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Visit San Vigilio di Marebbe

Visit San Vigilio di Marebbe

In the Heart of the Dolomites: Between Ladin Legends and Dolomitic Mountains

When you arrive in San Vigilio di Marebbe with your camper, you immediately feel that you are in a special place. The Val Badia, the “Heart of the Dolomites,” embraces you with its majestic mountains, the green meadows that gently slope towards the valley floor, and that quality of light that only the Dolomites can offer. San Vigilio is the main center of Marebbe, a municipality that includes three small villages, but it is here, at 1,200 meters above sea level, that you will find the authentic energy of the Tyrolean and Ladin mountain. The Dolomitic peaks that surround it create such a suggestive backdrop that you will immediately understand why this area attracts hikers, skiers, and camper travelers from all over the world. It is not just a landscape: it is an atmosphere that captures you from the very first moment and never lets you go. Whether you arrive in summer for trekking and mountain biking in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, or in winter to ski on the Plan de Corones, San Vigilio offers you that rare combination of alpine authenticity, sporting adventure, and genuine hospitality that characterizes the true mountain experience.

Stopovers and overnight stays

San Vigilio offers two excellent choices for your camper, both well-organized and specifically designed for those traveling in a motorhome.

Recommended areas

`🅿️ Ritterkeller Area Camper Stellplatz
Str. Ras. Costa, 2, 39030 S. Vigilio (BZ)
If you want to be in the heart of the action, the Ritterkeller Camper Area is your ideal base. This stopover area is literally just a stone’s throw from the Miara cable car and the Plan de Corones ski slopes – just 20 meters from the slopes in winter. It has 120 flat, illuminated pitches equipped with an electricity hook-up. Grey water disposal and fresh water loading are available, as is free WiFi service. What makes this location special is its proximity to the village center: reachable on foot in about 10 minutes, you will find shops, restaurants, and services. Not far from your pitch is the Ritterkeller restaurant-pizzeria, managed by the area owners, where you can dine without moving your camper. The price also includes the Holiday Pass, which allows you to use public transport and ski lifts for free during certain periods – a significant advantage if you decide to explore the area without moving your camper. Access is automatic, 24/7, via a barrier. A small practical note: the load/unload (dump/refill) service is located slightly outside the barrier, so be equipped with containers for grey water disposal or consider paying and re-entering if you prefer to do it directly at the camper. During the winter period, when the slopes are open and crowds increase, booking is mandatory.
Contatti: +39 0474 501418 | info@ritterkeller.it | www.ritterkeller.it/it/area-camper-san-vigilio-marebbe

GPS: 46.706085, 11.929565`

Camping AL PLAN Dolomites

If you are looking for more services and a true camping atmosphere, Camping AL PLAN Dolomites deserves your full attention. Located at Via Catarina Lanz 63 (GPS: 46.694938° N, 11.938038° E), the campsite is slightly more peripheral than Ritterkeller, yet still only a 10-minute walk from the village center. The pitches are terraced, which means almost all of them offer a spectacular view of the surrounding Dolomites – a special awakening every morning. There are two types of pitches available: standard (60-70 m² in summer, 40-50 m² in winter) and premium (80-90 m²). All have a direct hook-up to gas and electricity. Premium pitches also include direct grey water load and unload facilities, a significant convenience if you are traveling for long periods. The campsite offers modern sanitary facilities with heated bathrooms, showers, and a 140 m² sauna area perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking. There is also ski storage, a laundry room with dryers, and a large common room with free WiFi. The Arnold’s restaurant-pizzeria offers local cuisine and international dishes, with particular attention to gluten-free options. In winter, a free ski bus departs directly from the campsite to the Plan de Corones slopes – an essential service if you decide to ski without moving your camper. The campsite also provides the Alto Adige Guest Pass, valid for your entire stay, which includes free public transport throughout the region and access to numerous attractions. The atmosphere is quieter than Ritterkeller, with a varied clientele (families, couples, hikers). The campsite is well-organized, clean, and the staff is generally described as friendly and helpful. Access is controlled via a barrier, with overnight closing hours (10:00 PM–7:30 AM).

