Spring Water, Not Plastic: How “Respect the Mountain” Shapes Sustainable Travel on Seiser Alm

If you want a lighter backpack, a cleaner planet, and fresher hydration, choose Spring Water, Not Plastic on Seiser Alm. Here, tap water is top-quality drinking water and the region’s spring water is potable—pure, natural, and fresh—so you can refill confidently and skip disposable bottles.

In this guide, you’ll learn what the “Respect the Mountain” initiative is, why local spring water is the best choice, where to refill, and how a few practical habits can cut waste on every hike and village stroll.

What is “Respect the Mountain”?

“Respect the Mountain” is a local initiative rooted in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage and the Schlern–Rosengarten Nature Park. Its purpose is simple and impactful: raise awareness among guests, locals, and tourism professionals for environmentally friendly behavior and a respectful, responsible approach on the mountain and in everyday life.

Two main topics sit at its core:

• Drinking water: The tap water in South Tyrol is drinking water of high quality. Some visitors—and even locals—don’t realize this and opt for bottled water out of caution. The initiative encourages everyone to use tap water as drinking water and to handle it carefully and respectfully.
• Waste avoidance: The best waste is the waste that never gets produced. Planning ahead, avoiding disposable packaging, and handling food thoughtfully are encouraged every day.

For more background and ongoing actions, explore Respect the Mountain: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain.html

Spring water on Seiser Alm: pure, potable, and always close

Local spring water is sourced directly from nature—there are over 2,000 sources of drinking water that are regularly tested. On Seiser Alm, tap water = drinking water and the spring water in the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm is potable.

This special water:

• Protects the environment: Choosing spring and tap water avoids unnecessary packaging and transport routes.
• Is a limited resource: Using it conscientiously prevents unnecessary consumption.
• Promotes health: The human body needs at least 1.5 litres of water per day.

Put simply: having highest-quality spring water available at all times is a real privilege—one that rewards mindful travelers and the landscape alike.

Learn more: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain/spring-water-potable-water.html

Where to refill: taps and labeled drinking-water fountains

You can carry your personal bottle with full confidence and fill it up with top-quality drinking water from the tap or at any of the labeled drinking-water fountains across the area.

Quick steps to stay hydrated—no plastic required:

1. Bring a reusable bottle. Stainless steel or durable BPA-free options work well.
2. Refill at labeled fountains. Look for clearly marked drinking-water fountains in villages and along routes.
3. Use tap water. In accommodation, huts, and public buildings, tap water is drinking water.
4. Repeat often. Frequent sips keep energy up and single-use plastic down.

Browse refill options: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain/drinking-water-refill-points-fountains.html

Get the Seiser Alm water bottle

Prefer a durable keepsake that supports your plastic-free routine? Consider the Seiser Alm water bottle:

• Material: Top-quality stainless steel
• Design: Fitted with a secure cap
• Benefit: Guarantees a refreshing drink time after time
• Price: 14,90 €
• Available at:
  • Tourist Office Kastelruth
  • Tourist Office Seis am Schlern
  • Tourist Office Seiser Alm
  • Tourist Office Völs am Schlern
  • Südtirol Products

Less waste — more nature: practical habits for your trip

Simple choices add up when you travel the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm. Pair Spring Water, Not Plastic with these everyday practices:

• Plan provisions to avoid disposables. Pack a snack in a reusable container instead of single-use packaging.
• Handle food carefully. Reduce leftovers and keep the trail clean.
• Pack out what you pack in. Use a small bag or container for your waste until it can be disposed of appropriately.

Explore: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain/less-waste-more-nature.html

Pack your backpack sustainably

A practical add-on for eco-minded hikers is the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm hiking box—a top-quality stainless-steel box that keeps food fresh, and then carries your waste until you dispose of it properly. It’s sustainable, practical, and doubles as a memento of your holiday.

• Price: 24,90 €
• Available here (starting from June 2021):
  • Tourist Office Kastelruth
  • Tourist Office Seis am Schlern
  • Tourist Office Seiser Alm
  • Tourist Office Völs am Schlern
  • Tourist Office Tiers am Rosengarten
  • ABC in Seis am Schlern
  • Santner’s Tobacco & more in Seis am Schlern
  • Bakery Tratter in Tiers am Rosengarten
  • Market Pircher in Tiers am Rosengarten

More tips: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain/how-can-i-pack-my-backpack-sustainably.html

Quick answers for conscious travelers

These concise answers help with on-the-go decisions and are optimized for quick lookup.

• Is tap water safe to drink on Seiser Alm? Yes. The tap water in South Tyrol is top-quality drinking water, and the region’s spring water is potable.
• Where can I refill my bottle? At taps and at any of the labeled drinking-water fountains across the area.
• How much water should I aim for daily? The human body needs at least 1.5 litres of water per day.
• Why choose local water over bottled? It avoids unnecessary packaging and transport routes, reduces waste, and supports mindful use of a limited resource.

Action guide: Spring Water, Not Plastic

Use this simple checklist to build sustainable habits into every day of your trip.

• Carry a bottle: Bring your own or pick up the stainless-steel Seiser Alm water bottle (14,90 €).
• Refill often: Use taps and labeled fountains; see refill info at https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain/drinking-water-refill-points-fountains.html
• Pack smart: Store snacks in the stainless-steel hiking box (24,90 €) and keep any waste in it until you find a bin.
• Respect resources: Take only what you need, close taps properly, and avoid unnecessary consumption.
• Share the message: Encourage travel companions to embrace Spring Water, Not Plastic.

Why this approach works

• Direct access to quality water: Over 2,000 sources are regularly tested, so refilling is both safe and convenient.
• Built-in waste reduction: Choosing tap and spring water cuts packaging and transport impacts.
• Healthy hydration: Clear, fresh water supports energy and well-being on hikes and village days alike.

Internal resources to explore next

• Respect the Mountain: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain.html
• Spring water = potable water: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain/spring-water-potable-water.html
• Drinking water refill stations & fountains: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain/drinking-water-refill-points-fountains.html
• Less waste – more nature!: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain/less-waste-more-nature.html
• How to pack your backpack sustainably: https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holiday-dolomites/dolomites/respect-the-mountain/how-can-i-pack-my-backpack-sustainably.html

Conclusion

On Seiser Alm, Spring Water, Not Plastic isn’t a slogan—it’s a simple, daily choice that protects a unique mountain landscape while keeping you refreshed. With potable spring water, top-quality tap water, and clearly labeled refill points, it’s easy to hydrate sustainably and avoid unnecessary waste.

Ready to travel lighter? Refill your bottle at taps and labeled fountains, pick up the stainless-steel Seiser Alm water bottle (14,90 €) or the hiking box (24,90 €), and explore more ways to Respect the Mountain today.