Hike from Castelrotto to the Witches’ Benches

From the centre of Castelrotto, we hike through the meadows on paths 6 and 4A to the Marinzen Hut at 1,500 metres above sea level, and then continue on path 9 to the Schafstall Hut, which is situated at roughly the same altitude. With about half of the distance and the ascent behind us, we continue steeply up the wooded slope to the Arnika Hut, which also provides refreshments.

The hut sits at over 2,000 metres above sea level on the Bullaccia, or Puflatsch. This prominent rise is located on the north-western edge of the Alpe di Siusi. From here, we walk without any significant inclines along the northern edge of the plateau, which is characterised by alpine meadows, to the legendary Witches' Benches (Hexenbänke). This is a rock formation where witches' dances and magic cults supposedly took place well into the Middle Ages.

The famous Sciliar Witches originate from here. Today, the area around the Fillenkreuz cross is a popular viewpoint overlooking the Val Gardena, the Puez and Odle Groups, the Sella Massif, and the Dolomites of the Alpe di Siusi conservation area: the Sassolungo, Sasso Piatto, and Sciliar.

On clear days, we enjoy an excellent view across the eastern Central Alps, from the Ortles to the Oetztal Alps, and over the Sarentino Alps. Afterwards, we return along the same path.

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Experienced: August 2010
Last updated: 2026

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