This holiday meant something special to me: going back to the mountains, this time on my wheels, but with the same old wish to discover new places, enjoy the views and share lovely days with friends.
We were a group, and we chose an approach we loved: some experiences we shared all together, while for others everyone picked their own route, according to their abilities and interests. Whenever possible, we all met up for lunch at the mountain hut.
A perfect solution: everyone could enjoy the mountains in their own way, and then we all came together again at the table.
Day 1 Sunday 30 AugustArriving in Fiè
We set off at around 7.30, heading for Fiè allo Sciliar. We arrive at lunchtime and go straight to a first stop I had chosen with care.
Lunch at the Pitschlmann
The Pitschlmann is a traditional farmhouse I had picked for its wonderful panoramic terrace, its typical atmosphere and its excellent reviews. The kitchen serves South Tyrolean specialities and seasonal dishes, made with regional ingredients and produce from the farm.
Accessibility · Toilet
Accessibility at the Pitschlmann: the farmhouse also has an accessible toilet, an important detail for me.
The perfect way to start our holiday: good food, a view and the mountains.
Hotel Emmy
After lunch we reach the Hotel Emmy, where you can drop off your luggage from 3 pm.
Accessibility · Hotel
Accessibility at the Hotel Emmy: I chose an accessible hotel, with an adapted bathroom featuring an accessible WC, grab rail and level-access shower with a shower chair.
And then there’s the location: simply stunning, overlooking the village of Fiè, with breathtaking sunsets. Just enough time to unpack and we’re already ready for our first walk.
The first walk: Hotel Emmy – Sant’Antonio – Hotel Emmy
It’s a walk recommended by the hotel itself, starting and finishing right at the Hotel Emmy. The route passes through Sant’Antonio, among woods, meadows and wonderful views of the Sciliar (Schlern) massif.
Accessibility · Route
Accessibility of the walk: I did this route on my own wheels.
A pleasant first walk, perfect for starting to discover the area and getting that wonderful feeling of being back in the mountains straight away.
And to round off the day…
Back at the hotel, a welcome aperitif on the Hotel Emmy terrace is waiting for us, on the house. Before dinner, another couple of friends who had set off later join us: at last we’re all together. After the toast, we enjoy the excellent dinner included in our half board.
A day that started early and was full of lovely moments ends in the best possible way: at the table, with the village of Fiè and the mountains in front of us, happy to be back in the mountains at last.
Day 2 Monday 31 August · Fiè allo SciliarFrom Lake Fiè to Malga Tuff
Today we all set off together, although we reach Lake Fiè in different ways: our friends walk there straight from the hotel, while I drive to the lake.
We all meet up at Lake Fiè, ready to start our day in the mountains.
Getting to Lake Fiè
Accessibility · Parking
To get there by car I drive to the Lake Fiè car park. One important thing to know: you don’t need to go into the paid car park. Outside it there are clearly marked spaces reserved for disabled people.
Once the car is parked, a short walk takes me to the lake.
Accessibility · Toilet
There is also an accessible toilet at the car park.
Lake Fiè
Accessibility · Lake
Lake Fiè is one of South Tyrol’s swimming lakes and, something especially important for me, it is accessible to disabled people too.
A special chair is available that lets you go straight down into the water.
A thoughtful touch that makes this lovely corner of the mountains even more inclusive: not just a place to admire, but a lake you can really experience and enjoy.
From Lake Fiè to Malga Tuff
Once we’re all together, we start by going round the lake, then carry on towards the upper lake and on to Malga Tuff, an alpine farm.
Accessibility · Route
For this stretch we choose the wider path, avoiding the shortcut through the woods.
The route
Accessible on my wheels, but with some difficulty on certain stretches.
When the slope gets steeper, the surface of small loose stones makes the Triride’s wheels lose grip. In those spots the motor can’t keep enough traction and I need a push from my companion.
Malga Tuff
At last we reach Malga Tuff, surrounded by greenery and mountains.
Here there’s a small petting area with friendly little goats, while in the surrounding meadows you can meet alpacas, horses, donkeys and even camels.
