Between the village of Sottoguda and Malga Ciapela, a town at the foot of the Marmolada , the highest mountain range in the Dolomites, lies the Serrai di Sottoguda gorge. We are in the upper Pettorina Valley, in the municipality of Rocca Pietore in the province of Belluno, where the Pettorina stream has carved out the rock along with the erosion of ancient glaciers.
During a vacation in the Belluno Dolomites, the Serrai allow you to escape the open mountain views for a few hours and follow the water through a passageway lined with rock faces. After the long closure caused by Storm Vaia, the gorge is now accessible again via a reconstructed trail that once again connects Sottoguda and Malga Ciapela.
The Serrai path passes between the walls of the gorge and the small church.
The path reopened
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Following the Pettorina stream, the current route is about 2 km long , takes approximately an hour , and crosses 13 bridges over the water. You can enter from Sottoguda or Malga Ciapela. Among cliffs over 150 meters high, the trail passes through points where the gorge narrows and others where it opens up to the view, repeatedly changing the relationship between rock and stream.
The stream flows through the Serrai di Sottoguda gorge.
From the lower Sottoguda gate, follow the gorge toward Malga Ciapela; entering from the upper gate, the direction reverses. Those wishing to traverse the entire Serrai should also plan their return journey in advance, checking availability during the visit period.
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Between the rock and the stream are the Franzei waterfall , formed by a lateral stream flowing down the rock face, the small church dedicated to Sant'Antonio, and the statue of the Madonna dei Serrai, located in a natural cave. Bridges and walkways connect the various sections of the trail, which always runs alongside the rock and the Pettorina stream.
Storm Vaia and the reconstruction
Storm Vaia , the extreme weather event that hit the eastern Alps at the end of October 2018, caused severe damage to the Serrai. Flooding of the Pettorina stream and debris swept into the gorge destroyed sections of the road, bridges, and other infrastructure, necessitating the closure of the passage and extensive safety measures.
The stretch of the Serrai di Sottoguda affected by the damage caused by Storm Vaia.
Among the structures destroyed or rendered unusable by Vaia were parts of the road and bridges of the old route; the tourist train that crossed the gorge has not been restored and today access is exclusively on foot.
The work involved the course of the stream, the walls, and the structures needed to recross the Serrai, including river protection, rock stabilization, and monitoring. In 2024, an initial reopening allowed visitors to return to the gorge while the long restoration project was completed; today, bridges and walkways allow visitors to once again cross the various sections of the Serrai on foot.
Timetables and tickets
Entrance to the Serrai is regulated, and opening dates, hours, and fees may change seasonally. Before leaving, it's a good idea to consult the official Serrai di Sottoguda website, which also publishes any changes due to weather or trail conditions. Avoid relying on information left online from the years of closure or the early stages of reopening.
Upon entry, you'll be given a protective helmet , which must remain worn and properly fastened throughout your stay in the gorge. Footwear suitable for a natural mountain environment is required; in case of rain or when adequate safety conditions are not met, the trail may be closed.
Dogs are allowed on a leash according to current regulations, but must adhere to standard cleanliness rules. Since access regulations may be updated, those traveling with pets should also check them before departure.
How to Get There
The Sottoguda pass , located at 1265 m above sea level, is next to the village and allows entry from the lower side; Malga Ciapela occupies the upper part of the Pettorina Valley, below the Marmolada, and provides access to the opposite side. Accurately indicating the chosen pass avoids confusing two entrances located at either end of the trail.
Those who prefer to use public transport should check the latest connections to Rocca Pietore, Sottoguda, and Malga Ciapela, as frequencies and stops may vary throughout the season. For those arriving by road, there are parking areas on both sides, but local traffic, restricted traffic zones, and parking availability may change during peak periods and should be checked along with entry regulations.
Starting from Sottoguda makes it easier to combine the hike with a visit to the village, while the Malga Ciapela pass is suitable for those arriving from the Marmolada area. In both cases, it's best to allow more time for the Serrai than the estimated hour's walk, especially if you want to explore the gorge at a leisurely pace.
Serrai di Sottoguda with children
Bridges, streams, and close-by rock faces can make the trail engaging for children, provided they're used to walking and can respect the helmet requirement throughout the visit. Distance isn't the only factor to consider: you'll be in a natural gorge, with weather-related conditions, and footwear must be suitable for a mountain trail.
Age, independence, and ability to walk slowly vary greatly from child to child, so it's wise to check the opening hours on the day and avoid placing the Serrai at the end of an already busy day. Before leaving with a stroller or wheelchair, check with the official Serrai contacts to see if that type of access is permitted.
What to see in the surroundings
At the foot of the Marmolada, the Serrai can be part of a holiday that combines high mountains, villages, and walks along the water. Malga Ciapela is the starting point for the cable car ride, while Sottoguda deserves time before or after the hike to explore the village.
Descending toward the valley floor, you reach Alleghe , a town overlooking the lake and surrounded by the Civetta mountain range and the Marmolada. Lake Alleghe offers walks along the water's edge and allows you to spend another day in an environment far removed from the Serrai walls.
If you have more days available, you can reserve a day for the Marmolada, visit the Serrai with the necessary time and leave space for Alleghe and its lake, avoiding cramming everything into a single itinerary.
Where to sleep
Rocca Pietore is the closest base for exploring the Pettorina Valley and spreading your vacation between the Serrai, Sottoguda, and the Marmolada. Staying within the municipality reduces travel to the two passes and allows you to choose your visit more freely, taking into account the weather and opening times.
Sleeping in Sottoguda means staying just steps from the lower entrance; choosing Malga Ciapela, on the other hand, means less travel to the Marmolada ski lifts and high-altitude experiences. Alleghe offers a larger base, with a lake and more amenities, perfect for those considering the Serrai as just one day of an extended holiday in the Belluno Dolomites.
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