In the heart of Ladinia, Val Gardenia is an unique combination of nature, fun and culture.
Val Gardena, in South Tyrol, is one of the most fascinating valleys of the Dolomites, between Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena: three localities rich in charm and perfectly equipped to welcome visitors in any season. You will also find some of the most iconic peaks in the Dolomites, including the Odle Group, the Sassolungo, the Sella and the Sciliar, for hiking and via ferrata.
From here you can reach the Alpe di Siusi, the largest plateau in Europe, and the Vallunga, a valley set in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Among the unmissable viewpoints are the Gardena Pass and Monte Pana, real natural balconies.
Val Gardena, in South Tyrol, is one of the most fascinating valleys of the Dolomites, between Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena: three localities rich in charm and perfectly equipped to welcome visitors in any season. You will also find some of the most iconic peaks in the Dolomites, including the Odle Group, the Sassolungo, the Sella and the Sciliar, for hiking and via ferrata.
From here you can reach the Alpe di Siusi, the largest plateau in Europe, and the Vallunga, a valley set in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Among the unmissable viewpoints are the Gardena Pass and Monte Pana, real natural balconies.
Those travelling by car can reach Val Gardena via the A22 Brenner motorway, exit at Chiusa and continue on the SS242 towards Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva. The nearest railway stations are Chiusa, Bressanone and Bolzano, connected to the valley by bus.
The Express Bus service facilitates direct transfers from major cities. The nearest airports are Bolzano, Innsbruck, Verona, and Bergamo, from where you can take a taxi or private bus to Val Gardena.
Ortisei, at 1,236 metres above sea level, is the largest and most lively centre of Val Gardena, famous for its woodcarving tradition and its elegant pedestrian area full of shops and cafés. Here is the Museum de Gherdëina, which tells the story and culture of Ladin through sculptures, wooden toys and works of art. Among the religious buildings, stands out the Church of Sant’Ulrico and San Valentino, with frescoes and an imposing bell tower.
Ortisei is also an ideal starting point for excursions: the Resciesa cable car leads to a panoramic plateau, while the Seceda cable car offers spectacular views of the Odle Group. From here you can also reach the Alpe di Siusi, the largest plateau in Europe, perfect for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing.
At 1,428 meters above sea level, Santa Cristina is the perfect place for those seeking tranquility without giving up the beauty of the Dolomites. In winter, the legendary Saslong slope comes to life, the scene of the Alpine Skiing World Cup, while in summer, Monte Pana offers scenic trails and family excursions. One of the most picturesque places is the Vallunga, in the Puez-Odle Nature Park, ideal for walks and snowshoeing. The village is also home to the Church of Santa Cristina, one of the oldest in the valley, with Gothic frescoes and a suggestive atmosphere.
Located at 1,563 meters above sea level, Selva di Val Gardena is the reference point for skiers and hikers. It is the direct access to the Sellaronda, the famous ski circuit around the Sella Group, and hosts the Rifugio Comici, famous for its cuisine and breathtaking views.
In summer, Selva offers numerous hiking trails and via ferrata, as well as the picturesque Vallunga. Among the cultural sites, the Castle of Wolkenstein, an ancient fortress set in the rock, and the Church of San Giacomo, the oldest in Val Gardena, with medieval frescoes and an extraordinary panoramic position, stand out.
Laion, at 1,100 meters, is the gateway to Val Gardena, an authentic village with historic houses and deep-rooted traditions. The medieval poet Walther von der Vogelweide was born here, to whom a monument and a theme trail are dedicated. The village is perfect for those looking for a more peaceful stay, with walks in the woods and excellent local gastronomy. Among its symbols stands out the Church of San Pietro e Paolo, with its characteristic onion-shaped bell tower and evocative interiors.
The summer in Val Gardena is full of proposals. The Monte Pana in summer has excursions for everyone, from baby trekking with easy trails and play areas immersed in nature, to scenic routes towards the Gardena Pass and the Vallunga. The more experienced hikers can reach the Rifugio Firenze, with a spectacular view of the Odle, or the Rifugio Comici, renowned for its cuisine and the privileged position on the Sella Group. The Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest plateau, is perfect for relaxing walks, bike rides and picnics in the blossoming meadows.
Sports enthusiasts will find a wide range of outdoor activities in Val Gardena, with via ferrata on the Sassolungo and the Odle, iconic cycling routes of the Giro d’Italia and adrenaline activities such as bungee jumping. For families, the Ortisei train and escape room are fun experiences, while the ski lifts allow you to reach the peaks comfortably: the Val Gardena Active Card offers discounts on guided tours and cable cars. Among the most anticipated sporting events, the Val Gardena Mountain Run and the spectacular HERO Dolomites mountain bike race attract athletes and fans from all over the world.
For those who love traditions, summer is also the perfect time to attend folklore events. “Val Gardena in Costume” celebrates the art and local history with parades in traditional clothes, music and folk dances, while the parade of San Giacomo, on July 25 in Ortisei, enlivens the streets with processions and celebrations in honor of the patron. For wine and food lovers, the Wine Evening is the perfect opportunity to taste South Tyrolean wines and local specialties in an authentic atmosphere between music and conviviality.
Autumn in Val Gardena is the perfect time for hiking through the colours of the foliage. The Postpath, which connects Laion to Ortisei, is an ancient road that crosses woods of golden larches and pastures, offering a relaxing walk with enchanting views. Those looking for breathtaking views can opt for the excursion to the Seceda, from where you can enjoy a unique perspective on the Odle. Another suggestive route is the path that leads to the Juac Refuge, between autumn meadows and spectacular views of the Vallunga.
Ladin art and tradition come alive with UNIKA – Fiera dell’Artigianato Gardenese, where local sculptors exhibit unique wooden works. The autumn cuisine conquers with barley soups and alpine cheese specialties. And to end the day, the wellness centers and panoramic spas offer relaxation among saunas and regenerating treatments.
Winter in Val Gardena is an experience that combines sport, traditions and relaxation. The Dolomiti Superski area, with over 500 km of slopes, offers exciting descents including the famous Sellaronda. Every December, Santa Cristina hosts the Ski World Cup (downhill and Super G) on the Saslong slope, while the Alpe di Siusi, Vallunga and Monte Pana are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In addition to skiing, the valley offers unique experiences such as snowmobile excursions, fat bikes on snow and paragliding flights. Fans of ice sports can have fun on the skating rinks, for example at the Pranives Ice Rink in Selva, or watch an exciting ice hockey match.
The Christmas atmosphere makes winter even more magical with the Christmas markets of Ortisei and Selva, the handmade wooden cribs and the suggestive tradition of Krampus and the torchlight processions on skis. After a day outdoors, the spas and wellness centers such as QC Terme Dolomiti offer moments of pure relaxation. The local gastronomy completes the experience with typical dishes to be enjoyed in alpine huts and star restaurants.
In spring, the Val Gardena blooms. The Vallunga offers a rare spectacle with the temporary appearance of the Lech de Ciampedel, an ephemeral lake that disappears after a few weeks, offering a unique excursion between nature and lush flora. At the end of March, Ortisei hosts the Spring Race Party, an obstacle skiing competition that from Seceda arrives in town, turning into a festive event thanks to the participants in quirky costumes.
Music is the protagonist with the Val Gardena Musika, an initiative that enhances the local musical tradition and the training of young artists. Among the most anticipated events stands out Rock the Dolomites, a festival that brings live concerts in suggestive places. Local bands, dressed in traditional costumes, animate the festivities of the valley, keeping alive the cultural roots of the community.