A really unusual setting, which makes the stop even more enjoyable. After the walk it’s time to stop and enjoy the farm, the view and the whole mountain atmosphere.
Accessibility · Toilet
There’s an accessible toilet here too.
Accessibility · Route
The route · Coming back downhill
The way down from Malga Tuff, on the other hand, was no problem at all: with the Triride set to cruise control, the wheels gripped the ground well and I managed it without any difficulty.
So, with someone who can help on the harder uphill stretches, the route is doable; the way down turned out to be much easier.
The upper lake
On the way back we stop to admire the upper lake once more, taking our time to enjoy this corner of nature before getting back in the car.
Castel Presule and an aperitif
But the day isn’t over yet!
We decide to stretch it out with a stop, all together by car, at Castel Presule (Schloss Prösels), the striking castle that overlooks the hamlet of Presule, in the municipality of Fiè allo Sciliar.
It dates back to the Middle Ages and in the 16th century it was enlarged and turned into an elegant fortified residence. Today it is one of the area’s landmarks and blends beautifully into the South Tyrolean landscape.
And of course, there had to be a little indulgence!
We stop for an aperitif at the Schlossbar Prösels, with a truly special view: the castle in front of us and vineyards all around.
A toast with a beautiful view, the perfect end to a day full of nature, mountains, animals, good food and lots of lovely moments.
Day 3 Tuesday 1 September · Alpe di SiusiThe Bullaccia and Rifugio Arnika
For our third day, on the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), we had planned the Bullaccia (Puflatsch) circuit with our friends. The full loop, however, isn’t accessible with my wheelchair, so we found an alternative route to reach the Rifugio Arnika mountain hut anyway and all meet up for lunch.
Going up to Compaccio
We all drove together from Siusi to the valley station of the Alpe di Siusi cable car.
Accessibility · Cable car
The cable car is wheelchair accessible: getting into the cabin was simple and easy for me. For disabled people the ride up is free on showing your disability card.
There is an accessible toilet both at the valley station in Siusi and at the top station in Compaccio.
Up the Bullaccia with the Telemix
Once in Compaccio (Compatsch), our friends set off on their walk, while we went to the Telemix Puflatsch, a lift that takes you straight up onto the Bullaccia.
Accessibility · Telemix
The Telemix is wheelchair accessible too. It is free for wheelchair users on showing the required documents. There is also an accessible toilet at the valley station.
To reach the lift there’s a short unpaved stretch, which we managed with my Triride without any difficulty.
Towards Rifugio Arnika
Once at the top, we took the route towards the Rifugio Arnika, where we had arranged to meet our friends. With the meadows of the Alpe di Siusi and the Dolomites all around us, we enjoyed the landscape at our own pace.
Among the meadows and the grazing cows
The route turned out to be doable with my Triride, and the unpaved surface was easy going on the whole. Right along the way from the Bullaccia to the Rifugio Arnika we came across cows out grazing, which kept us company for a while: an encounter that made our walk even more special.
Accessibility · A push needed
On the short, steeper uphill stretches, the Triride’s wheel tended to slip. In those spots I needed a push from my companion to get over them. Otherwise, the route was pleasant and very manageable with my mobility aid.
And so we reached the Rifugio Arnika, where we all met up for a well-earned lunch break. After the climb, sitting down together and sharing stories of the morning was even better.
Back to Compaccio
After lunch, our friends went on to complete the Bullaccia loop, while we headed back towards the Rifugio Bullaccia. From there we took the paved road that goes straight down to Compaccio.
It was so satisfying: we managed the whole descent without having to take the Telemix again!
Accessibility · Descent
The way down is paved. Despite the slope, with my Triride’s cruise control we managed it without any problems, keeping a steady speed. This is our experience with my mobility aid: the slope should be judged according to the wheelchair you use and your ability to control the descent.
Once in Compaccio, we met up with our friends again to take the cable car together back down to Siusi.
Relaxing by the pool and dinner on the terrace
Back at the hotel, after a day among the views of the Bullaccia, we treated ourselves to some well-deserved relaxation by the pool.
