val gardena tourist

Val Gardena

• Recommendations
• Accommodation in Ortisei
• Accommodation in Santa Cristina
• Accommodation in Selva
• Photogallery

Summer and autumn in Val Gardena

The Dolomites are a holiday-maker’s paradise. Hikers, climbers and MTB lovers will feel at ease in our breathtaking mountains. But also those looking for some relax will find their perfect destination with the beautiful pedestrian zones in Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva, a perfect place for shopping. In order to feel even closer to our mountains you can take a climbing course, go on a snowshoeing hike or just take a walk through our majestic mountains with the Alpine School Catores and the Gardena Guides . Are you looking for a new adventure? Then this is the place to be ->

Winter in Val Gardena

Both tourists and locals can’t wait to finally see our Val Gardena covered in a blanket of white snow. With the Skipass Dolomiti Superski you have 1,220 km of ski slopes at your disposal! Don’t worry if you can’t bring along your equipment, here are some addresses to find the ski rental service that suits you . Adventure lovers can go freeriding on the fantastic couloirs of the Dolomites. Val Gardena’s mountain guides don’t only offer freeriding, but also snowshoe hikes, high altitude ski tours and ice climbing excursions. Here the two addresses to keep in mind: Alpine School Catores and Gardena Guides . To give your holiday one final touch, a helicopter or paragliding tour over the snow-covered mountains might be just what you need. If it’s a cloudy day or you want to give your legs some rest, enjoy a day in the swimming pool, in the sauna or in a museum. Here are some more suggestions ->

The 3 villages in Val Gardena

Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Val Gardena are all unique places you must visit. No matter if in summer or winter, nature and mountain lovers will love these authentic South Tyrolean villages.

• Santa Cristina
• Selva Val Gardena

© 2024 Visit Val Gardena | I wish I was in Val Gardena | Impressum & Privacy | [email protected]

• user link user link

Discover South Tyrol

For your information.

added to favourites

removed from favourites

Oops! Something went wrong. Try again

Your account is being created

Your account has been successfully created and you are now logged in

You’ve been logged in successfully!

You are logged in successfully!

You are logged out.

Dolomites Region Val Gardena

Where are you going?

• Eating & Drinking
• Markets & Fairs
• Arts & Music
• Food, Wine & Tradition
• Sport events
• Guided tours

Search for places to stay

Experiences & events, holidays in the dolomites region val gardena.

The heart of this Ladin valley beats for sports and wood carving

Admittedly, you can't surf here. From a sporting point of view, however, just about anything your heart desires is possible, no matter the time of year, in Val Gardena in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. The workshops of wood sculptors and wood carvers, who have a long tradition here and are still in the majority, are also open all year round.

You shouldn't miss this

Spend an entire day biking over Dolomite passes. Immerse yourself in the valley’s natural and cultural history. Hike to picturesque excursion destinations. Climb, hike and traverse the Langkofel massif.

Sellaronda Hike Tour

Puez-Geisler Nature Park

Langkofel massif

Trail Arena Val Gardena

Hike to Resciesa

An outdoor paradise in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites & the cradle of wood carving art

Find your accommodation

How about a charming room at a farm? A wellness hotel with unique cuisine? Or perhaps a large suite for families with children? Or how about an overnight stay in a mountain hut?

Dolomiti Supersummer

In summer, you can experience the world's most beautiful mountains even more easily and sustainably: car-free, while hiking and biking. The Dolomiti Supersummer Liftpass opens up the airy route to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 12 Dolomite regions.

Places in the Dolomites Region Val Gardena

Although they lie in the same valley, are inhabited by the same people and are surrounded by impressive mountains, each is unique in its own way. Discover them.

Sustainable Val Gardena

Val Gardena, located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, with majestic peaks such as the Sella Group and the Sassolungo, is committed to a sustainable future. Awarded with the Sustainability Label South Tyrol, the region promotes innovative mobility and environmental protection projects . By 2026, a mobility center for car-free and barrier-free connections will be created, local and arrival transport will be optimized, traffic on the Dolomite pass roads will be reduced, cycle paths will be expanded, public transport will be improved, and the number of charging stations for electric vehicles will be doubled. Special attention will be paid to the management of areas with high tourist traffic, such as Passo Gardena and Seceda. Val Gardena, a renowned tourist destination, is thus making an important contribution to the entire region.

Tips for your stay in the Dolomites Region Val Gardena

Val Gardena is probably the most internationally recognised area of the Dolomites . Ski stars have been skiing down the World Cup Saslong piste here every year since 1970. Mountaineers and climbing pioneers from all over the world have been coming to the valley for even longer. From the villages at the foot of the Sella massif, Sassolungo and Sassopiatto, modern lifts take you up to the Dolomite massifs, to explore them on foot, by mountain bike, on a climbing rope or on skis. You can get very close to the mountain giants on an exploration tour over the Dolomite passes: the Sellajoch and the  Grödnerjoch   can be reached on many routes. The views of the mountains here are beautiful everywhere - but the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Mastlé Terrace is exceptionally beautiful.

As you stroll through the villages, you will notice the special language spoken by the locals: Ladin. Preserving their own culture is important to the people of Val Gardena. For centuries, wood carving and wood sculpting have played a major role here. In the "Valley of the Lord God Carvers", there are still numerous artists today who you can look over their shoulders in their studios. At the Museum Gherdëina , you can immerse yourself in the culture and history of the Ladin Dolomite valley.

Experience something new every day

Dolomites unesco world heritage site.

