Dolomites · Moderate · Circular

Puflatsch and the Witches' Benches from Compatsch

A round of the Puflatsch from Compatsch on the Alpe di Siusi, by the Engelrast viewpoint and the Witches' Benches, facing the Sassolungo.

Distance
8.6 km (5.3 mi)
Ascent
362 m
Time
About 3 h
High point
2,170 m
Grade
Moderate

Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.

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Puflatsch and the Witches' Benches from Compatsch
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The walk

From the Compatsch car park, path 14 climbs steeply to the edge of the Puflatsch plateau, passing close to the Engelrast viewing platform. The way then goes round the plateau past the Arnika hut to the Witches' Benches (Hexenbänke) on its northern edge, up to the top of the Puflatsch, 2,176 m, and on past the Fillner Kreuz before dropping back to Compatsch.

It is 8.6 km round with 362 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Moderate: a steep start, then easy paths and tracks over the high pasture.

The Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is the largest high alpine pasture in Europe, 56 km², with about 800 kinds of flowering plants and ferns. The edge of the Puflatsch drops away steeply: keep to the path. While the cable car runs, private cars may not drive up to the alp between 9:00 and 17:00, and from 29 June 2026 the car parks at Spitzbühl and Compatsch had to be booked online; Compatsch cost €30 a day. The road is open all day only in late spring and late autumn.

The easiest way up is the cable car from Siusi to Compatsch (22 May to 2 November in 2026; €21 single, €30 return), which has a free car park at the valley station. The Puflatsch chairlift saves the first climb.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.

Good to know

  • The Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), 56 km², is Europe's largest high alpine pasture
  • Path 14 climbs from Compatsch to the Engelrast viewpoint and the Witches' Benches (Hexenbänke) on the edge of the Puflatsch
  • The name Puflatsch is said to come from an old Ladin word for cattle stalls
  • Private cars may not drive up to Compatsch between 9:00 and 17:00 while the cable car runs

Summits on the way

  • Gollerspitz 2,099 m · passed close by
  • Puflatschspitz - Monte Bullaccia 2,177 m · passed close by

Getting there

Start: Compatsch car park (P2) · Pay and display. 46.53988, 11.61696

Directions to the start

Places to stay nearby

Rooms in and around Dolomites: Booking.com → Expedia →

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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.