Accessibility · Hotel pool
The Hotel Emmy’s pool does not have a hoist for getting into the water. Even so, the sun-lounger area is a pleasant place to relax by the pool and enjoy the view.
Our room was on the pool side: from our terrace, through a passage that is also wheelchair accessible, we could go straight to the sun-lounger area.
Dinner on the terrace and sunset over Fiè
And the day wasn’t over yet! We had booked a table for dinner on the terrace. The temperature was really pleasant, and eating outdoors while admiring the view was the right choice.
To make it all even better came a beautiful sunset: the perfect end to a day of nature, mountains and so many small special moments.
Day 4 Wednesday 2 September · Alpe di Siusi and OrtiseiBaita Sanon and Ortisei by night
Our fourth day began with another day exploring the Alpe di Siusi: a walk among meadows and mountain chalets, lunch with friends at Baita Sanon and, to finish, an evening in lovely Ortisei.
From Siusi to the alpine meadows
We drove to Siusi and from there took the cable car up to Compaccio (Compatsch), in the heart of the Alpe di Siusi. Once at the top, we set off with our friends towards Baita Sanon.
The first stretch is really pleasant: a wide road with an even surface crosses the meadows between traditional wooden chalets and spectacular Dolomite views. Walking all together, with the mountains around us, was a wonderful start to the day.
Towards Baita Sanon
We carried on together as far as a fork, where our routes split. We continued towards Baita Sanon; our friends chose the loop towards Monte Piz and the Adler Lodge Alpe, arranging to meet us all later at the chalet.
Further on, the landscape keeps offering beautiful views of meadows, trees and Dolomite peaks. The surface, though, becomes more natural and uneven in places, with slopes that need more care.
Accessibility · A push needed
With my Triride All Road I managed the route, but on the hardest stretches I needed help from my companion. In my experience it’s doable with this mobility aid, as long as you’re not alone: the uneven surface and the slopes need care and, in places, a real helping hand.
Once at Baita Sanon, we stopped to wait for our friends, enjoying the view and the peace of the alpine pasture.
Lunch at Baita Sanon
When we were all together again, it was finally time to sit down at the table. After the different routes of the morning, sharing lunch and telling each other about our walks was even more enjoyable.
Accessibility · Toilet
Baita Sanon has a toilet marked as accessible to wheelchair users.
Heading back and a little relaxation
After lunch we split up again: we went calmly back to Compaccio the same way we came, while our friends carried on towards Saltria.
From Compaccio we took the cable car back down to Siusi and returned to the hotel. Before getting ready for the evening, we treated ourselves to some relaxation by the pool: a lovely break after the day on the Alpe.
An after-dinner gem: Ortisei
After dinner we had a walk in Ortisei, to see the village in its evening clothes. And I must say that, with the lights on, Ortisei really is a little gem!
Accessibility · Parking
We found the Conad supermarket car park very convenient, with several spaces reserved for disabled people: from there we reached the centre with my Triride.
The illuminated Tyrolean houses, the shops and the shop windows create an elegant and evocative atmosphere. With the mountains as a backdrop, the village at night has a charm all of its own.
Accessibility · Slopes
The centre can be managed with my Triride, but the village is on a slope: there are ups and downs, especially in the streets of the old centre. I got around without any particular problems; on the steepest stretches help from a companion can be useful. Slopes should be judged according to the mobility aid you use.
A walk that rounded off in the best way a day of Alpe di Siusi views, Baita Sanon, good food and a bit of relaxation. Another lovely memory to take with us, on my wheels.
Day 5 Thursday 3 September · Ortisei and Val d’AnnaVal d’Anna
On the fifth day we chose two different plans: our friends wanted to try a more demanding hike on the Alpe di Siusi, from Compatsch up to the Rifugio Bolzano (Schlernhaus), at 2,457 metres, also known as “the castle in the clouds” for its spectacular position on the Sciliar.
We, on the other hand, took the chance to go back to my beloved Val d’Anna, a corner of Val Gardena I’m especially fond of.
A green corner just outside Ortisei
Val d’Anna is a quiet, green valley, with a stream running through it and woods all around. It’s a pleasant, relaxing place where nature really takes centre stage.
