Val Gardena is THE valley of the Dolomites par excellence and offers an incomparable mountain experience throughout the year.
Val Gardena is located in South Tyrol and is the perfect place to live the most intense experiences in the heart of the unique Dolomites mountains throughout the whole year. The landscape of this outdoor paradise outdoes itself with remarkable natural phenomena which can only be experienced here in such an impressive manner. Enjoy beautiful contrasts in Val Gardena in spring to the unique variety of flowers blooming across the mountain meadows during early summer. It is an Eldorado for hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers; the mystical autumn days and the mesmerising ‘Burning Dolomites’ light spectacle taking place across the imposing mountainous landscape.
Scenically unique Val Gardena with its villages Ortisei (1,236 m), Santa Cristina (1,428 m) and Selva (1,563 m) doesn’t just impress with its spectacular mountain ranges such as the Odle, the Cirgroup, the Sella Massif or the unmistakable Sassolungo. Lots of sunny days allow all ages to admire the breathtaking panorama in our wellkept valley, which is not only the home of mountaineering legend Luis Trenker. For Val Gardena is considered to be one of the most traditional mountain regions worldwide but its ladin people who are modern, sporty, active and nature lovers win you over too.
The first lifts in Val Gardena are expected to open on May 10, 2025, and the last lifts will close at the beginning of November 2025. The Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi cable car will also be open for the long weekend from May 1st to May 4th, 2025.
The Dolomites are calling! We look forward to seeing you!
A se udëi te Gherdëina
Secret Dolomites: the beautiful and magic contrasts in Val Gardena
The very special spring in the Dolomites
Spring is that one season of the year which surprises for its variety of contrasts. The snow-capped Dolomites summits, rising into the sky, overlook the sea of flowers that cover the mountain pastures and fields down in the valleys. A picture-perfect setting, with birds happily singing to the tune of babbling brooks and roaring waterfalls, the water flowing downwards towards the further valleys.
Spring is a season of hope, a taster of the warmer months around the corner.Magic is in the air: crystal-clear, sparkling lakes appear overnight, created by the pooling of meltwater, and disappear in a matter of a few weeks, sinking into the soil and leaving behind a lush, green meadow. The fickle weather also adds a dash of dramatic elements as nature slowly awakens.
Some of the many unmissable experiences you should give a try when you are in the valley: The mysterious "Lech de Ciampedel te Val" lake and the mystical old postal path "Troi dala Posta mistich".
Experience a very special mystical time in Val Gardena!
Flowery Dolomites: Experience the natural phenomenon of the Dolomites
From mid-May to mid-July, a multitude of mountain flowers bloom on the mountain meadows. The wonderful Alpine flora becomes a unique photo subject. Flowery Dolomites can be experienced as part of the „Val Gardena Active” programme, with hikes led by herbal and flower expers, who can also tell you a lot about the healing power of some plants.
Pleasure of the highest level is always a sure thing, thanks to the kitchen gourmets of Val Gardena conjuring up culinary delights.
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Top Dolomites Experiences: the most intense experiences in the Dolomites
Dolomites Breakfast – enjoy your breakfast on a mountain meadow. The early bird catches the worm, so get ready for an early morning hike to a hut of your choice. You will be rewarded by a hearty breakfast: freshly baked bread, mountain cheese, Speck, yoghurt, eggs, homemade cakes and jams. Mouth-watering food paired with a feast for the eyes, as the spread is served against the unique backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
Dolomites Sunrise – revel in the sunrise on the Steviola. Join us for when the first rays of sunshine wash over the summits and light up the mountains: be there for when nature slowly awakens from its sleep. A new day in the heart of the Dolomites has begun. Enjoy the unique views which seem to never end. A sight you shall never forget.
Dolomites Sunset – a sunset hike to the Sëurasas and the enrosadira. Head off for a late afternoon hike and walk across fairy-tale forests all the way to the Sëurasas. As the sun sets, its light will bathe the scenic terrace in a mesmerising and magical atmosphere – take in a unique display of lights shimmering in the sky and across the mountains. This is the enrosadira, a phenomenon which lights up the surrounding mountains in pink and garnet hues.
Dolomites Flying Aperitivo – treat yourself to the dolce vita during a unique chairlift ride at the foot of the Sassolungo. Sip your Italian aperitif as you ascend on the Mont de Sëura chairlift on Monte Pana, enjoying the view of the Sassolungo’s imposing rocky walls as you go by. There could be no better ending to your day than this, drinking a ‘Hugo’ or ‘Veneziano’ accompanied by delicious finger food and South Tyrolean delicacies. The Dolomites always deliver unique moments such as this one, so what are you waiting for? Fall under the Dolomites’ spell. We promise you will not regret it.
