The Emperor’s and Empress’s path

The Emperor’s and Empress’s Path: two very well-known panoramic itineraries in Madonna di Campiglio, have been dedicated to Sissi and the Emperor of Austria.

Sissi and the Emperor of Austria in Madonna di Campiglio

During the nineteenth century, the Austrian royals frequently visited Madonna di Campiglio, and in this area, they used to walk along the very trails we illustrate in this post. Their stay contributed to creating the reputation of the village as a holiday resort for the Austro-Hungarian nobility and beyond, enriching the history of Madonna di Campiglio with anecdotes and places of memory.

From the Emperor’s path to the “Sasso di Sissi”

The starting point of the imperial trails is the Grostè gondola, which provides a first taste of the natural landscape, made of woods and green meadows, up to the Dolomite rock. You get off at the intermediate station, at the Rifugio Boch. Here you can stop to admire the landscape and recover your energy, tasting and enjoying typical dishes in the mountain hut.
From this hut starts a route called the Giro dell’Imperatore (Emperor's Tour) which leads to Lake Spinale, a small and very suggestive body of water. Right here, the spectacle of the Brenta Dolomites becomes unique and unforgettable, with panoramic views along the meadows bordered by high peaks.
Once you reach Monte Spinale, you descend along the trail that leads to Madonna di Campiglio, and along the way, you will find the “Sasso di Sissi” (Sissi's Stone) or Piazza Imperatrice.
This point marks the exact spot where the Princess would linger to admire the splendid panorama over the valley of Madonna di Campiglio. The inscription “A memoria-Erinnerung 6 – 14 sett. 1889” was carved into this stone as a testimony to the Sovereign's actual presence in this area of Trentino.
From here, you can conclude the route by descending to Madonna di Campiglio or climb back up towards Monte Spinale and continue on a loop trail that leads to the Rifugio Graffer.
Along the path that climbs towards this mountain hut, it is possible to hear the call of the marmots and, if you are lucky, to spot groups of these small rodents, who love to warm themselves in the sun and look for food here. From Rifugio Graffer, the view opens up again to beautiful clearings with the Brenta Dolomites in the background.

Characteristics of the route:

Demanding and tiring but not difficult itinerary. Route that develops on well-beaten and marked trails. The complete walking time of the two trails is a total of 4 hours, with the possibility of shortening the route at various points.

Start and end of the route:

The described itinerary starts and ends at the Grostè gondola. Alternatively, it is possible to walk down to Madonna di Campiglio, passing by the Rifugio Chalet Fiat.

Technical data:

• Total elevation gain (ascent+descent) 250 m (if you do not walk down to Madonna di Campiglio).
• Duration of the route about 4 hours.
• Trails 331 – 382

Means of transport:

Grostè gondola for the ascent and the descent to Rifugio Boch at the end of the day.

Necessary equipment:

Always wear trekking boots, possibly high on the ankle, appropriate “layered” clothing for any sudden changes in weather conditions. Always bring with you: rain cape, sun hat, trekking poles, a water bottle, and some chocolate to recover fluids and energy.

Refreshment points and mountain huts:

Rifugio Boch, Rifugio Chalet Fiat, and Rifugio Graffer for those continuing on the loop itinerary along the Emperor’s Path.