Contatti: +39 0474 501036 | info@campingalplan.com | www.campingalplan.com

GPS: 46.24839, 10.47384`

Getting Around

San Vigilio di Marebbe is a small and welcoming village, which means that most attractions are easily accessible. The historic center, built around the Church of San Vigilio, is completely pedestrianized and full of characteristic cafés, shops, and restaurants. From the Ritterkeller Area, you can reach it on foot in 10 minutes; from Camping AL PLAN in about 15 minutes.

If you arrive in summer and want to explore the neighboring valleys without moving your camper, the best solution is to use public transport. The Alto Adige Guest Pass (included in your stay at both campsites) allows you to travel for free on regional buses and trains throughout the province. Several lines connect San Vigilio to neighboring municipalities: Val di Funes (where the spectacular Funes plains are located), Brunico (the main historic center of the area), and even Val Gardena (for those who want to visit other areas of the Dolomites). The buses are well organized, frequent in summer, and a good solution if you want to save on central parking.

In winter, if you are at Ritterkeller, the ski lifts are literally within reach. If you are at Camping AL PLAN, the free ski bus departs daily towards the slopes, stopping directly at the campsite.

To explore the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park (which is the real jewel of the area), you will need to move a little. You can park your camper in the stopover area or at the campsite, and then travel by bus or rental car. Many hiking trails start from the mountain huts inside the park, which are reachable via shuttles or access paths.

“sunset in San Vigilio”

“Lake Braies”

Points of Interest (PoI)

