Val Gardena – Where tradition meets natural wonders
Discover Val Gardena – the romantic Alpine heart of the Dolomites, characterised by impressive peaks and vibrant wood carving artistry.
The valley for Alpine lovers
Val Gardena inspires as both a natural and cultural experience. In the shadow of the majestic Geisler and Sella mountain ranges, the valley stretches from St. Ulrich (Ortisei) via St. Christina to Wolkenstein (Selva Gardena). Here, Alpine adventures and centuries-old Ladin culture go hand in hand.
☀️ Summer bliss – hiking, biking, experiencing nature
When the snow melts, Val Gardena unfolds as a hiking paradise with over 600 kilometres of hiking trails and spectacular viewpoints.
Popular summer activities:
- Hiking: From themed trails to summit tours on the Langkofel
- Mountain biking: Sellaronda MTB Tour, trails of all levels of difficulty
- Via ferrata: Oskar-Schuster on the Langkofel, Piz Duleda in the Geisler group
- Paragliding: Launch sites in St. Ulrich with fantastic views
- E-bike tours to rustic alpine pastures
- Climbing: Sport and alpine climbing on the Dolomite walls
- Via Ferrata: Adventures on old war trails
- Horse riding, tennis, swimming: Variety for the whole family
🎿 Winter dream – fun on the slopes & views of the Dolomites
With 175 kilometres of slopes and the legendary entrance to the Sella Ronda, Val Gardena is one of the top skiing regions in the Alps. Perfectly groomed slopes, modern lifts and breathtaking views make every day of skiing an experience.
Winter highlights in Val Gardena:
- Sella Ronda – ski circuit around the mighty Sella massif, starting in Wolkenstein, for example.
- Saslong – famous for the Ski World Cup race, one of the most spectacular speed runs.
- Cross-country skiing – over 100 km of trails in the Langental valley and on the Seiser Alm
- Snow parks & fun parks for unlimited freestyle action
- Classic ski tours: Puez-Geisler and Plattkofel
- Snowshoe hiking: guided tours through nature parks
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered mountain landscapes
🍽️ Culinary region – Ladin specialities & gourmet
Val Gardena delights visitors with cosy mountain huts, innovative gourmet restaurants and a variety of regional products.
Culinary highlights:
- Ladin cuisine: Turtres, gnocchi, ‘bales’ (dumplings), barley soup
- Michelin stars: Innovative haute cuisine, e.g. at the ‘Anna Stuben’
- Mountain huts: Homemade specialities in a rustic atmosphere
- Wine tastings: South Tyrolean wines in a cosy setting
- Cheese and bacon: regional specialities directly from the farmer
- Markets: crafts and traditions to experience and enjoy
🏛️ Ladin culture – wood carving and living tradition
The soul of Val Gardena is Ladin – with a deeply rooted language and traditional folk art.
Cultural highlights:
- Wood carving: a family speciality for generations, workshops and open studios
- Ladin as an everyday language
- Folklore festivals, music and traditional costume parades
- The Museum Gherdëina in Ortisei: history and nature of the valley
- Arts and crafts: sculptures and carvings – unique in the Alpine region
- Legendary Gardena Marathon: world-class cycling event
- Traditional carnival customs
🏔️ Natural beauty & sights
Val Gardena captivates visitors with its incomparable landscapes, Dolomite peaks and hidden natural gems.
Natural highlights:
- Geisler Group: striking rocky peaks that are the symbol of the valley
- Sassolungo: monumental Dolomite peak
- Puez-Geisler Nature Park: hikes through alpine moors and forests
- Alpe di Siusi: Europe's largest high alpine pasture and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Rasciesa: mountains with panoramic views
- Vallunga: wildly romantic valley for nature lovers
- Lech dl Dragon – Dolomite mountain lake steeped in legend
🏨 Accommodation – Hospitality from the heart
Comfortable hotels, idyllic guesthouses and rustic mountain huts await you in Val Gardena.
Accommodation options:
- Premium hotels: wellness, gourmet cuisine and views of the Dolomites
- Family guesthouses: warmth and personalised service
- Mountain huts: authentic alpine experiences
- Holiday apartments: self-catering accommodation in traditional houses
- Farms: holidays with regional products and country life
- Design hotels and chalets: modern architecture meets nature
🎯 Events & Experiences
Val Gardena is the stage for spectacular sporting events, traditional festivals and cultural events.
Annual highlights:
- Ski World Cup races on the Saslong
- Gardena Marathon in summer
- Woodcarving Festival with arts and crafts and music
- Almabtrieb with festively decorated cows
- Advent markets & Christmas traditions
- Jochlauf & Sellaronda Hero – mountain bike events
- Festivals: music and dance with Ladin flair
✨ Your Val Gardena experience
Whether on skis, on panoramic hikes, enjoying regional specialities or immersing yourself in Ladin folk art: in Val Gardena, you will experience the Dolomites at their most inspiring.
Discover Val Gardena – where alpine passion and living tradition create a unique experience! 🏔️