Hiking/climbing in the most beautiful mountains in the world
One very special highlight is the „Curona de Gherdëina” 4-day trekking tour around Val Gardena’s mountain tops. The 60 km long route (4,852 m ascent and 3,879 m descent) leads from the Puez-Geisler Nature Park in the north-east (UNESCO World Heritage), to the Sella plateau in the south-east of the valley via the Sassolungo Group in the south.
Climbing in Val Gardena
The Dolomite peaks that surround Val Gardena have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO and are under special protection. Climbers have the chance to experience the beauty of these mountains up-close. Whether you’re a mountaineer, recreational climber or rock climber, you will find everything you need for an outstanding climbing experience in Val Gardena. In addition to the Sassolungo, Sella Group, Sass Rigais and Furchetta also entice visitors up to altitudes of over 3,000 metres. For experienced, high alpine hikers and climbers, the „Catores alpine school” and „Val Gardena Alpine Guides” offer various hiking, via ferrata and climbing tours with local and experienced mountain guides.
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Culinary delights at the highest level in Val Gardena
Eating and drinking well is one of the most important elements in life, and holidays in Val Gardena certainly are the tops in this sense. The Val Gardena landlords like to combine the three cultures of the Val Gardena valley in both cuisine and wine culture. In addition to the Mediterranean delights and the traditional Tyrolean cuisine, traditional Ladin dishes are often added.
You can find Tëurta de furmenton (buckwheat flour cake), Crafuncins (Schlutzkrapfen) or Puessl (apple Schmarrn) also in the up-market restaurants, often modern and easily interpreted.
The special variety of cuisine can be found in the mountain huts as well as in the gourmet restaurants in the valley. Val Gardena has long been a culinary hotspot in South Tyrol.
Enjoy now!
Val Gardena: The mountain bike eldorado in the Dolomites
Mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner describes the Dolomites as „the most beautiful mountains in the world”. What is more, is that mountain bikers also feel at home in these mountains, because, apart from beautiful scenery, they also offer varied routes, from easy cycling trips through sheltered Vallunga, to pulsating bike rides in the City of the Stones and Alpe di Siusi, right up to exciting trails for adrenalin junkies.
The best way to discover the unique nature of the Dolomites is by bike, with almost 600 kilometres of cycle trails in the region. There are a total of 21 day tours to be conquered around the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva. The destination of Val Gardena is an „Approved Bike Area” in South Tyrol.
The Sellaronda MTB Track TOUR is highly recommended and a „must-do” for cyclists, primarily due to the scenery, framed by the Sella Group and Marmolada. A high point is the Val Gardena Panorama Ebike-Tour powered by Bosch every Thursday: The day tour circles the three Ladin villages, leading through idyllic Alpine meadows and sheltered forest paths, and therefore offers a truly fascinating and varied panorama.
The „Val Gardena Bike Arena” provides pure flow-fun, on a total of 6 flow trails, which can be repeated as often as you like, using the lifts at Dantercepies, Cir, Ciampinoi and Piz Seteur. The perfect proposition for bike fans of all ages. The „Skillpark Palmer” in Ortisei, is available for even the youngest, and to learn and improve riding technique.
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Have fun with great prizes: the Val Gardena family weeks
Children stay free of charge
The special feature is that families spending a minimum of seven days receive special discounts for children during these weeks, such as a free stay for children under the age of eight, the child sleeping in their parents‘ room.
Singles & kids
Singles with children receive favourable conditions for a stay in a double room from the beginning of the season to mid-July and from the end of August to the end of September at all specially marked establishments. Up to 2 years: free overnight stay, from 2-5 years: 50% discount. From 6-12 years: 30% discount!
Fun and excitement right now!
Burning Dolomites - A unique natural spectacle
When the summer draws to an end, nature is at peace and the skies seem clearer than ever before, a very special wonder of nature can be observed in Val Gardena.
From the middle of September, the needles of the larch turn from green to yellow, and then to glowing orange, red and brown. At the same time, a special and deep sunlight makes the Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage) appear wonderfully red: the edges, points and towers are immersed in a magical sunlight, framed by a crystal-clear and radiantly blue sky, typical of the stable fine weather conditions in autumn. Photographers and nature watchers love to visit the Dolomite valley at this time of year, when it becomes peaceful and tranquil – visitors are truly astonished by the spectrum of colours.
Hikers and others who are interested can enjoy the special atmosphere, in the period from 09 September to 2 November 2025, on a guided sunset hike every Thursday. When the summer slowly comes to an end, an enchanting time begins in Val Gardena.
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