Peitlerkofel (Sass de Putia) Circuit Hike – A Hidden Gem of the Dolomites

The Peitlerkofel (Sass de Putia) circuit hike is one of the most rewarding trails in the Dolomites, combining spectacular alpine scenery with a route that is suitable for most hikers. Starting from the Würzjoch (Passo delle Erbe) at 2,006 meters, the trail circles the striking limestone massif of Sass de Putia, a dramatic 2,875-meter peak that dominates the surrounding landscape.

Known as Roda de Pütia in Ladin and Rundweg Peitlerkofel in German, this hike is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for breathtaking views without technical climbing. The loop takes you through alpine pastures, spruce forests, rocky saddles, and wide-open meadows with constant views of the Dolomites’ most iconic ranges – including the Val di Funes, Val Badia, and even distant glimpses of the Marmolada and Sella groups.

In this blog post, I will share with you all the useful information you may need before hiking Peitlerkofel.

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.

Getting to the Würz Pass and Peitlerkofel

The Würzjoch Pass (Passo delle Erbe) lies in the northwestern Dolomites, right on the border between the Val di Funes (Villnösstal) and Val Badia (Gadertal) valleys. At the edge of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, the pass offers a perfect starting point for hikes into this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

The Sass de Putia itself rises to 2,875 meters and is split into two summits: the Grosser Peitler (2,875 m) and the Kleiner Peitler (2,813 m), separated by a sharp ridge. The massif is instantly recognizable from the surrounding valleys thanks to its sheer rock faces and dramatic, isolated profile.

Getting there

• By Car:

  • From the Val di Funes, approach via San Pietro or San Andrea.

  • From the Val Badia, turn off near San Martino in Badia.

  • The last stretch is narrow and winding but in excellent condition.

• By Bus:
  In summer, limited bus services (lines 323 and 339) connect to the pass. However, for flexibility and ease, driving is recommended.

• Parking:
  A paid parking lot is available at the top of Würzjoch, directly opposite the Ütia de Börz mountain hut. Arrive early in peak season, as spaces fill quickly.

Best Time to Hike Sass de Putia

The trail is typically open from early June until late October, depending on snow conditions.

• June: Snow patches may still linger, especially near the Forcela de Pütia saddle.

• July–September: The best months, with alpine flowers, open huts, and long daylight hours.

• October: Beautiful autumn colors, but huts may close mid-month.

Download my free Dolomites bucket list for your next adventure

Where to Stay Near Würz Pass

• Ütia de Börz – Mountain hut directly at the trailhead, with cozy rooms, a restaurant, and perfect sunrise/sunset views over Sass de Putia. Check the prices here.

• Val di Funes villages (San Pietro, Santa Maddalena) – Picturesque valley stays 30–40 minutes away, offering alpine guesthouses and family-run hotels. Browse and book your accommodation here.

• Hotel Elisabeth Panorama (Val Badia side) – Quiet hotel with sweeping Dolomite views – ideal if combining the hike with trips in Val Badia. Check availability and book your stay here.

Check the best accommodation deals around Sass de Putia here.

Peitlerkofel – Val di Funes – Würzjoch Pass map

Peitlerkofel (Sass de Putia) Circuit Hike – Trail Details

Roda de Pütia / Rundweg Peitlerkofel

Trail Details

• Distance: 12–13 km

• Duration: 3–4 hours (leisurely pace with stops)

• Elevation Gain: 350–400 m

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Trail Markings: Mostly trails 8A → 4 → 8A

• Starting Point: Würz Pass (Würzjoch or Passo delle Erbe) parking lot (Ütia de Börz)

The loop is usually hiked counterclockwise, starting with the ascent to the Forcela de Pütia (Peitlerscharte) – the most challenging part of the trail – before continuing across wide meadows and back to the pass.

You will find hiking maps in the parking lot and in front of the Fornella Alm restaurant.

Trail Highlights

1. Würz Pass → Munt de Fornella Hut
   Gentle ascent through alpine pastures with early views of Sass de Putia’s northern walls. A perfect warm-up before the tougher climb.

