Guide to Monte Specie (Strudelkopf): Easy Hike to a Panoramic View in the Dolomites

An easy panoramic hike

Monte Specie (or Strudelkopf as it’s called in German) is one of the most accessible peaks in the Dolomites, and you don’t even need a cable car to get there.

An easy, gentle path winds through open landscapes and flower-filled meadows. After around an hour and a half of walking, you reach the top with a stunning 360-degree view of some of the region’s most iconic peaks – including the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

We’ve been to the Dolomites several times, but the hike to Monte Specie stayed on our list for ages without us actually doing anything about it.

When we finally got around to doing it, it turned out to be one of the easiest (and loveliest!) hikes we’ve done in the area – so there’s really no reason to wait. We think more people should know about this one!

In this guide to Monte Specie, we share our experience, why we think it’s worth doing, practical information about opening hours and parking, our best tips and lots of pictures.

Where to stay near Monte Specie

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• Budget: Hotel Serena – A great budget-friendly hotel option in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is widely regarded as one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites.
• Value for money: Romantik Hotel Santer – 4-star hotel with a pool near Dobbiaco (Toblach), about a 30-minutes from the parking area. It’s also close to Tre Cime and Lago di Braies.
• Value for money: Hotel Lago di Braies – A hotel right by the popular lake, where you can wake up to stunning views and have easy access by car to the Monte Specie hike.
• Luxury: Hotel Trenker – Luxurious 4-star hotel for adults with spa, pool and fantastic mountain views. Close to Lago di Braies and 20 minutes from Monte Specie.

You can also read our comprehensive guide to where to stay in the Dolomites.

What is Monte Specie?

In the southern part of the Dolomiti di Sesto (Sextener Dolomiten) mountain range, you’ll find the impressive peak of Monte Specie (also known as Strudelkopf in German).

Monte Specie is known for being relatively easy to reach, and from the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Dolomites.

You can see iconic peaks like Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) – one of the most recognisable mountain formations in the region – along with Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo (Hohe Gaisl), Picco di Vallandro (Dürrenstein), and the Cristallo massif.

The trail is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers, with a route that’s not too long or steep but still delivers a proper mountain experience.

If you start from the car park, the hike begins at around 1,990 metres and takes you up to 2,305 metres at the summit.

In winter, the area is especially popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Map of Monte Specie

Monte Specie (Strudelkopf) is a mountain peak in the southern Dolomites, located in South Tyrol in northern Italy (close to the border with Austria).

It forms part of the Dolomiti di Sesto range and sits near the Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese) plateau, in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies natural park – a popular base for hiking in the area.

From the summit of Monte Specie, you’re at 2,305 metres above sea level.

Why visit Monte Specie

The hike to the top of Monte Specie (Strudelkopf) is one of those rare Dolomites walks without a cable car where you get an incredible view for relatively little effort.

The trail is around 4-5 kilometres (~ 3 miles) each way, with about 360 metres of elevation gain, and it’s well signposted.

In other words, it’s manageable for most people with a normal level of fitness.

Compared to many other hikes and experiences in the Dolomites, it’s easy to access: you can park close to the starting point at Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese), and the paths are good and not too steep.

In winter, it’s popular with both cross-country skiers and winter hikers. In summer, you’ll pass grazing cows and hear cowbells echoing through the peaceful alpine landscape.

And did we mention the views? Absolutely stunning! Like stepping into a postcard.

Monte Specie is a hike we can genuinely recommend if you’re after a big payoff without spending the whole day on the trail or pushing your legs to the limit.

It also pairs perfectly with a visit to the beautiful mountain lake Lago di Braies, just 20-25 minutes away by car.

