The hike to the Spitzhorn starts from the parking area at the Alpen Lift and initially follows the paved road marked with trail no. 5 up to the Hotel Olangerhof. Just behind the hotel, you continue on trail no. 5B, which winds through meadows and woods, offering panoramic views of the Puster Valley and the Plan de Corones massif. Shortly before the artificial reservoir, you turn left onto trail no. 2, which leads directly to the summit of the Spitzhorn at 2,166 m.
The route is considered of medium difficulty, with a length of about 8.7 km, a hiking time of 2h50–3h, and an elevation gain of +589 m / -593 m. It alternates between steady climbs and more demanding sections, always well marked and immersed in a striking alpine landscape.
A special tip: you can stop for lunch at the Hotel Olangerhof, but only with a reservation – the perfect opportunity for a restorative break before the final ascent.
From the panoramic viewpoint at the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Dolomites, the Puster Valley, and the surrounding peaks, making this hike especially rewarding for those seeking a moderately challenging but highly scenic route.
To get there from Bolzano, take the Brenner Motorway (A22) to the Bressanone/Puster Valley exit, then continue on the SS49-E66 state road for about 50 km to Valdaora, where the starting point at the Alpen Lift is located.