2. Munt de Fornella → Forcela de Pütia
   The steepest section, gaining around 350 meters. The rocky pass at 2,350 meters offers incredible views over the Val di Lüsen and the surrounding Dolomites.

3. Forcela de Pütia → Southern Side → Ütia Vaciara
   A wide, grassy trail traverses the southern slopes with vast panoramas of Val Badia, Marmolada, and Sella. Stop at Ütia Vaciara hut for food, drinks, and relaxation.

4. Ütia Vaciara → Ütia de Göma → Return to Würz Pass
   The final stretch leads through rolling meadows and spruce forests, passing alpine huts before returning to the familiar starting point.

Optional Summit Extension

From the Forcela de Pütia saddle, experienced hikers can climb to the Sass de Putia summit (2,875 m) via a short but steep via ferrata (Grade A). The route is cable-protected but exposed, making it suitable only in dry conditions. Alternatively, a shorter detour leads to the Kleiner Peitlerkofel (2,813 m).

Huts and Food Stops Along the Way

• Ütia de Börz & Baita Cir – at the top of the pass, the starting point of the hike

• Munt de Fornella & Sot Putia – Northern side of the loop.

• Ütia Vaciara & Ütia de Göma – Southern side.

Expect hearty South Tyrolean dishes, homemade cakes, and refreshing drinks in classic alpine settings.

Detailed Peitlerkofel hike description

1. Starting Point – Würz Pass Parking

The Peitlerkofel circuit hike starts at the Würzjoch (Passo delle Erbe) parking lot, located at 2,000 meters above sea level. From the very beginning, hikers are greeted with breathtaking views of the Dolomites. The well-marked trail initially leads through alpine pastures and sparse forest, making the ascent gradual and pleasant. The first section to the Fornella Alm hut is perfect for warming up before reaching the steeper paths ahead.

2. Ascent to the Forcella di Putia

If you also want to go counterclockwise, you should continue the hike to the right of the hut. From the pastures, the trail becomes steeper as it winds its way up to the Forcella di Putia (Peitlerscharte, 2,357 m).

This saddle is one of the most beautiful and difficult points on the Peitlerkofel hike. It offers a magnificent view of the Odle/Geisler group and the surrounding Dolomite peaks. Once you reach the top, it is a great place to take a short break, catch your breath and enjoy the wild alpine landscape before continuing on the circular route.

3. Crossing the High Plateau beneath Peitlerkofel

After the saddle, the path traverses the wide plateau at the foot of Peitlerkofel. This stretch is relatively easy and allows hikers to admire the massive rock walls of the mountain up close. Alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer make this part especially scenic. There are several crossroads at the top, but clear signposts always show the way around the mountain.

Val Di Funes Guide: Churches, Hikes & Where To Stay

4. Descent through Meadows and Alpine Pastures

The trail then gradually descends through rolling alpine meadows and lush pastures, where cows often graze during the summer months. The views open up towards the Val Badia and the surrounding peaks, creating picture-perfect landscapes. This section is less demanding and ideal for relaxing while still enjoying the beauty of the Dolomites.

Best Hikes in Dolomites – Complete Guide to the Most Scenic places

5. Return to the Parking Lot

You will slowly return to the junction on the north side, where the Fornella Alm is located. The final stretch leads back through forests and pastures to the Würzjoch parking lot, completing the full circuit around Peitlerkofel. Depending on your pace, the hike takes around 4–5 hours and is considered moderately difficult. Good footwear and enough water are recommended, as there are limited refreshment options directly on the trail.

Tips:

• Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring enough water.

• Weather in the Dolomites can change quickly – carry a jacket even in summer.

If you’re planning to explore a admirable hikes in South Tyrol, the Peitlerkofel circuit is an excellent starting point, combining manageable effort with spectacular Dolomite scenery.

Source: Wandering Linda 
Photos: Wandering Linda / Hiking map: outdooractive.com
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