Discover Val Gardena on a summer holiday

Val Gardena - summer retreat in the mountains

In summer, Val Gardena is transformed into a hiker's paradise. Excursions in the fairytale landscape of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of the Dolomites have so far amazed everyone. If hiking is not enough for you, you can also explore the mountain world of Val Gardena during a summer holiday with many other sports, for example climbing, bouldering, mountain biking, road biking or paragliding.

Excursions

Explore the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites

Excursions Explore the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites

When talking about holidays in Val Gardena one naturally speaks of the Dolomites and the numerous hiking trails that this area offers its guests. In fact, this valley offers splendid excursions in the Dolomites to all trekking enthusiasts as well as to those who are looking for comfortable and relaxing routes.

In Val Gardena you are always surrounded by unspoilt nature and the spectacular peaks of the Dolomites. Numerous alpine huts and refuges invite you to take a pleasant break and enjoy some rest while tasting delicious South Tyrolean specialities. An excursion to Val Gardena and its surroundings is a special experience in any season of the year.

With the cable cars of Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva, you can easily reach the most beautiful itineraries of this valley – all year round. The best: with the Gardena Card you can access all the lifts without limitation.

Hiking in summer

Experience nature in Val Gardena

Hiking in summer Experience nature in Val Gardena

Sëurasas, a solitary mountain with a panoramic view: thanks to its exposed position it is one of the most impressive viewpoints in Val Gardena. From here you have a beautiful view of the three main villages in Val Gardena and the enchanting alpine pastures and mountains.

Route around the Sassolungo Group - the symbol of Val Gardena: This tour around is a must for all nature-loving hikers. From the starting point in S. Cristina you take the Monte Pana and Mont de Sëura chairlifts. From the starting point in Selva Val Gardena take the Ciampinoi cable car.

Crossing the Alpe di Siusi: You will be fascinated by the panoramic view of Europe's largest high plateau, the Alpe di Siusi. The starting point for the hike is the mountain station of the Alpe di Siusi.

Resciesa: Starting from the mountain station of Resciesa, follow the marked path to the cross, which is also the highest point of your hike. A spectacular panoramic view awaits you all the way from the Puez-Odle Nature Park to the Val di Funes.

Summer time = family time

A paradise for families in the mountains

Summer time = family time A paradise for families in the mountains

Many thematic paths among legends and forest animals, rich adventure programs to discover the secrets of the Dolomites, countless fun playgrounds: all this is just a taste of an exciting summer in Val Gardena!

One of the most beautiful excursions for children is the PanaRaida adventure trail at Monte Pana, S. Cristina. It is a circular route (quite flat and therefore also suitable for pushchairs), which leads through meadows and woods to discover ten thematic stations: from the water playground over the wooden water wheel to the labyrinth, from the giant swing to the tree houses and the mini wooden cable car. In addition, there is an adrenaline-filled “Monte Pana Zipline”: at the top of the Monte de Sëura chairlift, you can launch yourself 1600 metres into the air at full speed for a thrilling ride!

Also interesting is the Tieres - Animals in the Woods trail in Selva. It will take you on a discovery of life sized and hand sculpted animals - deer, chamois, foxes, squirrels, marmots and hares.

In Val Gardena playgrounds can be found in nearly every location and are a real must during every family holiday. One of the most impressing is the one on Monte Pana where there is also an Indian tent, while the Col de Flam adventure park at the entrance to Val d'Anna is a must, with an extended children's course (from 4 years of age) and the possibility to discover a real flying helicopter among the trees! The park also has various animals to cuddle with and a trampoline area.

Cycling in the mountains

Explore Val Gardena on two wheels

Cycling beginners or experienced bikers? Whatever the answer is, Val Gardena offers routes suitable for all levels, all with a breathtaking panorama.

Bike enthusiasts will fall in love with this valley instantly. Many tours start directly from one of the three villages. So does the Gardenaronda, the tour of Val Gardena with four cable cars, starts in Ortisei. It is the analogue of the Skiing Gardenaronda, which can also be done on skis. Last but not least, this valley is also very suitable for road cycling: the most famous Dolomite passes are popular with cyclists from all over the world!

With the Dolomiti Supersummer Card you can use many lifts and take your bike with you. This way you can quickly reach higher starting points for your tours. Look forward to unforgettable panoramic views, rapid descents and a wide range of services for bike lovers.

