Lüsen Valley

Lüsen – Where the dolomites become gentle

There are places that do not overwhelm you, but rather embrace you. Lüsen is such a place. While rock and stone dominate in Villnöss, here the landscape is shaped by soft contours, sunny slopes, and endless expanse.

The valley lies tucked away from the major thoroughfares, sheltered and sun-drenched. Here, the clocks tick to the rhythm of nature. It is a sanctuary for all those who want to truly live the "Slow" in "Slow Dolomites": whether hiking across vast alpine meadows, swimming in the natural pond, or simply doing nothing at all outside an ancient mountain hut.

Lüsen Village – A place of connection

The main village of Lüsen sits at around 970 meters, nestled amidst meadows and forests. This is not your typical tourist resort, but a vibrant, established community. Around the village square, you can feel the pulse of authentic local life.

From the village, paths radiate in every direction: up to the high hamlets, deep into the woods, or directly to the natural swimming pond. The architecture is down-to-earth, the people warm and welcoming. Here, you arrive, park your car, and leave the bustle of everyday life behind in the valley below.

Hidden hamlets & farmsteads

As you venture deeper into the valley or explore the slopes, you will discover small hamlets like Flitt, Rungg, and Petschied. Here, ancient mountain farms cling to the sunny hillsides—living witnesses to a cultural landscape shaped over centuries.

In Flitt, the direct path to the alpine meadows and the Astjoch summit begins. At the head of the valley in Petschied, absolute silence reigns; here, the road ends and the wilderness begins. These places are "power spots" where you can truly feel the profound connection between humanity and nature.

Petschied – On the way to Würzjoch

Situated between 1,000 and 1,500 meters, Petschied lies along the road to the Würzjoch, near the head of the valley. The Church of St. Nicholas and the St. Mary’s Chapel at the Soler farm serve as spiritual anchors for this peaceful hamlet.

Sports enthusiasts will find the local sports grounds and the Petschied natural toboggan run here—a winter highlight for families. Its location at the end of the valley makes Petschied the ideal starting point for hikes toward the Peitlerkofel and the Würzjoch.

Lüsen Alps – The stage of freedom

The Lüsen Alps is the centerpiece of our region and one of the longest high-altitude alpine plateaus in the Alps. Stretching over 20 kilometers, this highland seems to touch the very sky.

Whether in summer, when the alpine roses are in bloom, or in winter, when a blanket of white settles over the rolling peaks: the Lüsen Alp is a place of vastness. Up here, between 1,800 and 2,300 meters, you can hike without steep climbs, yet enjoy a breathtaking panorama that stretches from the Peitlerkofel all the way to the Zillertal Alps.

Peitlerkofel – The Landmark of Luson

Standing at 2,875 meters, the Peitlerkofel (Sass de Putia) is the northwestern cornerstone of the Dolomites and the true landmark of Lüsen. Its striking silhouette defines the landscape and the character of the entire valley.

From the summit, a breathtaking 360-degree view unfolds: the Dolomites with the Puez-Odle group, the Sella Massif, Marmolada, and Tofane, as well as the Zillertal Alps to the north. The sunrise is particularly impressive, as the sky over the peaks glows in vibrant shades of red and orange.

The hiking area around the Peitlerkofel offers the perfect route for every level:

The circular hike: Starting from the Würzjoch, this mid-level circuit around the mountain covers 13 km (approx. 4:30 hrs, 500 m elevation gain).
The summit ascent: Reaching the peak via a short via ferrata is a route for experienced mountaineers (11.5 km, approx. 5:00 hrs, 1,000 m elevation gain).
The gentle alternative: For those seeking a softer approach, the Kleiner Peitler (Small Peitler, 2,813 m) offers a magnificent experience without the need for a climbing section.

Glittner See (Glittner Lake) – Mirror of the Dolomites

At 2,151 meters in the eastern part of the Lüsen Alp lies the Glittner See—a quiet jewel of the mountain world. On calm days, the Peitlerkofel is reflected perfectly in the still surface of the water, creating a photographic motif that is truly second to none.

The best time for that perfect reflection is during the morning or evening hours when the mountain air is crisp and clear. While conditions are most beautiful in spring or autumn, the early morning hours are recommended during the summer months.

The circular hike to the Glittner See starts in Oberflitt. Following trail No. 10, the path leads to the Tunaretscheralm, or alternatively via the Glittner Joch (2,189 m) to the lake. The return journey takes you past the Jakobsstöckl—a gentle but longer tour of approximately 13 km (4:30 hours, 620 m elevation gain).

Immersing yourself in crystal clear water

In the heart of the village, yet a world of its own: the Lüsen Natural Bathing Pond is a true gem. Entirely free of chemicals, the water is purified naturally through aquatic plants and organic filters.

On hot summer days, it is the perfect place for a refreshing cool-down after a hike. With its sunbathing lawns and stunning mountain views, it invites you to simply lie back, watch the clouds drift by, and enjoy the element of water in its purest form.

Winter in its quietest form

When winter arrives, Lüsen transforms into a paradise of soft sounds and gentle rhythms. The rolling peaks of the Lüsen Alp are perfectly suited for snowshoeing and ski touring.

There is no noise or hustle here. You carve your own trail through untouched snow, hearing only your own breath while enjoying the crystal-clear views into the distance. Cross-country skiers also find their bliss on the high-altitude trails. And for families, the small Rungg ski lift offers a perfect, stress-free introduction to winter sports.

Discover more

Here, where the essence of alpine beauty comes alive. Where idyllic paths and authentic mindfulness make the true value of slowness tangible. Create your Dolomites moments.

WINTER HIKING:
SILENT PATHS: THROUGH SNOW-COVERED FORESTS TO THE ODLE PEAKS..

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