Overview of the Monte Specie/Strudelkopf hike

• • Start and finish: Prato Piazza car park at an altitude of 1,990 metres.
  • Duration: Around one and a half hours of hiking each way, depending on breaks, photos, walking pace and any detours.
  • Distance: Approximately 4-5 kilometres each way, depending on the exact route you take.
  • Elevation: To the top, there is a total ascent of ~ 359 metres and a descent of ~ 42 metres.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The paths are well-marked and free of any challenging sections.
  • Suitable for children and dogs: We saw plenty of families with children and dogs on the trail, so it’s definitely doable if they’re used to walking for a few hours.
  • Trail surface: Most paths are compact gravel or stone, making for relatively easy walking. We used walking poles for extra support and recommend bringing them if you have them.
  • Facilities: Several mountain huts along the way offer restaurants and accommodation (book ahead if you want to stay overnight). There are also toilets available, often for a small fee. Opening hours vary with the season.
  • Cost: Access via a toll road costs 10 euros (~ 11.5 USD), including parking. More details and alternative options can be found later in the guide.

Our experience at Monte Specie

We visited Monte Specie at the end of October, when the landscape was glowing with autumn colours and the sun was shining from a perfectly clear sky.

Our trip started at the Prato Piazza car park, where we left the car after the drive up the toll road.

We began by heading towards Rifugio Vallandro (Dürrensteinhütte), and from there, we followed a fairly steep path that led almost directly to the summit, marked by a wooden cross.

The walk along the well-maintained gravel trails was beautiful in itself, but the real highlight came at the top – a 360-degree panoramic view with mountain peaks stretching out in every direction. We stopped there for a break and enjoyed our packed lunch.

It was especially fun to spot the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (The Three Peaks) from a completely different angle, as we had hiked around them about a month and a half earlier.

For the way back, we chose route 40A – a slightly longer but much gentler path that brought us back to where we started.

The whole loop took just over three hours and made for a rewarding and varied outing.

If you don’t count cable car viewpoints or short lake walks, this is easily one of the simplest hikes with the biggest payoff we’ve done in the Dolomites.

Afterwards, we drove to Lago di Braies to revisit the famously photogenic lake in the afternoon light – our second time there!

You can see a rough outline of our hiking route to Monte Specie on the map below.

Practical information about Monte Specie

Opening hours

There are no set opening hours for visiting the summit of Monte Specie (Strudelkopf).

It’s accessible year-round, though road and weather conditions should always be considered.

The mountain huts on the plateau each have their own opening times, and the toll road up to Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese) operates on a seasonal schedule.

You can find more details about both by reading further in this guide to visiting Monte Specie.

Price

Visiting Monte Specie and hiking on the plateau is free of charge.

However, there are some other costs to be aware of, such as a fee for using the toll road up to Prato Piazza or for parking in Ponticello (see the parking and toll road section below).

If you choose to park in Ponticello, the shuttle bus up to the plateau comes with a small fare.

Food and drinks at the mountain huts will, of course, cost extra, and some toilets require a fee. It’s a good idea to bring some cash with you, just in case.

Food and drink

Along the walking route, you’ll find several huts offering refreshments and toilets, including Rifugio Prato Piazza (Berggasthof Plätzwiese), Malga Prato Piazza (Almhütte Plätzwiese) and Rifugio Vallandro (Dürrensteinhütte).

Opening hours vary with the season. Read more about the huts and see which ones are open here.

There are also toilets available at the Prato Piazza car park.

Note: Some toilets require a small cash fee for use.

Drone regulations

Monte Specie lies within the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, where flying drones is strictly prohibited.

While we would have loved to capture stunning aerial photos of the mountains, we fully support the ban to protect the wildlife (and preserve the peace for other visitors).

If you fly a drone in the area and break this rule, you risk a hefty fine.

How to get to Monte Specie

To reach Monte Specie by car, start by driving towards Valle di Braies (Pragser Tal) and continue to Ponticello (Brückele).

From here, you have two options: park in a parking lot and take a bus up to the plateau, or pay to drive the toll road up to Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese).

Access to the toll road is restricted depending on the season and time of day. We will get into that a little further down.