What you should not miss is the Sellaronda Bike Day in June: during this famous event, cycling enthusiasts cross the four impressive Dolomite passes Sella Pass, Gardena Pass, Pordoi Pass and Campolongo Pass together.

MTB-Tour & E-Bike-Tour

MTB-Tour & E-Bike-Tour

Downhill trails with drops, flowtrails with bends and bridges, well-equipped bike parks: cycling enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies will find a galactic challenge in this area of South Tyrol.

Val Gardena-Alpe di Siusi, in the heart of the Dolomites, offers a wide network of trails and paths suitable for all abilities. There are numerous mountain bike tours organized in this valley that will make your holiday an extraordinary experience and you will feel like you are in an open-air cinema.

E-bike enthusiasts will find a natural paradise with breathtaking landscapes in Val Gardena. In the company of other sports enthusiasts, you can go on a discovery tour and find well-deserved rest in the mountain huts and refuges after long climbs and descents.

Climber's paradise Val Gardena

Discover Val Gardena from a new perspective

Climber's paradise Val Gardena Discover Val Gardena from a new perspective

Val Gardena and the Dolomites are one of the most beautiful climbing areas in the world. Climbing is almost exclusively done on Dolomite rock. The Sassolungo, the Sella towers, the Geisler group and the Sella massif offer unique challenges and views

Whether mountaineers, sports climbers or boulder fans: in Val Gardena you will find everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable climbing experience. The peaks of the Val Gardena Dolomites are an irresistible attraction for all climbing enthusiasts. In order to enjoy the fascination of these spectacular mountains as well as the whole day's excursion in the best possible way, it is important to choose the right itinerary. For this purpose, the local alpine guides are at your disposal, who will be able to advise and guide you in the choice of unmissable climbs.

Val Gardena also offers various possibilities for indoor climbing: every village has a climbing gym. The on in Nives in the centre of Selva Gardena, the bouldering hall at the Tennis Center in Roncadizza (Ortisei) or the climbing wall at the Iman Center in S. Cristina. All of them offer a perfect opportunity for a climbing experience even during bad weather or to prepare for a high mountain excursion in the Dolomites

Eat, drink, enjoy

Culinary highlights in Val Gardena

Eat, drink, enjoy Culinary highlights in Val Gardena

The gastronomic specialities of Val Gardena are the result of a tradition handed down from generation to generation. In the past, the farmers of the Ladin valleys had limited ingredients at their disposal, mostly of their own production. Nowadays, modernisation and an expanded product range make it possible to combine time-honoured recipes with unique flavours.

In Val Gardena typical dishes such as Crafucins (ravioli stuffed with spinach) or Puessl (sweet chopped omelette with apples) are still served. Also recommended are classic dumplings (canederli), gnocchi and Gröstl, a rotisserie of meat and potatoes For desert a slice of Tëurta de furmenton, made from buckwheat, sugar, starch, yeast and eggs.

As a snack, South Tyrolean bacon is also a must, accompanied by crispy Schüttelbrot and grey (Graukäse) or alpine cheese, radishes, chives, and pickled gherkins to garnish: ideal for a beautiful day in the mountains!

In summer, the popular Val Gardena farmers' cookery courses are held regularly, providing an excellent opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional specialities.

Pure culture in Val Gardena

Discover the history and traditions of the valley

The heart of Ladin tradition and culture is certainly its language, Val Gardena Ladin, which is the oldest in the Alpine region and dates back to the period of Roman presence in this area. The Val Gardena people are proud of their tradition and culture. The preservation of the language as well as the tradition and culture of Val Gardena is supported by television programmes, a radio station and various publications in Ladin.

The Val Gardena inhabitants are faithful to the old traditions. The various festivities, processions and other celebrations are celebrated in the Ladin valleys according to ancient customs and reflect the magic and splendor of times gone by. The Val Gardena traditional costumes, , are among the most beautiful in the whole of the Alps and can be admired during special occasions, such as processions or wedding ceremonies.

Worthy of note is the art of wood carvings. In the beginning it was mainly to pass tome during the long, cold winters, but as the centuries went by the skills of the local artists improved more and more and soon Val Gardena became one of the world's most sought-after producers of wood carvings, especially sacred art. Today countless churches and private collectors proudly display Gardena sculptures.

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