Where today the "Pale Mountains" tower over everything else, fish, corals and shells once lived. Did you know that 270 million years ago, the Dolomites were formed in a tropical sea from reefs and atolls?

What's on in the Dolomites Region Val Gardena?

No wonder that sport and art are at the centre of events in the valley. Are you taking part in the taster climb with the Alpine School? And at the UNIKA art fair with masterpieces from the valley?

Made in the Dolomites Region Val Gardena

Would you like a slice of mild goat cheese? Or a hand-carved artist’s doll? Or a larger-than-life wooden sculpture? Find a wide range of local, high-quality foods and handcrafted articles for daily use in the Dolomites Region Val Gardena, as in the rest of South Tyrol. Lots of producers sell straight from the farm where you can sample the treats and get to know the producers. The people of Val Gardena have been interested in wood carving and wood sculpture since the 16th century. This was not only in order to make something out of wood, a plentiful natural material, but also to safeguard the economic existence of the valley. For centuries already, products from the valley have been sold throughout Europe and even America.

The Ladin cuisine

There's one sure thing: in the Ladin valleys, you'll never stay on an empty stomach. In the kitchens of Gröden/Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Kronplatz, there's always a pot on the stove and mouth-watering smells that remind you of your grandmothers. A traditional dish called " Panicia " is a barley soup with vegetables and meat served with slight variants across South Tyrol. But the Ladin cuisine offers far more delicacies: the local dumplings " Bales " , potato dumplings " Gnoch " and fritters filled with spinach and ricotta cheese " Turtres ". You can also try a popular dish known as " Grestl ", roasted potatoes and veal cut into pieces or " Fortaies ", spiral fried pancakes. Besides tasting delicious, the "Jufa", a kind of milk pudding that is traditionally eaten in a pot and with a spoon, is likewise an authentic experience.

Weather forecast & webcams in Val Gardena

Look out over the valleys and alpine meadows or count the peaks around you. These  webcams  connect you live to selected places in Val Gardena. This gives you an up-close overview of the region, weather or hours of sunshine from the comfort of your own home.

Your car-free summer holiday in Val Gardena

Val Gardena lies in the south-east of South Tyrol, in the heart of the Dolomites. For a relaxed and environmentally friendly travel to Val Gardena, leave your car at home. Buses, trains and cable cars will take you to your accommodation or excursion destination.

Travelling by train

If you are travelling by train, this ends in Waidbruck for the time being. You can continue by bus, taxi or with the "Südtirol Transfer" shuttle, which will take you directly to your holiday accommodation.

On-site mobility

Once you arrive in Val Gardena, the Südtirol Guest Pass  gives you free accessto public transport in South Tyrol. For an evironmentally friendly travel.

South Tyrol Newsletter

Join us for a fresh pack of exclusive offers, fun adventures, breathtaking views, local recipes and much more. Make the most of your vacation!

I consent to the processing of my data to receive communications in line with my interests

By clicking on the “ Subscribe to the newsletter ” button you accept the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy

Confirmation email has been sent. Don't you find it? Check your spam folder.

I consent to the processing of my data to receive communications  in line with my interests

By clicking on the “ Subscribe to the newsletter ” button you accept the  Terms and Conditions  and the  Privacy Policy

Guide To Val Gardena: Top Hikes, Via Ferratas & Photography Spots

April 18, 2024

Table of Contents

Colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, sports equipment stores mixed with souvenir shops and cafés, above them all panoramic mountain views of the Puez Odle, Sassolungo, and Sella Groups. The famous Val Gardena may seem like a tourist trap. After all, it is one of the most visited regions in the Dolomites. However, its charming towns with access to many fantastic hiking trails, via ferrata routes, and photography spots make this valley, in my eyes, one of the best destinations to visit in the Dolomites.

About Val Gardena

Val Gardena is located in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy. The valley lies parallel to two other famous Dolomiti valleys: Val Di Fassa and Val Di Funes. An ancient language Ladin is still spoken and taught in local schools in Val Gardena, but as a tourist, you can easily converse in English or German around here.

Distances from the nearest airports to Val Gardena:

• Venice Marco Polo: 256 km / 3 h 15 min
• Venice Treviso: 225 km / 3 h 10 min
• Verona Villafranca: 185 km / 2 h 15 min
• Milan Malpensa: 354 km / 4 h 10 min
• Milan Bergamo: 270 km / 3 h 15 min
• Innsbruck (AT): 112 km / 1 h 45 min
• Munich (DE): 306 km / 3 h 45 mim

TIP: If you need a car for your visit to Val Gardena, you can rent one through Discover Cars .

Getting to Val Gardena by public transport

When travelling during the summer (June-September), it’s easy to reach the towns in Val Gardena by public transport. First, you can catch a train to Bolzano (Bozen), the nearest biggest city, then a local bus to either Ortisei, Santa Cristina, or Selva in Val Gardena.

TIP: I always use the local  Sued Tirol Mobil  website to check the timetable and find bus stops .

Best towns to visit in Gardena Valley

Val Gardena is dotted with little villages. Where one ends, another begins, so they are all very close to one another. No matter which one you pick for your base, you are guaranteed to have great access to outdoor activities year-round.

Ortisei (St. Ulrich in German or Urtijëi in Ladin) lies right in the heart of Val Gardena. The town’s characteristics are colourful buildings with wood-carved ornaments. For centuries, wood carving has been an important local source of income.

Thanks to its two-tier cable car, Ortisei offers the quickest way to reach the famous viewpoint of the Seceda Ridgeline . On the other side of the village, the St-Ulrich – Seiser Alm gondola takes visitors to the highest mountain pasture in Europe – Alpi Di Siusi.

