Hike to Sassolungo/Langkofel (Map & Instructions)
This spectacular hike takes you around the base of Sassolungo, the most iconic peak in the Dolomites. It’s a breathtaking journey through alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and stunning mountain passes.
Sassolungo, known as Langkofel in German, is the highest mountain in the Langkofel Group, towering at 3,181 meters. This distinctive limestone monolith dominates the skyline and is one of the most photographed peaks in the Dolomites.
The mountain creates an imposing wall of rock that rises dramatically from the surrounding plateau. Its sheer vertical faces and distinctive rectangular shape make it instantly recognizable from almost any angle in the region.
This excellent circular hike traverses high alpine passes, weaves through flower-filled meadows, and offers constant views of Sassolungo’s imposing north face. You’ll also enjoy panoramic vistas of the Sella Group, Marmolada, and countless other Dolomite peaks.
The route takes you past several excellent rifugios, each offering traditional Tyrolean cuisine and stunning mountain views. These mountain huts are perfect spots to refuel and soak in the alpine atmosphere.
The walk is graded medium, with one challenging section involving a steep descent with cables. You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and a head for heights in certain sections.
In this blog post, I’ve covered everything you need to know about hiking around Sassolungo, including how to get to the trailhead, a detailed map, and step-by-step instructions for the route.
SASSOLUNGO HIKE OVERVIEW
- Start / Finish: Rifugio Comici (can also start from Passo Sella)
- Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Elevation gain: 850 meters
- Difficulty: Medium
This circular route around Sassolungo is one of my favorite hikes in the Dolomites. Unlike typical there-and-back routes, this loop offers constantly changing perspectives of the mountain.
The hike begins at Rifugio Comici, accessible via cable car from Selva. The trail immediately climbs to Passo Sella, where you’re greeted with your first dramatic views of Sassolungo’s north face.
From here, the route heads west through the Friedrich August Weg, a high-altitude traverse that contours beneath the mountain’s imposing walls. This section offers some of the most spectacular views of the entire hike.
The trail then climbs to Forcella del Sassolungo at 2,681 meters, the highest point of the hike. This narrow pass offers breathtaking views in both directions—back toward Sassolungo and forward to the Sella Group.
A steep, cable-aided descent brings you down the southern side of the pass, followed by a gentle traverse through alpine meadows back to the starting point.
I’ve rated this hike as medium difficulty for several reasons.
First, while the total elevation gain is moderate at 850 meters, much of it is concentrated in steep sections, particularly the climb to Forcella del Sassolungo and the initial ascent from Rifugio Comici.
Second, the descent from Forcella del Sassolungo is steep and involves several cable-aided sections. These cables are well-maintained and secure, but you’ll need confidence on exposed terrain.
The trail surface varies from well-maintained paths to loose scree and rocky sections. Good hiking boots are essential.
It took me 5 hours 30 minutes of actual hiking, but I spent about 7 hours in total, stopping for lunch at Rifugio Vicenza, coffee breaks, and countless photo opportunities. Sassolungo is simply too beautiful to rush past.
SASSOLUNGO HIKE MAP
Below is a map of the Sassolungo circular hike with the main rifugios marked along the route (marked in red).
The walk can begin at either Rifugio Comici (accessible via the Dantercëpies cable car from Selva) or directly at Passo Sella if arriving by car or bus (marked in brown).
Car parks and bus stops are marked in blue on the map.
If you prefer a physical map, I recommend: Kompass 616 – Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi or Tabacco 05 – Val Gardena.
For digital maps, download the Trentino – South Tyrol region on Maps.me. It has all the trails clearly marked, and you can track yourself offline. Alternatively, use our map below.
USING OUR MAPS: Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD
This Sassolungo hike starts at Rifugio Comici, which sits at 2,154 meters and is accessible via the Dantercëpies cable car from Selva di Val Gardena. The cable car runs daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM from mid-June to early October. A return ticket costs €22 (€13 one-way).