Driving time from towns and cities in the Dolomites

Driving to Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese), the starting point for the Monte Specie (Strudelkopf) hike, can take quite a while depending on where you’re coming from.

Distances in the Dolomites can be deceptive, and winding mountain roads often mean longer travel times than expected.

Here are some approximate driving times from nearby towns and cities:

• Monguelfo (Welsberg): 20-25 minutes drive. 15 kilometres (~ 9.3 miles) from the plateau, with a direct bus connection.
• Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee): 20-25 minutes drive. One of the Dolomites’ most beautiful lakes, just 15 kilometres (~ 9.3 miles) from Prato Piazza.
• Dobbiaco (Toblach): 25-30 minutes drive. The closest larger town to Prato Piazza is located around 20 kilometres (~ 12.4 miles) away.
• Brunico (Bruneck): 45 minutes drive. The largest town near Prato Piazza, approximately 32 kilometres (~ 19.9 miles) from the plateau.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo (Hayden): 1 hour drive. One of the most popular towns in the Dolomites, about 52 kilometres (~ 32.3 miles) away.
• Bressanone (Brixen): 1 hour and 15 minutes drive. A historic town 66 kilometres (~ 41 miles) from Prato Piazza.
• Val Gardena (Gröden): 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether you’re staying in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, or Selva – all roughly 95-100 kilometres (~ 59-62 miles) away.
• Bolzano (Bozen): 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours driving. One of South Tyrol’s largest cities, just over 100 kilometres (~ 62 miles) from Prato Piazza.

Parking

You can drive all the way up to Prato Piazza, and it’s generally easy to find parking at Parcheggio Prato Piazza.

That said, access is only allowed during specific times of day, and in high season, there’s a fee to use the toll road leading up to the car park (see next section for details).

The car park is just a five-minute walk from the first mountain hut and the start of the hike, so if you’re able to drive up, it’s the most convenient option. That’s what we did ourselves.

There’s space for around 100 cars, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to secure a spot.

As an alternative, you can park in Ponticello (Brückele) and take a shuttle bus up to the plateau.

Be sure to check the current access rules and road conditions before your visit, as these may change from year to year.

Note: Private buses and caravans are not permitted to drive all the way up at any time of year.

The toll road to the Prato Piazza car park

During high season (from 10 July to 10 September), traffic in the Braies Valley is restricted.

That includes the road from Ponticello (Brückele) to Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese), and during this period, the road is closed to private cars between 9:30 and 16:00.

If you arrive before 9:30 or after 16:00, you’re allowed to drive all the way up and park at Prato Piazza, provided there are spaces available.

From early June to October, access is generally only permitted before 10:00 and after 16:00, even outside the strict high-season period.

In winter, the road is usually open if you arrive before 10:00 or after 15:00, but winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory. Conditions can be slippery due to snow and ice, so drive with caution.

From April to early June, there are typically no restrictions, and the toll is waived (except during the Easter holidays). Unfortunately, we cannot find information about whether a similar toll-free period exists between October and the start of the winter season.

The toll for driving up to Prato Piazza is 10 euros per car (~ 11.5 USD)*. If you arrive after 15:00, the price is reduced to 7 euros (~ 8 USD).

As far as we know, payment is cash only. Parking at the top is included in the toll.

If you arrive during the restricted hours in peak season, you’ll need to park in Ponticello and take bus 443 (Welsberg/Monguelfo – Plätzwiese/Prato Piazza) up to the plateau.

Since dates, times and prices can change, we recommend checking the current rules here before your visit to Monte Specie.

*The prices were last updated in 2025.

Public transport

Bus line 443 runs between Monguelfo (Welsberg), Dobbiaco (Toblach) and the plateau at Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese).

As far as we know, the service usually operates from mid-June to mid-October.

Plan your journey and check current timetables here.

When to visit Monte Specie

Monte Specie can be visited year-round, but the experience varies quite a lot depending on the season.

