Our excursion to Mt Rasciesa di Fuori in the Val Gardena starts at San Pietro/Laion. Above the parish church of San Pietro the marker n° 35 leads us along a forest road into the wood. A pleasant ascent in the shade with amazing views on Mt Sciliar, the Sassolungo Group, the Val Gardena and the Valle Isarco. Rasciesa itself is a well-known high plateau in the Odle Group with the 2,281 m high Mt Rasciesa di Fuori.

After approx. 2 hours walk we turn right to the Ramitzler Schwaige mountain hut at 1,815 m a.s.l. which has a gorgeous sun terrace with panoramic view. After a small refreshment we walk further on the path n° 35 again through the wood, passing a few idyllic lodges. Bit by bit the forest clears and the top of Mt Rasciesa di Fuori comes into focus. The path now becomes narrower and stony, some parts are quite steep. We pass a gorgeous viewpoint with a wooden bench and arrive at the Chapel of the Holy Cross of Rasciesa in a beautiful panoramic position.

Only few meters of altitude still have to be mastered to reach the mountain top. A mighty summit cross with a graved wooden figure - the handicraft of the Val Gardena is reflected here - graces the peak. We enjoy the amazing view from our position at 2,281 m on the Dolomites and other mountains. After a refreshment and rest we start our way back, passing the Ramitzler Schwaige mountain hut to our starting point. A splendid day with plenty of impressions and pictures of Mt Marmolada, the Sassolungo Group, the Sella Massif and the Zillertal Alps in the very north.

Please note: also the Ramitzler Schwaige is a beautiful destination of an excursion, e.g. for families or a hike with a dog. But who is really enthusiastic about mountains should do the ascent to the summit of Mt Rasciesa di Fuori, especially in clear weather!

Author: BS