Strudelkopf, 2307 m

The wide alpine pasture area of Prato Piazza is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Braies Dolomites - no wonder with this enchanting backdrop of meadow green and rocky grey. Two mighty mountain peaks dominate the calendar picture: the Hohe Gaisl ( 3,146 m) in the west and the Cristallo ( 3,221 m) in the south; in addition, you can enjoy the view of the stone jagged forest of the Cadini. The panoramic view is even more comprehensive from the Strudelköpfe, which rise as foothills of the Dürrenstein to the east of the Prato Piazza and drop over steep rocky flanks into the Höhlenstein Valley. The most beautiful, though not the shortest, path to the beautiful view starts at the bottom of the Dürrensee, and as is so often the case in this area, an artfully constructed war path provides access. The large homecoming cross that crowns the highest summit of the Strudelköpfe is also a reminder of these dark times. From the hotel you start by car or by public bus in the direction of Dobbiaco and there turn left into the road towards Cortina until you reach the Hotel Drei Zinnen. The marked path leads behind the Hotel Drei Zinnen (1,406 m) to the right into the forest (sign). Briefly along the rocky foot (climbing garden), then the trail climbs steeply up the eastern flank of the Strudelköpfe, overgrown with mountain pines, first in a long traverse, then over many serpentines. You enjoy a clear view of the Three Peaks. At the tree line, the artistically designed trail turns into the picturesque Helltal valley. You pass a wooden staircase and a short tunnel; a 200-metre-long, exposed band (wire rope) leads slightly downwards to the valley floor. Flat around rocky outcrops and then up in hairpin bends to the wide Strudelkopfsattel (2,200 m), where a magnificent view opens up to the south. From the meadow depression, keep left on a wide path to the Strudelkopf with the large cross. Descend along the same path and return to the hotel by car or bus.

 

The path to the Strudelkopf is considerably shorter from the large car park Plätzwiese (1,979 m): about 1 ½ hours on old military roads and war paths, marked throughout. Another pretty starting point above the extensive alpine pastures is the Knollkopf (2,179 m), which rises on the southern edge between the ditches of the Seeland and Kanppanfuß valleys; ¾ h from the car park.