Here, we take a closer look at how the time of year and the time of day can shape your visit.

Seasons

Spring (April and May)

Spring is a lovely time to hike if you want to avoid the summer heat and have the trails more or less to yourself.

The air is crisp and fresh, but the weather is typically more unpredictable, and there may still be patches of snow on the path in April.

It’s a particularly good idea to check the weather forecast and current trail conditions before setting out.

As the snow melts, pretty flowers begin to appear and the landscape slowly turns green.

Do keep in mind that some of the mountain huts don’t open until June, so it’s best to bring your own food and drink.

Summer (June to September)

Summer is high season (especially in July and August), so be prepared to share the trails with both tourists and locals.

It’s also the most accessible time of year: the mountain huts are open, the bus from Ponticello is running, and the weather is usually warm and stable.

Just keep in mind that traffic restrictions apply on the road between Ponticello and Prato Piazza during the summer (see the toll road section further up in the guide).

You can still drive up to the plateau if you arrive early or late – it just requires a bit of planning.

If you want to enjoy the hike in more peaceful surroundings (and secure a parking spot), we recommend getting there as early as possible.

Autumn (October and November)

We’ve visited Prato Piazza and Monte Specie in autumn ourselves – and can easily recommend it.

We had no trouble finding a parking space in the morning, and the trails were wonderfully quiet.

Autumn often brings clear skies and stunning colours.

We hiked in t-shirts under bright sunshine, surrounded by golden autumn tones. Absolutely perfect.

Winter (December to March)

The Prato Piazza plateau is located high up in the mountains, so snow can arrive early in the season.

During winter, the landscape is blanketed in snow, and the area is popular for cross-country skiing.

On the hiking trails, snowshoes may be necessary, depending on conditions.

There are fewer huts open in winter, so a visit this time of year requires a bit more preparation.

Time of day

No matter the season, the busiest time to visit Monte Specie is during the daytime.

That’s also when you’re most likely to find the mountain huts open for lunch or to enjoy coffee and cake.

If you want to avoid the crowds, find parking more easily, and catch the best light, it’s best to visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

If you visit the area in the middle of summer, it’s also the only way to be allowed to park at the plateau, since the road to Prato Piazza is closed to car traffic for much of the day.

Keep in mind that the sun dips behind the mountains well before the official sunset time.

If you plan to watch the sunset from the summit, don’t forget a torch or headlamp for the walk back down, as it will be dark.

How long to spend on the Monte Specie hike

How long you spend on the plateau and at Monte Specie obviously depends on how you want to experience the area.

The hike itself takes around three hours for a round trip at a relaxed pace if you start from the Prato Piazza car park and return along the same route.

If you plan to take plenty of photos, stop frequently, or enjoy a longer lunch at one of the huts, it’s wise to allow extra time.

You can also easily take detours along some of the other paths in the area if you want to extend your hike.

If you park in Ponticello and take the bus to Prato Piazza, don’t forget to add roughly 15 minutes each way for the shuttle.

Where to stay near Monte Specie

Places in the Dolomites can be quite spread out, so if you want to avoid long drives to Monte Specie, it’s worth choosing your base carefully.

On the plateau itself, you can stay at Rifugio Prato Piazza (Berggasthof Plätzwiese), Rifugio Vallandro (Dürrensteinhütte), or Hotel Hohe Gaisl.

Ponticello is another option for accommodation nearby.

If you’re planning to explore more hikes and viewpoints in the area, it might be a good idea to choose a centrally located base, or even change accommodation along the way to be closer to different attractions.

Below, we suggest some towns near Prato Piazza and Monte Specie that are worth considering.

You can also check out our comprehensive guide to where to stay in the Dolomites.

Towns in the area

If you choose to stay in one of the larger towns, you’ll find plenty of hotels, restaurants and good transport connections to Prato Piazza and other parts of the Dolomites.