TIP: Check accommodation prices in Ortisei

2. Santa Cristina Di Val Gardena

Santa Cristina is framed between the Odle Group to the North and the Sassolungo to the South. Its famous Col Raiser gondola is an excellent alternative for reaching the Seceda Ridgeline and the Puez Odle Altopiano, where many hiking trails start in the high alpine areas.

TIP: Check accommodation prices in Santa Cristina Di Val Gardena

3. Selva Di Val Gardena

Selva Di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein in German and Sëlva in Ladin) takes the spot for being the highest village in the Gardena Valley. It’s the closest town to Sella and Gardena Pass, where many hiking trails and via ferratas start. Selva has a more modern vibe than the previously mentioned towns, thanks to its many stylish hotels.

TIP: Check accommodation prices in Selva Di Val Gardena

How many days should you stay in Val Gardena?

There is no limit to the number of days you can spend here. You won’t be bored even if you decide to spend your whole holidays in Val Gardena. I recommend at least three days.

TIP: Consider investing in the Gardena Card , which gives you unlimited cable car access on 3 (or 6) consecutive days.

Best Hikes Near Val Gardena

1. Panorama Alpi Di Siusi

• Distance: 4.4 km / 2.7 mi
• Elevation gain: 112 m / 368 ft
• Hiking time: 1.5 – 2 h
• Colour on the map: pink

Alpi Di Siusi is known as Europe’s highest mountain pasture. This high alpine plateau lies 2000 meters above sea level. The unique views of Sassolungo and Sassopiatto peaks draw tourists to this place.

The gentle hills stretching across the plateau provide the perfect conditions for entry-level hikers not ready to combat hundreds of meters of elevation gain.

The Panorama Alpi Di Siusi hike starts at the top of the Ortisei-Alpe Di Siusi gondola and runs in a circuit. Over 4.4 kilometres, you will only gain 112 meters of elevation, which means a very gentle walk. Stop for lunch at Malga Contrin and enjoy the views of the entire plateau from its terrace.

2. Odle-Geisler Mountain Group Circuit

• Distance: 22 km / 13.7 mi
• Elevation gain: 1016 m / 3333 ft
• Elevation loss: 1743 m / 5718 ft
• Hiking time: 8-10 hours
• Colour on the map: red

Contrary to the Panorama Alpi Di Siusi, the Odle-Geisler Mountain Group circuit is for serious hikers who are accustomed to long hiking days with significant elevation gain and loss.

As the name suggests, the hike is a circuit that loops the famous Seceda Ridgeline. The trailhead starts on the top of the Two-Tier Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda gondola and ends at its mid-station.

You must take the first ride up and keep a good pace throughout the day to avoid missing the last gondola down. I go into more detail about this hike in my post dedicated to Seceda and Puez Odle Nature Park.

Read more: Guide To Seceda And Puez Odle Nature Park .

3. Puez Odle Altipiano Circuit

• Distance: 6.3 km / 3.9 mi
• Elevation gain: 136 m / 446 ft
• Elevation loss:  487 m / 1597 ft
• Hiking time: 2-3 h
• Colour on the map: black

Following the Puez Odle Altipiano Circuit is a great and very relaxed alternative to exploring the Puez Odle Nature Park.

Once again, the hike starts at the top of the Ortisei—Furnes—Seceda gondola, right near the Seceda viewpoint. It then follows a downhill trail, first to Malga Pieralongia (a high-alpine restaurant) and then to Rifugio Firenze.

From here, a mostly flat trail will take you to the top of the Col Raiser gondola. Here, you have three choices:

• Take the Col Raiser gondola down to Santa Cristina, then catch a local bus to Ortisei (The stats above correspond with this option)
• Hike back up to the Seceda viewpoint, then descend to Ortisei with the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda gondola you took in the morning.
• Take the Fermeda chairlift, which runs between the two gondola stations mentioned above, and then the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda gondola down to Ortisei.

4. Seceda – Rifugio Puez – Vallunga

• Distance: 18.7 km / 11.6 mi
• Elevation gain: 774 m / 2540 ft
• Elevations loss: 1603 m / 5259 ft
• Hiking time: 7-8 h
• Colour on the map: blue

This is a quieter option for those who prefer to hike in Solitude. The hike, which once again starts at the top of the Ortisei-Furnes Seceda top station, follows the trail across the Puez Odle Altiplano to Forces de Sieles Saddle. From here, the hike overlaps with the famous Alta Via 2 multiday traverse.

Around halfway through the hike, you will reach Rifugio Puez – an excellent place for restoring calorie reserves and grabbing a drink. You can descend from the hut to the Gardena Valley via Vallunga. At the end of the hike, you must catch a local bus to whichever town you choose for your stay in the Gardena Valley.

5. Vallunga Valley Walk

• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
• Elevation Gain: 230 m / 755 ft
• Hiking Time: 2-3 h
• Colour on the map: orange

The hike across Vallunga is more of a relaxed walk. However, regarding views, the trail can compete with many other high-alpine trails in the Dolomites. Rarely will you be rewarded with such fantastic vistas after putting so little effort into the hike.

Vallunga is one of my favourite autumn trails in the Dolomites. The larch trees fill the valley, adding beautiful, vibrant colours to the landscape.

Read More: Guide To Vallunga Valley Hike

6. Sella Group Traverse

• Distance: 10.6 km / 6.6 mi
• Elevation Gain: 940 m / 3065 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-5 h
• Colour on the map: purple

This is a unique hike in terms of views. The trail crosses through the middle of the Sella group known for its moonlike landscapes.

