Luson Alp in South Tyrol: hiking, nature and year-round holidays

The Luson Alp in South Tyrol is one of the most popular destinations for those who love nature, scenic hiking, and active holidays throughout the year. Located just a few minutes from Brixen and easily accessible via the Brenner Motorway, it offers wide open spaces, peace and quiet, and spectacular views of the Dolomites. An ideal destination for families, hikers, and anyone seeking tranquillity, both in summer and in winter.

The Luson Alp: what it is and where it is located

The Luson Alp lies in the Isarco Valley and is the second-largest alpine plateau in Europe, after the Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). It is also the largest alpine pasture area in South Tyrol.

Stretching in a semi-circle for about 20 kilometres, the plateau is characterised by wide alpine meadows, traditional mountain huts, alpine refuges, and sustainably managed pastures. From here, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the Rieserferner Group, the Hohe Tauern, the Dolomites, as well as the Isarco Valley and the Puster Valley.

The Luson Alp is a place where time seems to slow down. Its diverse and harmonious landscape has been shaped by the careful work of shepherds and farmers for generations. To preserve biodiversity, the hay meadows are mown only once a year, while grazing livestock naturally keep the grass short.

In summer, the meadows bloom with gentians, rhododendrons, and marigolds. It is the perfect environment for those seeking silence, open spaces, and an authentic connection with the mountains.

Hiking on the Luson Alp

Hiking on the Luson Alp offers routes suitable for every level of experience. Families with children can enjoy easy, mostly flat walks across alpine meadows and between mountain huts, especially around the Kreuzwiese, which are also suitable for pushchairs and ideal for relaxed outdoor experiences.

Those with a moderate level of fitness will find many moderate hikes on the Luson Alp, such as the high-altitude trail leading to Glittner Lake, a picturesque mountain lake with views of the Peitlerkofel, or the paths through the Luson Mountain Farms, combining nature and local history.

Experienced hikers can tackle more demanding routes and summit climbs, including the ascent of Kampiller Berg (2,190 m) or Astjoch (2,194 m), rewarded with sweeping views of the Dolomites, the Hohe Tauern, the Isarco Valley, and the Puster Valley.

Thanks to the wide variety of trails on the Luson Alp, everyone can find the right hike – for families, leisure walkers, or seasoned hikers – in both summer and winter.

Mountain biking and cycling routes on the Luson Alp

The Luson Alp also offers excellent conditions for mountain biking. Many tracks are suitable for MTB and e-bikes, allowing visitors to explore the plateau in an active and scenic way. In addition, a section of the famous Munich–Venice cycle route crosses the alp, one of the most beautiful long-distance cycling routes across the Alps.

Winter on the Luson Alp

In winter, the Luson Alp turns into a vast natural playground for gentle winter sports, ideal for families, active visitors, and those seeking peace and quiet. Snowshoeing on the Luson Alp leads through snow-covered forests and silent alpine landscapes. Popular routes include the Tulper – Pianer Kreuz snowshoe trail, which winds through pristine winter scenery. Also of moderate difficulty is the winter hike across the Luson and Rodeneck Alp, approximately 7.7 km long and taking around 3 hours to complete. More demanding is the snowshoe hike to the Luson Alp, covering 11 km with a duration of about 5 hours, ideal for experienced winter hikers.

The Luson Alp is also known as a child-friendly mountain area. The Rungg ski lift in Luson offers a safe and well-organised area for children’s first experiences on snow. With gentle slopes, two magic carpets, and modern facilities, children can learn in a playful and secure environment while adults relax in the winter sun at the valley station.

Cross-country skiers will appreciate the sense of space and freedom on the Luson and Rodeneck Alp. At around 2,000 metres above sea level, a network of over 30 kilometres of cross-country ski trails unfolds across a peaceful winter landscape. Starting directly from the Tulper-Gampis car park, the trails extend gently towards the Würzjoch Pass, suitable for both classic style and skating. The winter offer is completed by several toboggan runs on the Luson Alp, perfect for families and carefree winter fun.