Alternatively, you can start the hike directly from Passo Sella, which is accessible by car or bus.
BY CAR
Selva di Val Gardena is centrally located in the Dolomites. It’s a 30-minute drive from Corvara or Canazei, 45 minutes from Cortina d’Ampezzo, and about 1 hour from Bolzano.
There’s a large car park at the base of the Dantercëpies cable car in Selva, which costs around €8-10 per day. Arrive early during peak season as it fills up quickly.
If driving directly to Passo Sella, there’s a large paid car park at the pass (€6-8 per day). From here, you can walk 20 minutes to Rifugio Comici to join the route.
BY BUS
The 471 bus runs through Val Gardena, connecting Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva. It stops right at the Dantercëpies cable car station.
From Passo Sella, bus 471 also stops at the pass itself during summer months, making it easy to start the hike there.
Buses run every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of day and season.
HIKING INSTRUCTIONS
RIFUGIO COMICI TO FORCELLA DEL SASSOLUNGO (2 hours 30 minutes)
Take the Dantercëpies cable car from Selva to Rifugio Comici (2,154m). Step out and you’re immediately surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, with Sassolungo dominating the western skyline.
From Rifugio Comici, follow Path 525 southward toward Passo Sella. This wide, well-maintained trail climbs gently through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer. The views of Sassolungo improve with every step.
After 30 minutes, you’ll reach Passo Sella (2,218m), a major crossroads in the Dolomites. Several rifugios cluster around the pass, including Rifugio Friedrich August and Rifugio Sandro Pertini.
From Passo Sella, pick up the Friedrich August Weg (Path 526) heading west. This spectacular high-altitude traverse contours beneath Sassolungo’s towering north face. The trail is relatively level but rocky in places.
The sheer scale of Sassolungo’s vertical walls is overwhelming from this angle. The rock glows golden in the morning light and turns deep orange at sunset. Keep your camera ready—every turn offers a new perspective.
After about 1 hour along this traverse, you’ll reach Rifugio Vicenza (2,253m), perfectly positioned for a break. I stopped here for a cappuccino and strudel while gazing up at the mountain.
From Rifugio Vicenza, the trail continues west before beginning to climb more steeply. Path 526 zigzags up rocky slopes toward Forcella del Sassolungo.
This final ascent is the most challenging part of the hike. The path is steep, rocky, and requires careful foot placement. Take your time and enjoy the increasingly dramatic views behind you.
After a sustained climb, you’ll reach Forcella del Sassolungo (2,681m), a narrow saddle between Sassolungo and the Five Fingers peaks. This is the highest point of the hike, and the views are absolutely spectacular.
FORCELLA DEL SASSOLUNGO TO RIFUGIO SALEI (1 hour 30 minutes)
The descent from Forcella del Sassolungo is the most technical section of the hike. The southern side is steep and rocky, with several cable-aided sections to help negotiate the most challenging parts.
Take Path 526 southward down from the pass. The first 200 meters of descent are the steepest, with fixed cables bolted into the rock. The cables are strong and well-maintained, but you’ll need to take care, especially if the rocks are wet.
The path isn’t particularly exposed compared to some via ferratas, but it does require concentration and a steady hand. I found hiking gloves useful for gripping the cables.
After about 30 minutes, the cables end and the gradient eases. The trail continues descending through a rocky basin with excellent views across to the Sella Group and down to Val di Fassa.
The path levels out and begins traversing eastward through the Pian de Schiavaneis, a beautiful high-altitude plateau dotted with alpine flowers and small tarns.
This gentler section is a welcome relief after the steep descent. The trail is easy to follow as it winds through the meadows with Sassolungo now looming above you to the north.
You’ll reach Rifugio Salei (2,121m) nestled in the meadows. This small, traditional rifugio is a peaceful spot for a rest before the final section.
RIFUGIO SALEI TO RIFUGIO COMICI (1 hour 30 minutes)
From Rifugio Salei, continue on Path 527 heading northeast. This final section of the hike is relatively easy, following a well-maintained trail that gradually contours back toward Rifugio Comici.