Arriving and parking
We headed for Ortisei. When we got to the Seceda area, the car park was already full. So we carried on towards Val d’Anna and, on reaching the paved road that leads straight into the valley, we discovered that access was restricted.
Accessibility · Parking
By showing our disabled parking badge, we were allowed through: so we were able to drive to the small Val d’Anna car park, close to the restaurant.
Arriving by wheelchair from the Seceda
Accessibility · Route
If you want to start from the Seceda car park, the paved road to Val d’Anna can also be done in a wheelchair. Some uphill stretches can be hard work with a manual wheelchair, though, including for the companion who has to push. With an electric add-on like the Triride, the route is much easier to manage.
Lunch and relaxing in the green
And there’s another reason I love Val d’Anna so much: the food here is simply top marks! The Café Restaurant Val d’Anna is one of my favourite places, where you can enjoy excellent traditional South Tyrolean dishes in a beautiful green setting. For me, a stop here is almost compulsory!
Once there, we settled onto two sun loungers under a parasol, with a little low table in front of us, perfect for having lunch comfortably without having to move.
A great lunch and pure relaxation!
A special sunset at the Hotel Emmy
After a day of good food and relaxation in my beloved Val d’Anna, we went back to the Hotel Emmy.
We ended the day with dinner at the hotel, accompanied by a spectacular sunset that made our evening even more special.
Day 6 Friday 4 September · Sixth and last dayMonte Pana
Sadly, the sixth and last day of our holiday in Fiè allo Sciliar arrived too. After breakfast we loaded the car and all set off together towards Monte Pana.
After discovering Fiè, the Alpe di Siusi and Ortisei, it felt like a lovely way to say goodbye to these mountains. We were due to head home after lunch, so for our last morning we chose an easy, pleasant walk, with no rush, to spend a little more time all together.
One last morning in the Dolomites
Monte Pana is a beautiful green plateau. Meadows, woods and Dolomite views frame a walk that invites you to slow down and enjoy every moment.
Arriving at Monte Pana
There are two car parks on Monte Pana, P1 and P2, both handy for reaching the area where the trails start.
Good to know before you go
According to the information displayed at the time of our visit, parking is charged from 1 December to 31 March and from 1 June to 15 October, from 7 am to 2 pm; after 2 pm it is free.
For our last day we chose the PanaRaida Adventure Trail: a route through meadows and woods at the foot of the Sassolungo (Langkofel), perfect for a peaceful morning.
The PanaRaida Adventure Trail
The PanaRaida is a loop of about 2.6 km, with a modest climb of around 50–60 metres. Along the way there are wooden stations and interactive installations: tree houses, games, mazes and swings make the walk fun and unusual.
Accessibility · Route
Accessibility of the trail
The path is wide and compacted. With my Triride I managed the whole loop, but on the sloping stretches help from a companion was useful. Something to bear in mind if you’d like to do the walk on your own wheels.
The biotope and a photo all together
Along the loop there’s also a biotope with a Kneipp water-walking path, set in the beautiful natural surroundings of Monte Pana. The water, the greenery and the mountains in the background gave us another spot to remember.
We also stopped for a few group photos: a lovely memory of this last walk, enjoyed together and with no rush.
The last lunch
Once we had finished the trail, we went back to the Monte Pana area for the last lunch of our holiday. We chose the Ristorante Alpinum, inside the historic Hotel Cendevaves.
Lunch left us very satisfied and let us end our last day in the mountains at a gentle pace.
Accessibility · Toilet
Accessibility of the restaurant
There is an accessible toilet inside the restaurant: a detail that always matters to me.
Six days on my wheels
After lunch it was time to say goodbye to these mountains and set off for home. Fiè allo Sciliar was a wonderful base for discovering lots of different places: the village and its lake, the Alpe di Siusi, Ortisei, Val d’Anna and finally Monte Pana.
Six days flew by, leaving us with lots of happy memories, wonderful landscapes and new experiences to share. And above all the satisfaction of having been able to live these places on my wheels, without giving up the wish to discover and travel.
