Sexten sundial
A truly iconic natural backdrop
Sexten / Sesto: The heart of the Sexten Dolomites
Sexten / Sesto: the village of the Three Peaks
In Sexten, the characteristic mountain village in South Tyrol, nature and outdoor adventures continue to impress visitors time and again. Surrounded by the legendary peaks of the Sexten sundial, this village is considered the cradle of alpinism in the Dolomites – a legacy of more than 150 years closely tied to mountain sports. Whether you want to go hiking, climbing, mountain biking or paragliding in summer or explore the snowy landscapes on skis in winter: Sexten offers the perfect setting for your next Dolomites adventure.
Highlights
Fischleintal valley as the gateway
To the Three Peaks
year-round outdoor fun for mountain lovers
Holidays in Sexten
A holiday in Sexten in the Dolomites offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor activities. The Sextner Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer ideal conditions for:
- Hiking and mountaineering
- Via ferrata and alpine tours
- Downhill and cross-country skiing in winter
- Nature experiences around the Three Peaks
The combination of spectacular mountain scenery and well-developed infrastructure makes Sexten one of the most attractive destinations in South Tyrol.
The Sexten Sundial: a timeless natural wonder
One glance upwards is enough to see that the Sexten Sundial is rightly one of the most famous mountain silhouettes in the world. Shaped by nature, the striking Dolomite peaks known as the Achter, Neuner, Zehner, Elfer, Zwölfer and Einser indicate the time of day depending on the position of the sun.
Good to know: this natural phenomenon is particularly impressive on clear winter days, when the sun bathes the peaks above Sexten in golden light.
Events in Sexten: The highlights
Sexten in South Tyrol also has plenty to offer culturally. A wide range of events in Sexten provide variety all year round. These include traditional festivals, music events and sporting events in the Dolomites.
Events centred on Alpine culture, as well as those offering views of the impressive backdrop of the Three Peaks, are particularly popular.
The Fischleintal valley in the UNESCO World Heritage Three Peaks nature park
Nearly 4.5 kilometres long and set in the heart of the Three Peaks nature park, the Fischleintal valley runs from Moos to Rifugio Fondovalle. The diverse landscape offers a wealth of hiking trails, climbing routes and cross-country skiing trails – all within a compact, picturesque setting.
In summer, you walk through dense larch forests, past fragrant flower meadows and beneath the towering peaks of the Sexten Dolomites. In winter, the snow-covered Fischleintal valley is best explored on cross-country skis or during a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride. Once you have visited, you will understand why this place is often called “the most beautiful valley in the world.”
Activities & events in Sexten
- 01.07.2026
- Sexten
- 08:30 - 17:00
- Other available dates
- 01.07.2026
- Sexten - Bikeacademy Sexten Dolomites
- 09:00 - 16:00
- Other available dates
- 01.07.2026
- Sexten - Mountain station, Monte Elmo
- 09:30 - 11:30
- Other available dates
- 01.07.2026
- Sexten - Mountain station, Monte Elmo
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Other available dates
Outdoor paradise Sexten: enjoy sports and nature
Whether you’re after a gentle workout or an adrenaline rush: Sexten offers the perfect outdoor experience for every taste.
- Winter activities: In Sexten, you don’t have to give up hiking in winter. Numerous winter hiking trails let you explore the snowy mountain landscape at your own pace. Do you prefer gliding on skis? Head out onto the region’s extensive cross-country trails or swoosh down the slopes of the nearby 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort.
- Hiking & mountaineering: From leisurely walks to challenging via ferratas – as the gateway to the Three Peaks, Sexten offers a wide range of mountain adventures for all fitness levels.
- Mountain biking: Explore the Sexten valley by mountain bike or tackle the varied trails around Monte Elmo.
- Winter activities: In Sexten, you don’t have to give up hiking in winter. Numerous winter hiking trails let you explore the snowy mountain landscape at your own pace. Do you prefer gliding on skis? Head out onto the region’s extensive cross-country trails or swoosh down the slopes of the nearby 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort.
Experience culture & history in Sexten
Sexten is not just a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s also a place steeped in Alpine history. The first ascents of the Sexten Dolomites have made this mountain village a landmark for mountaineers from all over the world.
Are you curious to learn more? At Haus der Berge Visitor Center, you will find both information and inspiration. The entire building symbolises the connection between mountain and valley, bringing the Sexten Dolomites to life right in the heart of the village.
Also worth a visit: Museum Rudolf Stolz and the Bellum Aquilarum open-air museum, located in the architecturally significant village centre. Both offer fascinating insights into the artistic and cultural history of the region.
Activ in Sexten
FAQ
You have a question? In our FAQ section, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions at a glance. This makes it easy to quickly find the information you're looking for. If you can't find the answer you need, we're happy to help you personally.
From Sexten, you can reach the Three Peaks Hut (Dreizinnenhütte/Rifugio Locatelli) via hiking trail no. 102 through the Fischleintal Valley in approximately 3.5 hours, covering around 950 metres of elevation gain.
If you wish to reach the Auronzo Hut, we recommend taking the shuttle bus from Sexten. It offers a direct connection without transfers. Tickets can be booked online or at the Tourist Office.
Alternatively, you can drive to the Auronzo Hut with your own car. Advance reservation is required.
From the centre of Sexten, the Fischleintal Valley can be reached on foot via the Sexten Circular Trail no. 1. Alternatively, you can follow trail no. 102 into the valley, which is also suitable for cyclists.
The Fischleintal Valley is also easy to reach by public transport. Bus routes 440 and 446 operate alternately every 15 minutes, providing regular connections to the valley. Guests staying in Sexten should use route 440, while visitors coming from other locations should use route 446.
Alternatively, you can travel by car. However, during the summer months of July, August and September, as well as during the winter months of December, January and February, travelling by public transport is recommended.
The Haus der Berge in Sexten is a modern visitor and information centre dedicated to the Sexten Dolomites. It combines information, experiences and inspiration, offering fascinating insights into the mountains, mountaineering and the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.
Visitors can explore an interactive exhibition, discover interesting facts about the region and enjoy free access to the panoramic terrace with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The Haus der Berge is also the main information point of the Sexten Tourist Office.
From 26 May to 27 September 2026
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (5 July – 6 September 2026)
Monte Elmo is easily accessible by cable car from Sexten. At the top, a wide range of attractions awaits the whole family.
Right next to the mountain station, you will find the Reinhold Messner House, offering fascinating insights into the world of the mountains and mountaineering, as well as the Olperl Family Park with its adventure trail and numerous interactive stations surrounded by nature. A variety of hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Dolomites complete the experience.
Several parking options are available in Sexten for longer stays.
At the Sport Sexten car park and the Passo Monte Croce car park, parking tickets can be purchased for several days. Camper vans are permitted, but overnight stays and camping inside the vehicle are not allowed. Both car parks are subject to a parking fee.
The Hofer car park is free of charge and may also be used overnight. Camper vans must park within the marked parking spaces.
Special rates apply at the Fischleinboden car park:
- €5.00 for the first hour
- €2.00 for each additional hour
- €15.00 from 6 hours until midnight
All other car parks in Sexten have time restrictions. Reservations are neither possible nor required for any of the car parks.
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