The trailhead for the Sella Group Traverse is Gardena Pass, and the hike ends at Pordoi Pass. Therefore, you will need to use public transport to return to your accommodation.

The first 30 minutes of the hike follow a gently undulating trail that then turns into a very sharp ascent through a scree valley called Val Setus. Cables are installed at the very top of the valley in the steepest section. Those who aren’t sure-footed will benefit from having via ferrata gear with them. A helmet is non-negotiable in this section as there is plenty of loose scree.

The first landmarks along the route are Rifugio Piscadiu and Lake Piscadiu, which lie next to each other. From Rifugio Piscadiu, you must follow the signs for Rifugio Boè. Once at the hut, it’s either a flat or sharp descent to Passo Pordoi. You can skip the last part and take the gondola from Sass Pordoi to the pass.

TIP: You can extend this hike by hiking to the summit of Piz Boè , the highest point of the Sella group.

7. Sassolungo Circuit

• Distance: 16.7 km / 10.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 787 m / 2720 ft
• Hiking Time: 5-6 h
• Colour on the map: dark blue

Circuit-type day hikes in the Dolomites are my favourites. The ever-changing mountain scenery and the undulating nature of these trails make them very appealing to me.

Sassolungo is the prominent peak that towers over Val Gardena and is visible from almost all the hikes I mentioned above. The Sassolungo circuit, though long and with quite a significant elevation gain, never feels too strenuous. The hike starts at the Sella Passo, which connects Val Gardena with Val Di Fassa.

Read More: Guide To Sassolungo Circuit Hike

Via Ferratas accessible from Val Gardena

1. sass rigais.

• Difficulty level:  beginner
• Time required:  6-8 hours

The Seceda Ridgeline is one of the most beloved photography spots in the Dolomites. What many don’t realize is that one of its summits – Sass Rigais is accessible thanks to a via ferrata route that was set up to its top.

The iron path can be reached either from the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda gondola station or the top of the Santa Cristina – Col Raiser gondola.

Read More: Guide To Via Ferrata Sass Rigais

2. Piz Duleda

• Time required:  5-6 hours

Another great beginner via ferrata route around Val Gardena takes you to the summit of Piz Duleda. The via ferrata section is very short and easy. Ladders have been installed in the steepest sections to help hikers gain elevation.

Piz Duleda is a mountain in the heart of Puez Odle Nature Park, offering amazing 360-degree views of the park.

3. Oskar Schuster

• Difficulty level:  intermediate

Via ferrata Oskar Schuster cuts through the heart of Sassolungo Mountain group and ends at one of its highest summits – Sassopiatto. Sharp spires of the group are characteristic features of this exciting via ferrata.

The route starts at Passo Sella with a ride in a unique standing gondola cabin that only accommodates two people.

Read More: Guide To Via Ferrata Oskar Schuster

4. Mesules (Pössnecker)

• Difficulty level:  advanced

If you are looking for a challenging via ferrata route around Val Gardena, consider tackling via ferrata Mesules (also known as Pössnecker). It is one of the oldest via ferratas in the Dolomites. If that makes you feel uneasy, put your worries behind you. The routes are constantly maintained, and the old rusty equipment is exchanged.

Via ferrata Mesules climbs along the western face of the Sella group through very steep gullies. The descent is long and tiresome, so prepare for an exciting but challenging day in the mountains.

Read More: Guide To Via Ferrata Mesules (Pössnecker)

5. Gran Cir

• Difficulty level: beginner
• Time required: 2-3 hours

Via ferrata Gran Cir delivers some of the best views of the Sella and Sassolungo. If you are a fan of photographing sunrises or sunsets from the top of the mountain, then Gran Cir is for you.

The route starts at Passo Gardena and has less than 500 meters of elevation gain, which means the summit can be reached in 60-90 minutes. The cable-protected section is very short, and the rest of the route is just a steep hike to the summit.

Many people hiking to the summit choose to forfeit bringing the ferrata gear, which I would not recommend. From my years of experience on via ferrata routes in the Dolomites, I noticed that most accidents happen on beginner routes precisely for that reason.

Read More: Guide To Via Ferrata Gran Cir

Best Photography Spots near Val Gardena

1. seceda ridgeline viewpoint.

Do I need to explain anything about this viewpoint? The Seceda Ridgeline is one of the iconic photography spots in the Dolomites and one of the easiest to get to. A gondola ride away from the town of Ortisei, and you will be standing in its presence.

What’s the trick of being there at sunrise, you may wonder? You can stay in one of the two nearby mountain huts (Rifugio Fermeda or Rifugio Firenze) and hike to the viewpoint before everyone else arrives.

2. Passo Gardena

Getting to Passo Gardena requires no effort. You can just drive up to it. As I mentioned in this post, Passo Gardena is a great access point for some hikes and via ferratas, but it is also a great photography spot in itself.

There is a large parking lot near Rifugio Frara right on the pass. From here, a short 5-minute walk will take you to a great viewpoint of Sassolungo pictured above.

3. Alpe Di Siusi

Another icon of the Dolomites. Alpe Di Siusi is a high mountain plateau that can be reached in three different ways:

• Take the Siusi gondola from Compatsch and then hike.
• By driving from Siusi to Compatsch and then hiking (this is only possible before 9 AM or after 5 PM for those who hold reservations for hotels located on the plateau)
• By taking the gondola from Ortisei to Siusi

Logistically, the third option is the easiest and allows reaching the viewpoint the fastest, but being tight to a gondola schedule does mean limited time for visiting the plateau. The good news is that once a week during the summer, the gondola runs in the evening, allowing visitors to experience a sunset at the plateau.