San Vigilio lends itself to many outdoor activities in both the winter and summer seasons:
1
Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park: The Heart of the Kingdom of Fanes The Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park is the treasure that gives meaning to the entire visit to San Vigilio. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, this 32,000-hectare park extends over a wild and intact area that includes alpine plateaus, endless meadows, mountain lakes, and spectacular Dolomitic peaks. It is not simply a collection of mountains: it is the stage for the legend of the Kingdom of Fanes, one of the most important sagas of Ladin mythology, which tells the story of Princess Dolasilla and her magical adventures on these plateaus. If you are at least moderately trained as a hiker, the park offers dozens of options. One of the most accessible and fascinating routes starts from the Pederü refuge (reachable by car or bus): follow trail 7 up to the Malga Piccolo Fanes, passing through streams and alpine lakes, until you reach the "Marmot Parliament" – an immense plateau where the Green Lake reflects the sky. From here you can continue towards the Fanes refuge, where a hearty meal of canederli (dumplings) (perfect after hours of walking) will restore your strength. The full route lasts about 5-6 hours, but you can also shorten it and turn back halfway. If you prefer more relaxed excursions, the Trù dles Liëndes (Trail of Legends) theme path is perfect: it is a flat walk of about 3 km that starts from the parking lot near the Aqua Bad Cortina Oasis Hotel and fully immerses you in the legendary world of the Fanes, with educational signs recounting the story of Dolasilla and the wizard Spina de Mul. It is also suitable for families with children and strollers. The park also has a Visitor Center located in San Vigilio di Marebbe (Via Catarina Lanz 96), where you can discover the geological history of the Dolomites and the fascinating story of the Ursus ladinicus, the cave bear that inhabited these mountains 40,000 years ago. It is worth a visit to better understand the natural and historical context of the area. GPS Visitor Center: 46.694000° N, 11.937500° E | Recommended time: half a day to a full day, depending on the chosen route.
2
Plan de Corones and the Concordia 2000 Peace Bell Plan de Corones (or Kronplatz in German) is the main ski area in the zone, but it is also worth a visit in summer. Accessible from the Ritterkeller Area in a few minutes (either walking uphill or taking the Miara cable car), the Plan offers breathtaking 360° views of the Dolomites. At the summit, at 2,275 meters above sea level, you will find the Concordia 2000 Peace Bell, installed in 2003 by the municipalities of Brunico, Valdaora, and San Vigilio on the occasion of the ski area's 25th anniversary. It is a symbolic bell that is rung at 12:00 PM every day, but also on special occasions: whenever a country in the world abolishes the death penalty, when a condemned person receives a pardon, or at the end of a war. Being there when the bell rings is an emotional experience that connects you to the sense of global peace and the values of the mountain. The plateau is crossed by numerous hiking trails that vary in difficulty. You can take a simple walk through the flowering alpine meadows (in summer), or tackle more challenging routes towards the surrounding peaks. In summer, the Plan is also a mountain biking destination, with technical tracks and routes for all levels. How to get there: From the Ritterkeller Area, walk up to the Miara cable car (about 5-10 minutes) or take the bus. In summer, the cable car is open until the evening, and the cost is included in the Alto Adige Guest Pass. In winter, during the peak skiing season, you can also arrive directly from the slopes. GPS Miara cable car station: 46.706500° N, 11.927800° E | Recommended time: half a day
3
Trù dles Liëndes Themed Trail: In the World of Ladin Legends We mentioned this trail in the park description, but it deserves a dedicated section because it is a unique experience if you want to immerse yourself in the heart of Ladin culture without having to face strenuous hikes. The trail starts from the parking lot at the Aqua Bad Cortina Oasis Hotel (GPS: 46.705000° N, 11.932500° E) and winds in the direction of Val di Rudo with a length of about 3 km. It is completely flat, very easy, and takes just over 50 minutes of a peaceful walk. Along the route, you will find educational signs in Italian, German, and Ladin that recount episodes of the Fanes saga: the beautiful Princess Dolasilla, the evil sorcerer Spina de Mul, the magical weapons, and the legendary battles. What makes this trail special is the atmosphere: you walk through larch and fir forests, feeling the silence of the mountain, and suddenly a sign tells you an episode of a legend dating back to the Iron Age. It is like walking inside an illustrated book, where nature itself becomes part of the narrative. Perfect for couples, families, and anyone who wants a break from more intense trekking but still wishes to connect with the territory. The best time is in spring or early autumn, when the weather is stable and the light is perfect. GPS Starting Point: 46.705000° N, 11.932500° E | Length: 3 km | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 50 minutes – 1 hour.
4
Fanes Refuge and the Marmot Parliament The Fanes Refuge is one of the most important historic mountain huts in the area, built in 1928 and still managed by the same family today. It is located at 2,060 meters above sea level, within the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, on an extraordinary plateau where marmots roam freely among the alpine meadows. To reach it, you will need to undertake a medium-difficulty hike: start from the Pederü refuge (reachable by car or bus from the center of San Vigilio), follow trail 7 for about 2-3 hours through constantly changing landscapes – first larch woods, then open meadows, then wild plateaus. Along the way, you will encounter the Malga Piccolo Fanes, small alpine lakes, and finally reach the incredible natural arena of the "Marmot Parliament," a vast plateau where the Green Lake shines like a mirror. The refuge itself offers genuine alpine hospitality: simple rooms, traditional cuisine with typical Ladin and Tyrolean dishes (canederli, casunziei, venison stew), and that warm welcome that only mountain huts can offer. Inside, you will find historical photos and antique objects that tell the story of the area and Ladin traditions. The dark wood walls, the smoke from the fireplace, the silence of the mountain – everything contributes to making you feel truly far from the world. Many visitors stay at the refuge overnight; if you have the time, it is truly worth it. Even just to sit on the terrace at sunset, with a view of the Dolomitic peaks tinged with a thousand colors, and to know you have reached one of the most authentic and wild places in the Dolomites. GPS Fanes Refuge: 46.721000° N, 12.015000° E | Hiking time from Pederü: 2-3 hours one way | Recommended time: a full day, or preferably overnight.
5
Zipline Adrenaline X-Treme Adventures: Flight Over the Dolomites If you prefer a more immediate adrenaline rush, the Zipline Adrenaline X-Treme Adventures is a memorable experience: one of the longest in Europe, with a length of 3 km, a height of 100 meters above the ground, and a maximum speed of 80 km/h. You literally fly over the Dolomitic mountains, with a view you won't forget. The zipline is accessible for those aged 5-6 and older (with minimum and maximum weight restrictions depending on age). It requires no previous extreme sports experience – the team of instructors explains everything and equips you properly. The total duration is about 1-2 hours (including safety briefings and jeep transport to the departure point). It is an extraordinary activity if you want to experience the area from a completely different perspective, and particularly suitable if you are traveling with teenagers who are looking for a dose of adrenaline. It is not cheap, but it is an experience that few places in the world can offer. Location: San Vigilio di Marebbe, reachable from the center | Season: Summer (check availability based on weather conditions) | Booking recommended: Yes, especially on weekends.