The path winds through more alpine meadows and passes beneath the eastern flanks of Sassolungo. The views continue to be excellent, with the Sella Group dominating the eastern horizon.
After about 45 minutes, you’ll reach the junction with Path 525. Turn left and follow this final stretch back to Rifugio Comici, where you started.
If you have time, grab a drink at Rifugio Comici and relax on the terrace before taking the cable car back down to Selva. The views from here, especially in late afternoon light, are magical.
RIFUGIOS ON THE ROUTE
The rifugios along this route offer excellent food, drinks, and accommodation. Here are my top recommendations:
RIFUGIO VICENZA
Perched directly beneath Sassolungo’s north face at 2,253 meters, Rifugio Vicenza offers some of the most dramatic mountain views you’ll find anywhere in the Dolomites.
They serve traditional Tyrolean and Ladin dishes, including excellent canederli (bread dumplings) and strudel. The rifugio opens from mid-June to late September and has beds for 50 guests.
This is my favorite lunch spot on the route—the combination of good food and incredible views is hard to beat.
RIFUGIO FRIEDRICH AUGUST
Located right at Passo Sella at 2,212 meters, this rifugio is named after the King of Saxony who was an avid mountaineer.
It’s a larger, more modern rifugio with a spacious terrace and extensive menu. They’re open from June to September and serve throughout the day. It’s perfect for a pre-hike breakfast or post-hike beer.
RIFUGIO COMICI
This is where most hikers start and finish their day. Set among meadows at 2,154 meters with views toward Sassolungo, it’s a welcoming place to relax after the hike.
The terrace is particularly pleasant on sunny afternoons. They serve traditional mountain food and have a good selection of local wines and beers.
BEST TIME TO HIKE SASSOLUNGO
The best time to hike around Sassolungo is from early July to mid-September. During this period, the cable cars and rifugios are fully operational, the snow has melted from the high passes, and the weather is most stable.
I hiked in late July during perfect conditions—blue skies, warm temperatures, and crystal-clear visibility. The trail was moderately busy, but the crowds thinned considerably after Rifugio Vicenza.
Early July offers the advantage of wildflowers in full bloom across the alpine meadows. September brings fewer crowds and the first touches of autumn color, though weather can be more variable.
Try to start early—taking one of the first cable cars up—to avoid crowds at Passo Sella and to reach Forcella del Sassolungo before the afternoon clouds roll in.
WHAT TO TAKE ON THE HIKE
Hiking Boots: The terrain includes rocky sections and steep descents, so proper hiking boots with ankle support are essential (I use something similar to these).
Hiking Poles: These are particularly useful for the descent from Forcella del Sassolungo. I use Leki poles, which fold up small when not needed.
Gloves: Light gloves are useful for gripping the cables during the descent. They don’t need to be specialized via ferrata gloves—any light outdoor gloves will work.
Waterproofs: Mountain weather changes quickly. A lightweight waterproof jacket is essential, even on clear days. I never hike without mine.
Sun Protection: At high altitude, the sun is intense. Bring sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat for exposed sections.
Water: Carry at least 1.5 liters per person. While rifugios are available, it’s important to stay hydrated on the climbs. I use a hydration pack for easy access.
Maps: Either carry a physical map (Kompass 616 or Tabacco 05) or download the route on Maps.me. Mobile signal can be patchy in the mountains.
Camera: Sassolungo is incredibly photogenic. Bring your best camera and extra batteries—you’ll be stopping for photos constantly.
Drones: Drones are generally permitted in this area, though always check current regulations and be respectful of other hikers. The aerial views of Sassolungo are extraordinary.
The hike around Sassolungo is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the Dolomites. The combination of dramatic mountain scenery, varied terrain, and excellent rifugios makes it an unforgettable experience. Just remember to start early, bring proper equipment, and take your time to savor the views.