4. Passo Sella

Just like Passo Gardena, Passo Sella can also be reached by car. There are many vantage points for capturing amazing photos at Passo Sella. To the west, you get great views of Sassolungo. To the southeast, you can admire Marmolada – Dolomite’s highest peak.

One of my favourite spots for taking photos at Passo Sella is from the top of the Col Rodella cable car. Here, you get a fantastic panoramic view of the Sella Group and the Sella Towers. It takes approximately 30 minutes to hike from Passo Sella to that spot.

5. Sassolungo Viewpoint

Last, my favourite photography spot in Val Gardena is the Col Raiser viewpoint, a 30-minute hike from Rifugio Firenze or a 20-minute hike from the Col Raiser hotel at the top of the Col Raiser gondola station. The gondola starts in the town of Santa Cristina.

You can probably guess why this is my favourite spot. When I arrived at sunrise, I was greeted by fantastic photography conditions. The low-hanging clouds and the mountains peaking above them created a fairytale atmosphere.

Hut-to-hut treks near Val Gardena

1. alta via 2.

Alta Via 2 is a high alpine traverse that requires 10-14 days to complete. The trip starts in Bressanone and finishes almost 200 kilometres south in Croce D’Aune. The trail crosses, among other places, the Puez Odle Nature Park and Passo Gardena.

Read More: Guide to Alta Via 2 – Part 1 and Alta Via 2 – Part 2

2. Rosengarten Traverse

The Rosengarten Nature Park lies south of Val Gardena. Crossing the whole park on foot with a backpack on your back is possible. This amazing trail includes six exciting via ferratas and a famous Dolomiti landmark—the Vajolet towers.

Read More: Guide to Rosengarten Traverse In The Italian Dolomites

Other Regions of the Dolomites Worth Visiting

• Puster Valley (Val Pusteria)
• Fassa Valley (Val Di Fassa)
• Funes Valley (Val Di Funes)
• Primero Valley (Val Primero)
• Badia Valley (Val Badia / Alta Badia)
• Cortina D’Ampezzo & Central Dolomites
• Tre Cime Nature Park

More travel and hiking resources in the Dolomites

• Photography spots in the Italian Dolomites
• Regions in the Italian Dolomites
• Via ferratas in the Italian Dolomites
• Day hikes in the Italian Dolomites
• Hut-to-hut treks in the Italian Dolomites

Support my website!

Hi Reader! If you found any of my articles about the Dolomites useful please consider using the affiliate links below (at no extra cost) when booking your holiday. Thank you

• Reserve your hotel with Booking.com
• Book your rental car with Discover Cars
• Buy your outdoor gear with Backcountry.com (US readers)

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Disclaimer:  The locations and hikes on this website have been researched by the author and are believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. The author can take no responsibility for any unforeseen circumstances encountered along the routes. Anyone following these trails or road trip itineraries should be aware of any danger that hiking and climbing bring and understand that they are solely responsible for their safety.

Copyright © In A Faraway Land 2024

Highest village of Val Gardena Selva Val Gardena

Selva val gardena, the highest village in dolomites val gardena.

Placed directly below the Sella massif, the plateau-shaped mountain which appears as though it’s carrying the weight of the heavens on its shoulders, lies the picturesque village of Selva Val Gardena (Wolkenstein in German and Sëlva in Ladin). Opposites create a true harmony in Selva Val Gardena which attracts countless visitors to Dolomites Val Gardena every year: modernity meets a bucolic setting, sport goes hand-in-hand with recovery, the perfect infrastructure alternates with leisurely and isolated meadows and paths. Dive into a world that will sweep you under its spell within a couple of seconds.

The perfect location surrounded by breathtaking nature 

Selva Val Gardena is located at the heart of a beautiful natural landscape, a picturesque valley surrounded by the Dolomite mountain ranges which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Part of the Puez Group, the Cir summits, and even parts of the legendary Sella and Sassolungo Group surround Dolomites Val Gardena.

Due to its picturesque location at the heart of the Dolomites, Selva Val Gardena is a favourite holiday destination for active holiday–goers. Tourism is one of the main industries in Selva. Countless hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and ski schools pepper the location. As one of the access points to the Sellaronda, during the winter season Selva Val Gardena is also visited by tourists wanting to complete the Sella circuit on their skis.

Across the schools of not only Selva Val Gardena but also the valley’s other two municipalities, children are taught Ladin. Together with Italian and German, it makes up the Dolomites Val Gardena’s official languages.

Your holiday in Selva Val Gardena

• Find and book an accommodation in Selva Val Gardena
• Offers from our accommodations
• Acitivities and events in Selva Val Gardena
• Diashow "Events" in Wolkenstein
• Map of town

There’s so many ways to keep fit: sports in Val Gardena

Selva Val Gardena is ideal for an active holiday. The mountains surrounding Dolomites Val Gardena could be described as the largest gym in the world. Even families with children will find plenty of opportunities to stay active and spend their holidays taking in that fresh mountain air, an essential ingredient for their recovery.

Selva Val Gardena is no exception. If you would like to take up climbing, a small climbing garden is the perfect introduction to such a discipline, an offer exclusively meant for beginners due to its easy climbs. The hiking paths in Selva Val Gardena and Dolomites Val Gardena represent such an extensive network that tourists who’ve been coming here for years still haven’t managed to walk on every single one of them and always discover new routes. If you don’t have your hiking boots with you, you can just take a leisurely stroll across the valley and enjoy the peace and quiet which characterises the long gone rhythm of a life lived on the fields.