Here are some towns located close to Prato Piazza and Monte Specie:

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• Monguelfo (Welsberg): A quiet, charming village in Val Pusteria, just 15 kilometres (~ 9.3 miles) from Prato Piazza. With a drive time of around 20-25 minutes, it makes a convenient base for a day trip to the plateau. During summer, bus line 443 runs directly from Monguelfo to Prato Piazza.
• Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee): One of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites, located only 15 kilometres (~ 9.3 miles) from Prato Piazza (20-25 minutes’ drive). It’s a must-see in the area, and you can stay right by the lake if you book early enough.
• Dobbiaco (Toblach): Not a large town, but one of the closest bigger towns to Monte Specie, with several hotels. It’s about 20 kilometres (~ 12.4 miles) away, and around a 25-30 minute drive.
• Brunico (Bruneck): The largest town near Prato Piazza, approximately 32 kilometres (~ 19.9 miles) away (about 45 minutes’ drive), making it a good base for exploring the area.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo (Hayden): One of the most popular and liveliest towns in the Dolomites, ideally located for a variety of hikes and cable cars. It’s about 52 kilometres (~ 32.3 miles) to the plateau, which is roughly a one-hour drive.
• Bressanone (Brixen): A historic town with a beautiful old quarter, and it’s well placed for several hikes. It’s 66 kilometres (~ 41 miles) from Prato Piazza (around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car).
• Val Gardena (Gröden): The towns of Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva are 95-100 kilometres (~ 59-62 miles) from Prato Piazza (about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours’ drive). The area is also well situated for visiting Seceda and Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm.
• Bolzano (Bozen): One of the largest cities in South Tyrol and a good starting point for exploring the Dolomites. It takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours to drive the 100 kilometres (~ 62 miles) to Prato Piazza.

Our best tips for hiking Monte Specie

• Think about the season. Spring and autumn are quieter and often more colourful, while summer brings open mountain huts, stable weather, more people and traffic restrictions. In winter, the plateau is snow-covered, so you’ll need the right gear.
• Check current traffic restrictions. Access rules vary depending on the season and time of day.
• Arrive early or late in the day if you want to avoid crowds and get a parking spot more easily.
• The sun rises late and sets early. Because of the surrounding mountains, daylight hours feel shorter than the official times.
• Bring a good camera. The views from Monte Specie are stunning! A zoom lens is great for capturing nearby peaks. Here is a guide to the gear we use.
• Be prepared for changing weather. Conditions can shift quickly in the mountains. Always plan accordingly.
• Dress in layers. That way, you’ll be ready for both sunshine and wind.
• Wear comfortable footwear. Sneakers or hiking shoes with a good grip are ideal.
• Bring snacks, food and water. Perfect for a break along the way or at the top – unless you plan to eat at one of the mountain huts.
• Don’t forget sun protection. Sunscreen and a hat are useful, especially in summer. The sun can be intense at higher altitudes.
• Pack a torch or headlamp. It’s handy if you’re planning to watch the sunset from the summit and walk down in the dark.
• Bring cash for the toll road, toilets and food or drink in the huts.

Sustainable travel tips

To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
• Avoid disposable plastics.
• Dispose of waste properly and don’t leave anything behind on the trail.
• Take only photos and leave only footprints. Avoid picking flowers or taking anything from nature with you.
• Stick to the marked trails and avoid walking on the alpine meadows.
• Show consideration towards other visitors.
• Respect the local wildlife and avoid feeding grazing animals.
• Camping is not allowed, and lighting fires is strictly prohibited.
• Leave the drone at home. Flying is not permitted in the nature park.

Thank you for reading along

Thank you for reading our travel guide to Monte Specie. We hope you found it useful!

What did you think of the plateau and the views from the hike?

If you’ve already been, we’d love to hear your best tips and experiences.

If you haven’t visited yet, feel free to ask any questions in the comments. We’re happy to help!