Seasonal Events

Regn de Fanes – The Parade of Legends

Where: Music Pavilion, center of San Vigilio

When: August

What: One of the most fascinating events of the year in San Vigilio is the Regn de Fanes, a folkloric parade that celebrates the legend of the Kingdom of Fanes. It is an event deeply felt by the Ladin population, as it retraces a tradition handed down orally for centuries and later documented by anthropologists like Karl Felix Wolff. If you are staying in San Vigilio in August, even if it's not guaranteed to fall during your stay, it is worth checking with your campsite for the exact dates and attending: it is an authentic immersion in the local culture that no museum can give you.

FIS Alpine Ski World Cup

Where: Erta Slope, Plan de Corones

When: January

What: If you are present during the event, the atmosphere you will breathe is that of the "Great Mountain": from all parts of the Plan de Corones you can see world-class athletes defying gravity on almost impossible slopes, thousands of spectators in the stands, the pure energy of elite sport. Even if you are not a competitive skier, being there is an experience that conveys the importance this mountain holds in international sport.

Regular Summer Activities

Where: San Vigilio

When: July and August

What: During the summer months, San Vigilio's calendar is full of smaller but equally interesting activities: guided excursions to the Fanes-Senes-Braies Park, e-bike tours, children's activities at the Ciamaor beach on the San Vigilio stream, tastings of local grappas and liqueurs, and even "Bike Cinema" (open-air film screenings). Contact the Tourist Office upon arrival to find out about the weekly program.

“View of the Dolomites”

“Sculptures in the Square”

Typical Dishes and Local Products

You cannot say you have visited San Vigilio and Val Badia without having tasted canederli (knödel in German, balotes in Ladin). These stale bread dumplings are one of the most iconic dishes of South Tyrol, with origins dating back to the poor and peasant tradition of Trentino, but which today find their place in the best mountain huts and restaurants.

Legend has it that they originated in the 15th-16th century when ferocious Landsknecht soldiers arrived hungry at a Tyrolean tavern. The women, frightened, used what they had in the pantry – stale bread, speck, eggs, milk, onion, and flour – to create this dish. And so, a masterpiece of salvage cuisine was born that is now an appreciated specialty throughout Central Europe.

Canederli have endless variations: with spinach, cheese, mushrooms, red beets, or even sweet versions. But the undisputed king remains the canederlo allo speck (with cured ham), the one made with Alto Adige DOP Speck, characterized by the rosy fat that gives it a unique savoriness.

Recipe for Canederli Allo Speck (Dry-Style)

Ingredients (for 4 people):

  • 500g stale white bread (common bread type, not wholemeal)
  • 150g Alto Adige Speck, cut into cubes (including the fat)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 150 ml lukewarm milk
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 50g breadcrumbs (adjustable)
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 bunch chives, chopped
  • Butter for sautĂ©ing (about 50g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Flour for coating (as needed)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for finishing (optional)

Procedure:

Step 1 – Preparing the bread (10 minutes): Cut the stale bread into cubes, about 1 cm per side. Place them in a large bowl. Pour the lukewarm milk over the cubes and mix well, letting it rest for 5-10 minutes until the bread absorbs the milk. The mixture should be slightly moist but not mushy.

Step 2 – Preparing the speck and vegetables (8 minutes): In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the cubed speck (with the fat) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the speck fat begins to render and everything gets some color. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3 – Combining the ingredients (

Useful Tip

Whether you are here in summer for trekking in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Park, or in winter for skiing on the Plan de Corones, every season offers something extraordinary. The Dolomites are not just mountains: they are witnesses to a thousand-year human history, custodians of Ladin legends, and landscapes that teach you humility.

Remember that San Vigilio is also a gateway to an entire region: from here you can easily reach Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lake Sorapis, and dozens of other Dolomitic wonders. But if you decide to stay, to base yourself at your campsite, and slowly explore what the territory offers, you will discover that there is no rush. The mountain does not run away, nor do its teachings.

Contacts and Useful Information:

San Vigilio di Marebbe Tourist Office

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December 4, 2025

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