In the last years, Selva Val Gardena has become a favourite starting point for fearless mountain bikers wanting to whiz down the mountains and face steep climbs. The HERO Südtirol Dolomites is one of the hardest mountain bike events on the scene and is a must for all fans. During winter, Selva Val Gardena is the training ground of skiers, snowboarders and sleighs. Even snowshoe hikes have become popular. Anyone wanting to be part of the live audience of a World Cup race at least once in their lives should jot down the dates for both races in Dolomites Val Gardena. If instead they want to be an active skier, they can take the lift directly up to the Sellaronda. But even the ‘Mountain Christmas’ Christmas market and the snowman competition provide for plenty of fun during the winter season.

Highlights in Selva Val Gardena

• Skipass Dolomiti Superski for winter fun on more than 12 km of skislopes
• Good mood between Après-Ski & Live-Music
• Active holiday: from ice skating to snowshoeswalking
• Music events, art exhibitions and artisan markets
• Traditional and mediterranean delicacies & Haute Cuisine
• Castles and magical churches

Sightseeing and cultural events

There’s never a dull day in Selva Val Gardena. If during your holiday you don’t fancy going out and about, why not head to one of our wellbeing hotels for a pampering offer or make a day trip to one of the sightseeing opportunities in Selva Val Gardena and the region? Dolomites Val Gardena is famous for its beautiful churches and chapels. You could go and visit the famous ‘Maria Himmelfahrt’ chapel and the ‘Silvester’ chapel in the Vallelunga. If you happen to encounter a church during your stroll in Selva Val Gardena, make the most of the opportunity whenever possible and visit the place of worship. The Dolomites Val Gardena churches often house works of art by sculptors and woodcarvers by famous regional artists. A rewarding day trip is also the Selva Val Gardena castle ruins, which has given its name to the beautiful village at the foot of the Sella massif.

Besides the sightseeing opportunities you should also participate in some of the countless events that take place in Selva Val Gardena! Enjoy the ridiculously fun canederli thematic trail hunt, see how things are done in a mountain hut, and enjoy a refreshing blonde at the Gherdëina Craft Beer Festival!

Tourist association Selva

Str. Mëisules, 213 I-39048 Selva Val Gardena (BZ) E-Mail: [email protected] Tel.: +39-0471-777900

Opening hours Tourist association Selva

Monday – Saturday winter: 08.00 - 12.00 & 14.00 - 18.00 Sunday & festivities - winter: 09.00 - 12.00 & 16.00 - 18.00 Monday – Saturday summer: 08.00 - 12.00 & 14.30 - 18.30 Sunday & festivities - summer: 09.00 - 12.00 & 16.00 - 18.30

15.08.2024: 09.00 - 12.00 & 16.00 - 18.30

08.12.2024: 09.00 - 12.00 & 16.00 - 18.00 24.12.2024: 09.00 - 12.00 & 14.00 - 16.00 25.12.2024: CLOSED 26.12.2024: 09.00 - 12.00 & 16.00 - 18.00 31.12.2025: 09.00 - 12.00 & 14.00 - 16.00 01.01.2025: 15.00 - 18.00 06.01.2025: 09.00 - 12.00 & 16.00 - 18.00

In April, May, October and November the office is closed on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday.

Events & Highlights

Variety with countless and diverse events in selva val gardena.

You can expect cultural and musical events as well as sports competitions, during the lush green summertime but also whitewashed winter scenery. For every taste and every season.

KIDS NIGHT - Fun & games for our little ones!

Fun and games for all children! We are waiting for you!

Flying Piano

The "Piano in Volo" performance is a prestigious show that takes place at a...

Concert by Music Band Vahrn / Varna

On August 29, 2024, the Varna music band invites you to an evening concert at...

30.08.-06.09.2024

Music entertainment by alpin horns "trio ladinia".

Il corno di montagna, esistente anche in lunghezze diverse, viene suonato in...

Classical concert by the quartet VOXacord

The VOXacord Quartet from Val Gardena (South Tyrol) was founded in 2018 with...

Ladin Ice Hockey Trophy: HC Gherdëina vs. Fassa Falcons

The Ladin Elite Ice Hockey Trophy is a pre-season tournament that takes place...

• Hotels/Boarding houses
• Bed & Breakfast
• Apartments/Private chalet
• with breakfast
• All inclusive
• without board
• rooms/apartments

The Val Gardena is an approx. 25 km long tributary valley of the Valle Isarco valley in the north-west of the South Tyrolean Dolomites. The valley stretches until the Passo Sella and Gardena mountain passes. The Ladin hospitality, the activities on offer, the first class accommodations in Santa Cristina, Ortisei, Selva Gardena and Laion, and big varied holiday offers make it a very popular destination in summer.

Summer holidays: 9 suggestions from 87 €    

Brown, red, orange - the colours of autumn can be found in the larch forests of the Val Gardena valley. While the cold season already comes to the Dolomite passes, the last mountain hikes can be done on the sunny hillsides of the Rasciesa High Alp, Mt. Seceda and the Alpe di Siusi. Down in the valley the Toerggele season starts: with sweet chestnuts, new wine and hearty Tyrolean food the harvest season is celebrated!

Autumn holidays: 6 suggestions from 87 €    

The Val Gardena valley is a real paradise for all winter sports enthusiasts, featuring 500 km of connected slopes along the Sellaronda, the connection to the Dolomiti Superski ski carousel and the Alpe di Siusi, 133 km of cross-country ski tracks and plenty of destinations for snowshoe hikes and ski tours. Down in the valley, however, highlights such as the world’s largest hand-carved nativity scene await you!