And so our wonderful holiday comes to an end.
My “no surprises” summary
The walks, on my wheels
The things I wish I had known before setting off, gathered here so they are easy to find: surfaces, slopes and those spots where a helping hand from your companion makes all the difference.
The rating is about how easy the route is with my Triride and the help described in the story. The scale goes from 1 to 5: more stars, easier going. Five stars mean a route described as having no difficulty; four, generally easy going; three, stretches that need help; two, more marked difficulties; one, a very demanding route. They are not a rating of how beautiful a place is.
| Walk | Stars | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Emmy – Sant’Antonio – Hotel Emmy Day 1 | 4 out of 5 | Done on my own wheels, among woods, meadows and views of the Sciliar. A pleasant first outing, starting and finishing at the Hotel Emmy. |
| Lake Fiè car park and lake circuit Day 2 | 4 out of 5 | Short access from the car park and a loop around the lake. Disabled spaces outside the paid car park. There is a special chair for getting into the water. |
| Lake Fiè – upper lake – Malga Tuff Day 2 | 3 out of 5 | Take the wide path, avoiding the shortcut through the woods. Uphill, the small stones make the Triride lose grip: a push from your companion is needed. Coming back downhill was easier. |
| Bullaccia – Rifugio Arnika and back Day 3 | 3 out of 5 | Up to the Bullaccia with the Telemix. Unpaved but generally easy; on the short steep stretches the wheel slips and a push was needed. The rating is for the alternative route described, not the full Bullaccia loop. |
| Bullaccia – Compaccio: paved descent Day 3 | 3 out of 5 | Managed without problems using my Triride’s cruise control. The slope is still an important factor: controlling the descent depends on the mobility aid you use. |
| Compaccio – Baita Sanon and back Day 4 | 2 out of 5 | First stretch wide and even; further on, a natural, uneven surface and slopes. With the Triride All Road it was doable, but with real help on the harder spots. |
| Ortisei by night Day 4 | 4 out of 5 | Convenient Conad car park, with disabled spaces. I got around the centre with the Triride without particular problems, but with ups and downs: on the steepest spots a companion can be useful. |
| Access to Val d’Anna from the Seceda Day 5 | 3 out of 5 | Paved road with uphill stretches, harder with a manual wheelchair. I saw this route from the car, without trying it on my wheels: it is the only rating based on observation. By showing the disabled badge we reached the car park near the restaurant. |
| Monte Pana – PanaRaida loop Day 6 | 4 out of 5 | About 2.6 km with a 50–60 m climb. Wide, compacted path; I did the loop with the Triride, with useful help on the sloping stretches. |
The full Bullaccia loop was not accessible with my wheelchair. The Rifugio Bolzano, the loop towards Monte Piz and the Adler Lodge, and the continuation towards Saltria were routes chosen by our friends: I don’t give them stars because I didn’t do them on my wheels.
Other things to remember
The accessible toilets mentioned over the six days, gathered in one reminder.
- Pitschlmann Day 1 The farmhouse has an accessible toilet.
- Hotel Emmy Day 1 Adapted bathroom with accessible WC, grab rail and level-access shower with a chair.
- Lake Fiè car park Day 2 Accessible toilet at the car park.
- Malga Tuff Day 2 Accessible toilet at the farm.
- Alpe di Siusi cable car · Siusi Day 3 Accessible toilet at the valley station.
- Alpe di Siusi cable car · Compaccio Day 3 Accessible toilet at the top station.
- Telemix Puflatsch Day 3 Accessible toilet at the valley station.
- Baita Sanon Day 4 Toilet marked as accessible to wheelchair users.
- Ristorante Alpinum · Hotel Cendevaves Day 6 Accessible toilet inside the restaurant.
From the terrace of our room, an accessible passage led to the sun-lounger area. The pool has no hoist. The Siusi–Compaccio cable car and the Telemix Puflatsch are wheelchair accessible.
Overall experience
5 hearts out of 5This story describes our experience with a wheelchair and Triride from 30 August to 4 September 2026. Services, access and parking conditions can change: when planning your visit, check the latest information for each place.