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Reaching the Alpe di Siusi feels like crossing a threshold into another dimension—one where time moves slower, the sky is wider, and nature speaks in colors, silence, and light. We spent a few unforgettable days here, staying at Hotel Paradiso, a place that lives up to its name in every way.
Arrival in Another World
After exiting the Brenner motorway near Chiusa, we started driving into the Valle Isarco. Already here, the scenery whispers what awaits: dramatic peaks, deep forests, and alpine meadows stretching toward the horizon. To reach Hotel Paradiso, nestled in the heart of the Alpe di Siusi Natural Park, we needed a special permit—the road is otherwise reserved for pedestrians and agricultural vehicles. But once we arrived, parked the convertible, and stepped out, the view was breathtaking: endless meadows flowing into rocky cliffs, painted with all shades of green, grey, and blue.
Welcome to Hotel Paradiso
We were welcomed by Alexander, the hotel’s owner, with an aperitif and a warm smile. His connection to Innsbruck, his love for art, and his pioneering spirit quickly became clear: Hotel Paradiso is the first fully vegan hotel in the Dolomites. But it’s more than just a dietary choice—it’s a philosophy of harmony with nature, sustainability, and emotional awareness.
Contemporary art installations decorate the grounds, including large blue snails crawling whimsically over the hotel walls. The whole space is a living gallery, a blend of alpine tradition and thoughtful creativity. As Alexander told us, art is not just decoration—it’s a provocation, an invitation to reflect, to slow down, and to connect more deeply with our surroundings.
A Taste of Innovation
Dining at Hotel Paradiso is an experience on its own. Even if you’re not vegan, you’ll be enchanted by the creativity of the dishes. Local herbs, mountain vegetables, wild berries—all prepared with an innovative twist. Here, every meal is not just food, but a journey: of flavors, of textures, and of philosophy.
Despite the richness of the meals, we always left the table feeling light and energized—never that stuffed-and-sleepy feeling you get from heavy cuisine. This is slow food at its finest, where every bite tells a story.
Hiking into the Sky
One of the highlights of our stay was the hike up to the Schlern massif. Towering above the Alpe di Siusi, it’s a monumental rock formation, seemingly sliced clean by some divine blade. From there, we made our way to Tierser Alpl Hut, and then followed the panoramic ridge to the Rifugio Bolzano, where we stopped for lunch.
Along the trail, marmots peeked out of their burrows to study us, then relaxed again, seemingly used to humans. The hike was scenic, manageable, and utterly rewarding—especially when the path opened up into sweeping views that took our breath away.
The descent back to the plateau was perhaps the toughest part—more for our tired legs than the trail itself. But returning to Hotel Paradiso meant the reward of a serene spa session, with saunas and steam baths that melted away every ounce of fatigue.
Sunset, Stillness, and Heidegger
Dinner was, once again, a celebration of mindful eating. And as the sun set behind the Dolomites, painting the sky with glowing hues, we took a final stroll. There, alone with the mountain, we felt what Heidegger called Gelassenheit—a letting-be, a quiet surrender to being.
Nature here isn’t just a pretty postcard. It’s a teacher. And in this vast, open silence, far from the rush of everyday life, we remembered something essential: to exist is already a miracle.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Alpe di Siusi, South Tyrol
- 🏨 Hotel: Hotel Paradiso – Vegan, artistic, immersive
- 🚗 Access: By car with a permit, from Chiusa/Val Gardena
- 🥾 Recommended Hike: Schlern – Rifugio Molignon – Tierser Alpl
- 🧖♀️ Wellness: Full vegan spa experience with saunas and steam rooms
- 🕰 Season: Best from late spring to early autumn
- 🌱 Cuisine: 100% vegan, organic, locally inspired
- 📷 Tips: Bring a camera and lots of memory cards—this place is visually overwhelming
Alpe di Siusi is not just a destination—it’s a dimension.
And at its heart, Hotel Paradiso is a place where nature, art, and philosophy blend into a truly transformative experience.