Winter holidays: 6 suggestions from 68 €    

Until Easter skiing is possible in the Val Gardena valley! While the skiing areas operate until late spring, the temperatures become milder and milder in the valley. Nature wakes up on the sunny hillsides of Laion and in the Vallunga valley the crocuses start to bloom. At the end of May the funicular from Ortisei to the Alpe di Siusi already starts the summer operation. Enjoy spring!

Spring holiday: 6 suggestions from 87 €    

Holiday destination

Accommodation

More than 70 Accommodations for your holidays in Val Gardena

Val Gardena

The latest news from Val Gardena

Leisure & activities

Holiday package vitrine

Trailrockin'' in the Dolomites

Hotel Digon Ortisei

The Bulla Geo Trail

Evening comes on Mt. Seceda

Hiking tip: PanaRaida Adventure Trail

Sunset on the Sella alpenstock

• room or apartment
• with breakfast
• All inclusive
• without board
• Accommodations in Val Gardena
• Hotels in Val Gardena
• Apartments in Val Gardena
• Bed & Breakfast in Val Gardena
• Accommodations in Selva
• Hotels in Selva
• Apartments in Selva
• Bed & Breakfast in Selva

Accommodations in Ortisei

• Hotels in Ortisei
• Apartments in Ortisei
• Bed & Breakfast in Ortisei
• Accommodations in S. Cristina
• Hotels in Santa Cristina
• Apartments in Santa Cristina
• Bed & Breakfast in S. Cristina
• Hiking hotels
• Family hotels
• Adults only hotels
• Mountain hotels
• Gourmet hotels
• Wine hotels
• Motorbike hotels
• Dog Friendly hotels
• Organic hotels
• Design hotels
• Hotels with pool

Discover your personal holiday highlight in Val Gardena and benefit from a variety of offers. Find your perfect deal now!

Give your loved ones unforgettable moments in Val Gardena.

Ortisei in Val Gardena

Receive the latest news and insider tips from Val Gardena about 12 times a year.

Ideally located

Ortisei , together with Santa Cristina and Selva, is one of the three municipalities of the Val Gardena, considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Tyrol because of its uniquely beautiful location and the hospitality of its inhabitants. As the main village of Val Gardena , Ortisei has a wonderful pedestrian zone with shops, cafés and restaurants .

Rasciesa and Seceda can be reached directly from the village by cable cars and are a paradise for hikers and winter sports enthusiasts . From Ortisei, you can also reach the Alpe di Siusi , a unique hiking and skiing area and the largest high-alpine meadow in Europe, using a modern lift. In addition to German and Italian, Ladin is spoken in Ortisei.

• Location: Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy
• Population: ca. 4,830
• Languages: Ladin (84.2 %), German (9.3 %), Italian (6.5 %)
• Sea level: 1,236 m
• Guest beds: 5,700
• Overnight guests per year: 700,000
• ∅-temperature summer (max.): 20 °C
• ∅-temperature winter (min.): -2 °C

In summer, it is usually pleasantly mild and sunny in Ortisei, with a daily maximum temperature of around 20 °C. Thus, the village offers the ideal conditions for hiking and active holidays in the mountains . In the colder months of the year, everything here revolves around winter sports: the Val Gardena skiing area and the Dolomiti Superski skiing association provide unlimited opportunities to get active on the slopes of the surrounding mountains.

Ortisei has been a centre of woodcarving since the 17th century. As early as the second half of the 19th century, tourism grew in economic importance when mountaineers used Ortisei as a starting point for their tours. Today, everything in Ortisei revolves around tourism. Val Gardena's rich tradition meets modern accommodations to create the perfect conditions for active holidaymakers.

Suggestions for accommodations in Ortisei

Holidays in ortisei.

Ortisei in Val Gardena is very easy to reach by car and attracts visitors with its pretty pedestrian zone and wonderful location. Holidaymakers can choose from numerous accommodation options in various price ranges with hotels , guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday flats .

Explore accommodations in Ortisei here and book a hotel, guesthouse, holiday flat or a cosy B&B for your holiday in Val Gardena.

Discover a wide range of offers for your holiday in Ortisei. Book special weeks with a ski pass, early booking offers, family holidays and more.

In the restaurants and cafés in the pedestrian zone as well as in the pretty side streets in Ortisei, hosts spoil their guests with regional delicacies.

Get inspired and see what's going on in Ortisei in Val Gardena from the comfort of your own home. Here is an overview of our webcams in the village.

Ortisei is worth a visit at any time of the year. We reveal some worthwhile excursion destinations and highlights that you won't want to miss on your holiday in Val Gardena .

From Ortisei, you can reach the Alpe di Siusi by cable car in just a few minutes. The high alp is perfect for beginner skiers and families who want to spend a relaxing time in the snow with their children. Using the lifts or the ski bus, you can easily get further into Val Gardena from Ortisei and access the Sellaronda and a ski area with unlimited possibilities at all levels of difficulty.

The Sellaronda takes experienced skiers around the Sella Group. The day tour can be skied in two directions and offers you an unforgettable physical challenge.

In Ortisei, there are numerous ski rental shops where you can easily rent modern equipment for your winter sports holiday and have it brought directly to your accommodation.

The ski area of Val Gardena and the Alpe di Siusi belong to the Dolomiti Superski ski association. You only need one ski pass to experience the ultimate winter sports adventure on endless slopes. Discover slopes of all levels of difficulty and use the most modern lifts to get to your destination. Numerous ski huts invite you to take a break with culinary specialities.

