monte Croce sits instantly on the Kreuzberg Cross, providing the comfort of beginning a number of hikes proper from the doorstep. Nevertheless, its distant setting can really feel moderately uninteresting and much faraway from the excitement of Alta Pusteria.
One other close by possibility is Caravan Park Sexten, which gives luxurious treehouses, chalets, and tenting pitches. “The spotlight of staying right here is having fun with their expansive wellness and sauna space.
Sesto – Sexten
Sexten is a improbable base for the Vallon Popera hike in addition to quite a few others like Val Fiscalina and Torre dei Scarperi Hike. You’ll discover a formidable vary of lodging in Sexten and its hamlets of Moos and Waldheim, from farm stays and flats to wellness accommodations.
There are wonderful self-catering lodging in Sexten, providing one- or two-bedroom flats, together with Gamz Villa, Aparthotel Gamz, Villa Rainer Sexten, Paramount Alma Suites Sexten, and Ariane’s Guesthouse.
The most effective accommodations in Sexten are Lodge Royal (3-star), Lodge Schoenblick (3-star), Lodge Alpenblick (4-star), Berghotel Sexten (4-star), and Lodge Monika (5-star adults-only)
For a budget-friendly keep, try B&B Grüne Laterne – Lanterna Verde.
San Candido
The charming city of San Candido in Val Pusteria is situated between Sexten and Toblach. For hikers touring and not using a automotive, it’s best to remain within the city middle, strolling distance to the San Candido prepare station and numerous bus stops.
For apartment-style lodging, check out Wachtler Dolomite Residences (3-star flats), Residence Kugler (3-star flats), and Residence Silvia (3-star flats). For a lodge keep, I like to recommend Lodge Orso Grigio (4-star lodge) and Put up Lodge (4-star adults-only lodge).
Study extra: The place to Keep in San Candido
Alta Pusteria Journey Guides
Higher Puster Valley
Braies – Prags Dolomites:
Sesto – Sexten Dolomites:
Dolomites:
