Path of the Mountain Huts and Milk Mile in Sesto
In the Upper Puster Valley, the Path of the Mountain Huts and the Milk Mile are two ideal routes for experiencing the essence of the Dolomites, suitable for both experienced hikers and families. The Path of the Mountain Huts offers an immersion in forests and alpine pastures with stops at cozy traditional huts, while the Milk Mile, simple and flat, features a thematic route dedicated to milk production, enriched with educational activities for children. Both offer enchanting views and an authentic experience of nature and tradition, allowing you to discover the flavors and stories of South Tyrol.
Path of the Mountain Huts: Trekking Through Traditional Flavors
- Starting point: Tre Cime di Sesto cable car parking lot
- Duration: 4 h (variable depending on stops)
- Route length: 19 km
- Altitude: 1,636 m
- Elevation gain: 400 m
- Difficulty level: easy/medium
The Path of the Mountain Huts in Sesto is a circular hike between 1,636 m and 1,903 m altitude, offering spectacular views of the Dolomites of Sesto. Starting from the Tre Cime valley station, the route passes through forests, meadows, and mountain huts, providing a scenic and accessible experience for all, with moderate ascents and revitalizing stops at the huts. A half-day adventure combining nature, relaxation, and culinary traditions.
First Stop: Casera di Coltrondo
The hike starts from Passo Monte Croce di Comelico, at 1,636 m, where you can park near the Tre Cime cable car. From here, follow path no. 149, which enters the forest along a comfortable gravel road. After about 75 meters of elevation gain and crossing a small stream, the trail continues left along the summer route, leading in about an hour and a half to Casera di Coltrondo (1,879 m). Here, you can enjoy a tasty break with traditional homemade dishes and locally sourced meats. For children, the hut offers a chance to interact with animals such as cows, goats, and horses, providing an educational and fun experience.
Second Stop: Casera di Rinfreddo
Continue along path no. 156 northward to reach Casera di Rinfreddo (1,887 m), the second stop of the route and the highest point, at 1,903 m.
The climb is gentle and offers increasingly expansive views of the surrounding Dolomites. Here, you can stop to taste South Tyrolean specialties, from traditional first courses to homemade tarts, or continue on other routes by foot, horseback, or mountain bike.
Third Stop: Malga Alpe Nemes
From Rinfreddo, continue northwest through open meadows and forest sections to reach Malga Alpe Nemes (1,877 m) in about half an hour.
This hut stands out for its exceptional view of the Dolomites of Sesto, and it is another perfect stop, where you can taste local products and watch grazing animals.
Descent and Return
From Malga Alpe Nemes, descend along path no. 13, crossing shaded forest areas and marshy meadows, until you return to the starting point at Moso di Sesto Pusteria (1,340 m).
If you want a more challenging variant, you can continue along path no. 13 to the panoramic point of Zolla (2,049 m), which offers an extraordinary view of the surrounding peaks. From there, continue toward Malga Klammbach, and then return through path no. 133 to Passo di Monte Croce.
Milk Mile Thematic Path in Sesto
- Starting point: Heideckstraße Playground, Moso
- Duration: about 2 h (including stops)
- Route length: 2.5 km
- Altitude: 1,360 m
- Elevation gain: 50 m
- Difficulty level: easy
The Milk Mile is an educational and interactive route designed for families and those looking for a simple walk immersed in nature. About 2.5 km long, the path starts from the Heideckstraße Playground in Moso and leads to the Sesto Dairy, passing through meadows and pine forests with views of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. The route is flat and stroller-friendly, and thanks to clear signage (green arrows), it is easy to follow.
The Ten Thematic Stations
Along the route, ten interactive stations tell the story of milk and dairy production in South Tyrol in a playful and informative way:
- The Sesto Alpine Huts and Cattle Breeds: This station introduces visitors to the different cattle breeds raised in Sesto and the Dolomites, with information about their role in the mountain ecosystem and the value of the milk produced in the local huts.
- Milk Processing and Butter Production: Here, visitors can discover how milk is processed into butter and cheeses, with details on both traditional and modern methods. Children can try “milking” a wooden cow, experiencing the process in a fun and engaging way.
- The Dairy and Types of Cheese: The final stop at the Sesto Dairy provides an in-depth look at the various typical cheeses of the Val Pusteria, explaining the differences between types of milk and aging methods. At the end of the route, visitors can purchase locally produced cheeses.
Conclusion
The Milk Mile ends at the Sesto Dairy, where you can taste and purchase fresh products such as yogurt, butter, and cheeses, providing a complete experience that combines nature, tradition, and taste. This walk, suitable for all ages, offers a unique opportunity to discover the milk culture and dairy traditions of South Tyrol, with special attention to the fun of the little ones.