In the summer months, you can reach some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region directly from Ortisei. An absolute highlight is the Alpe di Siusi , which offers you a picture-perfect mountain panorama with lush green meadows. A hike up the Mountain Pic is also highly recommended. Rasciesa and Seceda are also directly accessible and offer wonderful hiking opportunities . Are you out and about in the mountains with the whole family? Then we recommend our family hikes , where even the little ones will get their money's worth. Those who are not so good on foot are guaranteed to enjoy the hiking trail through the Val d’Anna .

• Track: 6,0 km
• Duration: 2 h 15 min

• Track: 7,5 km
• Duration: 5 h

• Track: 4,0 km
• Duration: 2 h 30 min

• Track: 8,0 km
• Duration: 3 h 30 min

Climbing and Mountaineering

For climbers and mountaineers, the Dolomites are a special mountain range. Those who want to get to know the mountains intensively and take unusual routes can book a tour with an experienced mountain guide on site. Even on rainy days, climbing fun is provided: in the Ortisei climbing hall , both young and old can train their skills on the 220 square metre climbing wall.

The città dei sassi at the Sella Pass is one of the most famous excursion destinations for climbers in the region. From Ortisei, the Sas Rigais via ferrata can also be reached easily by train. It is considered very long and demanding, but rewards climbers with an unforgettably beautiful view. Those on short notice can rent their equipment in Val Gardena.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Ortisei lies in the middle of Val Gardena. Val Gardena is very easy to reach by car from Merano, Bolzano and Trento, among other places.

The centre of Ortisei is 1,236 metres above sea level. The entire municipal area ranges in altitude from 1,125 to 2,518 metres.

In general, many lifts in Ortisei and Val Gardena are open all year round. You can find all the information about current operating times for winter and summer online.

The range of restaurants in Ortisei is huge. The best thing to do is stroll through the pedestrian zone and book a table in a restaurant that appeals to you.

Ortisei offers you a huge choice of holiday flats, hotels and rooms with breakfast. Find accommodation for your holiday in Val Gardena here.

Find all guesthouses, hotels, holiday flats and Bed & breakfast accommodations in Ortisei.

Discover a first-class range of family, wellness and sports hotels in Ortisei.

Holiday flats are ideal for families and individual travellers. Find your holiday flat in Ortisei here.

A room with breakfast - what more do you need for a relaxing holiday in Ortisei? Discover B&Bs in Val Gardena.

Family holidays in Ortisei

Children are most welcome in Ortisei! Directly on the promenade, a large playground awaits you for a fun-filled romp. The family and adventure pool also provides variety during your holiday in Ortisei . In winter, take to the ice: show off your best pirouettes on the ice rink.

Enrol your child in their first ski course, conquer the slopes of Val Gardena and enjoy family fun on the snow-covered Alpe di Siusi.

Family hikes through nature, mountain bike tours or cosy afternoons on the playground - in Ortisei, there is always something to do in summer.

Attractions

Ortisei invites you to take a relaxed stroll in its wonderful pedestrian zone . The culture of Val Gardena , especially the art of woodcarving, can be seen and admired on every corner. Among the most beautiful sights you should visit are the following excursion destinations:

• S. Giacomo Church is the oldest church in the Val Gardena valley. Its origins are said to date back to the 12th century. A visit to the church is particularly worthwhile because of the wood-carved high altar and artistic carved figures.
• In the summer months, nature lovers can feast their eyes on the beauty of the flowering rose bushes in the Rosarium in Pufels . More than 6,000 rose bushes provide a fragrant feast for the eyes, which can be marvelled at daily from July to August from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
• Those who want to learn more about the history, nature and culture of Val Gardena will find a unique collection of art and nature treasures from the region in the Ladin Museum in Ortisei. This museum is worth a visit on more than just a rainy day.

Sports and activities

Ortisei is a place where recreation is best achieved when you get active. Besides skiing, hiking and mountain biking , the village of Val Gardena has a lot to offer. How about an exciting match at the Ortisei Tennis Centre ? Do you love horses? Then pay a visit to the local riding school on your next trip to Ortisei. Discover more summer and winter activities .

The Col de Flam high ropes course has everything that a real adventure day requires. Whether ZIP line, high ropes course or children's area - fun and thrills are guaranteed here.

At breakneck speed, you're off down the mountain right into the middle of the fun. Rent a toboggan and discover the toboggan hills in Ortisei and on the Alpe di Siusi.

Veranstaltungen

In Ortisei, there is always something going on throughout the year. Whether sports, art or culture - the colourful calendar of events will make you want to socialise. Watch the tennis pros at the Internazionali Tennis Val Gardena Südtirol and cheer on your favourites. Tip: make sure you also check out the Val Gardena Active events .

The Spring Race Party in March is the last and perhaps best party of the winter season. Six-person teams in funny costumes compete in a race that is not just about proving their skiing skills.

Every year the Unika art fair attracts numerous artists and a diverse audience to Ortisei. Be inspired by the works of art on display, add to your collection and find out what is currently shaking up the art market.

The other villages in Val Gardena

Besides Ortisei, there are also the villages of Santa Cristina and Selva. Take advantage of your holiday in Ortisei to visit the other villages in the valley and experience the many facets of Val Gardena's culture.

With slopes leading directly into the village and a nature park on the doorstep, Selva is an excellent starting point for all kinds of outdoor adventures.

Around 2,000 people live in S. Cristina, an enchanting village known for its rich cultural and club life and numerous festivals.