Spring magic in Gröden

Pure nature experience and relaxation

Lush green alpine meadows, a purple-white sea of crocus blossoms, birdsong and, of course, a bright blue sky: in spring, a wide variety of activities in Val Gardena draw everyone out into nature, which is gradually coming back to life and showing itself in all its colourful splendour.

Excursions

Explore the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites

Excursions Explore the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites

When we talk about holidays in Val Gardena, we are of course talking about the Dolomites and the numerous hiking trails that this area offers its guests. Indeed, wonderful excursions into the fascinating mountain world await all trekking enthusiasts and walkers here.

In Val Gardena you are constantly surrounded by untouched nature and the spectacular peaks of the Dolomites. Numerous alpine huts and refuges invite you to take a cosy break in Val Gardena, where you can fortify yourself with delicious South Tyrolean specialities.

With the lifts of Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva Gardena you can easily reach the most beautiful routes of this valley - in every season! The best thing: with the Gardena Card you can use all the lifts for an unlimited time.

Hiking in spring

Experience nature in Val Gardena

Hiking in spring Experience nature in Val Gardena

Easy hike in the Val d'Anna: this idyllic valley near Ortisei is a popular excursion destination for families with children as well as for those who enjoy simple nature walks. Beautiful spots invite you to take cosy breaks, accompanied by the splashing of the stream, while the Dolomites rise majestically into the sky on the horizon.

Val Gardena Train Walk: The route of the old railway Ferata de Gherdëina has been transformed into a beautiful walk that connects the villages of Ortisei and S. Cristina in Val Gardena. This pleasant and easy walk has been created to remember one of the most important chapters in the history of Val Gardena and to recount the fascinating birth of the Val Gardena Railway.

Walk on the “Via Crucis” in Selva: This is one of the oldest paths in Val Gardena which leads along an easy path to Vallunga. The walk begins in the hamlet of Daunëi and is a popular destination for those who love to take excursions surrounded by the fantastic Dolomites landscape.

Fun, games and adventure

A paradise for families

Fun, games and adventure A paradise for families

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 1,500 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 & 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!

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.