© Stefano Pellegrini
© Grogri | Pixabay
The Sassolungo Group is one of the most iconic landscapes of the Dolomites. Its impressive rock walls and characteristic towers dominate Val Gardena, Val di Fassa and Passo Sella.
The main peak is Sassolungo, 3,181 meters high, flanked by Sassopiatto and numerous spires. It is a perfect destination both for those who love mountain hiking and for those who simply want to admire one of the most spectacular panoramas of the Dolomites.
Where is Sassolungo located
The Sassolungo Group is located between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, between Alto Adige and Trentino.
The most famous access point is Passo Sella, at approximately 2,240 meters altitude, which connects Selva di Val Gardena with Canazei. From the pass you can enjoy a close-up view of Sassolungo and the nearby Sella Group.
To visit the group you can also start from Selva di Val Gardena, Santa Cristina, Ortisei, Canazei and Campitello di Fassa.
What to see in the Sassolungo Group
Passo Sella
Passo Sella is one of the best points to admire Sassolungo up close. Several trails depart from here and you can reach the Stone City, a particular landscape of large rocks, meadows and small forests at the foot of the massif.
It is also an excellent starting point to reach Forcella del Sassolungo and start some of the most beautiful excursions in the area.
Forcella del Sassolungo
Forcella del Sassolungo, at approximately 2,685 meters, is one of the most spectacular places in the group. Here the mountain is no longer just a panorama to observe: you find yourself in the heart of the massif, surrounded by the walls of Sassolungo and the Five Fingers.
From the Forcella spectacular views open up onto the Sella Group, Marmolada and Val Gardena.
From Passo Sella you can reach the Forcella also with the cable car, which arrives next to Rifugio Toni Demetz, nestled between Sassolungo and the Five Fingers. Various routes depart from here, including the path to Rifugio Vicenza and the Sassolungo Circuit.
Stone City
The Stone City is a suggestive natural labyrinth of large rocks, meadows and small forests at the foot of Sassolungo, near Passo Sella.
It is an ideal destination for an easy walk and to see Sassolungo up close, without undertaking a demanding excursion.
Sassolungo Circuit
The Sassolungo Circuit is the most famous trek in the area and allows you to admire the massif from different perspectives.
The official route indicated from Val Gardena measures approximately 10.9 km, with 350 meters of ascent and 840 meters of descent. The estimated duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes and the difficulty is medium. The highest point reaches 2,687 meters.
It is therefore an excursion to undertake with trekking shoes, appropriate clothing and good preparation.
Easy and panoramic excursions
You don't need to do the complete Sassolungo circuit to enjoy the landscape. There are also shorter and simpler routes.
- Monte Pana – Passo Sella: 4.7 km, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and 221 meters elevation gain.
- Stone City: an easy walk among rocks, meadows and forests at the foot of Sassolungo.
- Friedrich August Trail: a scenic route from Passo Sella towards Rifugio Sassopiatto, with splendid views of the Dolomites.
- Forcella del Sassolungo: reachable from Passo Sella also by cable car; from here you can continue towards Rifugio Vicenza and continue the excursion at the foot of the massif.
When to visit Sassolungo
Summer and early autumn are the best periods for high-altitude excursions and trekking.
July and August are the most crowded months, while September can offer a more peaceful atmosphere. Early in the season you may still find snow on the higher trails.
Before departing it is always advisable to check weather, trail conditions, hut opening and lift operations.
In winter the landscape changes completely and Sassolungo becomes one of the scenarios of the ski areas of Val Gardena and Val di Fassa.
How to get to Sassolungo
From the Alto Adige side, Passo Sella is reached passing through Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena. From Trentino you arrive instead through Canazei and Campitello di Fassa.
In summer Passo Sella is very crowded: for this reason it is advisable, when possible, to use buses and lift systems and to check in advance the access and parking arrangements.
