Val Gardena · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Val Gardena: The Enchanting Alpine Valley

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, Val Gardena is a picturesque alpine valley that beckons nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Val Gardena offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and rich tradition. The valley is dotted with charming villages like Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina, each offering a unique glimpse into the local Ladin culture. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a winter sports enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Val Gardena has something for everyone. In the summer, the valley transforms into a verdant paradise, with trails that lead you through lush meadows and past towering peaks. In the winter, it becomes a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Val Gardena is also famous for its woodcarving tradition, with numerous workshops and galleries showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The local cuisine is another highlight, with hearty dishes that reflect the region’s blend of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin influences. From cozy mountain huts to fine dining restaurants, you’ll find plenty of options to savor the local flavors.

Canazei

Terrazza delle Dolomiti

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Santa Cristina Gherdëina

Col Raiser

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Corvara

Gardena Pass

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Urtijëi

Adventure Park & Fly Line Emozion Col de Flam

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Urtijëi

Museum Gherdëina

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

St. Christina in Gröden

Cascata Waterfall - Tervela

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Sëlva

Rovine del Castello Wolkenstein

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Santa Cristina Gherdëina

Naturpfad Troi Unika

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Plan da Tieja

Sentiero del trenino della Valgardena

Discover Val Gardena, the enchanting alpine valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round outdoor adventures.

When is the best time to go to Val Gardena?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJun–Aug
Longest daylightJun–Jul
Driest periodDec–Feb

Explore places in Val Gardena

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Val Gardena sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Puez-Geisler Nature Park

    Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Puez-Geisler Nature Park, a nature preserve in the heart of South Tyrol, Italy.

    Puez-Geisler Nature Park

    Grödner Joch / Ju de Frara

    Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Grödner Joch, a breathtaking mountain pass in the Dolomites, perfect for adventure and relaxation.

    Grödner Joch / Ju de Frara

    Hotel Adler

    Experience unparalleled luxury and wellness at Hotel Adler, a premier alpine retreat in the stunning Dolomites of South Tyrol.

    Hotel Adler

    Ortisei - Val Gardena

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ortisei in Val Gardena, where stunning alpine scenery meets rich cultural traditions in South Tyrol.

    Ortisei - Val Gardena

    Mar Dolomit - Swimming pool & Sauna

    Discover relaxation and rejuvenation at Mar Dolomit, a stunning swimming pool and sauna in the heart of Ortisei, surrounded by breathtaking Dolomite landscapes.

    Mar Dolomit - Swimming pool & Sauna

    Gardena Pass

    Explore Gardena Pass, a breathtaking mountainous route in the Dolomites, offering stunning views, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences.

    Gardena Pass

    Vallunga

    Discover the breathtaking beauty of Vallunga, a hiker's paradise in the Dolomites, with stunning trails and rich cultural experiences in South Tyrol.

    Vallunga

    Adventure Park & Fly Line Emozion Col de Flam

    Experience the thrill of adventure and stunning views at Emozion Col de Flam, the ultimate amusement park in the heart of the Dolomites, Ortisei.

    Adventure Park & Fly Line Emozion Col de Flam

    Trostburg

    Explore Trostburg Castle: A historical gem in the Dolomites offering stunning views, rich history, and a glimpse into medieval life.

    Trostburg

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Terrazza delle Dolomiti

    Experience the breathtaking views and exhilarating adventures at Terrazza delle Dolomiti, the heart of the Italian Alps.

    Terrazza delle Dolomiti

    Col Raiser

    Experience the stunning Dolomites from above at Col Raiser, a captivating mountain cable car in Santa Cristina Valgardena, South Tyrol.

    Col Raiser

    Gardena Pass

    Explore the breathtaking Gardena Pass in the Dolomites, where stunning vistas and outdoor adventures await in the heart of South Tyrol.

    Gardena Pass

    Adventure Park & Fly Line Emozion Col de Flam

    Experience thrilling treetop adventures and breathtaking views at Adventure Park & Fly Line Emozion Col de Flam in Ortisei, the ultimate amusement park for all ages.

    Adventure Park & Fly Line Emozion Col de Flam

    Museum Gherdëina

    Explore the cultural heritage of Val Gardena at Museum Gherdëina, where history and tradition beautifully intertwine in the heart of the Dolomites.

    Museum Gherdëina

    Sentiero del trenino della Valgardena

    Explore the scenic beauty of Sentiero del Trenino della Valgardena, a historic trail in South Tyrol, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

    Sentiero del trenino della Valgardena

    Cascata Waterfall - Tervela

    Explore the breathtaking Cascata Waterfall - Tervela in St. Christina, a serene park destination nestled in the stunning Dolomites of South Tyrol, Italy.

    Cascata Waterfall - Tervela

    Rovine del Castello Wolkenstein

    Explore the enchanting Rovine del Castello Wolkenstein, a medieval castle ruin in South Tyrol, surrounded by breathtaking Dolomite mountain views.

    Rovine del Castello Wolkenstein

    Naturpfad Troi Unika

    Discover the serene beauty and rich biodiversity of the Dolomites at Naturpfad Troi Unika, a captivating nature trail in Santa Cristina Valgardena.

    Naturpfad Troi Unika

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Supermarket Senoner Sarteur DESPAR

    Explore the vibrant Supermarket Senoner Sarteur DESPAR, your one-stop shop for groceries, local deli treats, and unique souvenirs in Selva di Val Gardena.

    Supermarket Senoner Sarteur DESPAR

    Supermarket Valgardena Center DESPAR

    Explore the flavors of South Tyrol at Supermarket Valgardena Center DESPAR, your go-to spot for local produce and delightful pastries in Selva di Val Gardena.

    Supermarket Valgardena Center DESPAR

    erse nature

    Discover unique local treasures at Erse Nature in Selva di Val Gardena, where the beauty of South Tyrol comes alive through authentic artisan products.

    erse nature

    Tito Speck - Il Maso dello Speck

    Discover authentic South Tyrolean flavors at Tito Speck, a premier Italian grocery store in Ortisei, renowned for its artisanal products and local delicacies.

    Tito Speck - Il Maso dello Speck

    Maciaconi Sport Shop

    Discover top-quality sportswear and ski gear at Maciaconi Sport Shop in Selva di Val Gardena, perfect for your Alpine adventures.

    Maciaconi Sport Shop

    SPORTLER

    Explore Selva di Val Gardena with SPORTLER - the ultimate destination for adventure sports gear and stylish outdoor apparel.

    SPORTLER

    Leather Goods Mariele

    Discover exquisite leather craftsmanship at Leather Goods Mariele in Ortisei, your destination for high-quality leather products.

    Leather Goods Mariele

    MAMMUT Store

    Explore the great outdoors with top-notch gear from MAMMUT Store in Ortisei, your adventure starts here.

    MAMMUT Store

    G. Comploj-Soplases Holzschnitzereien - Woodcarvings - Sculture in legno

    Explore exquisite wood carvings at G. Comploj-Soplases in Santa Cristina Valgardena – a must-visit for art lovers and souvenir seekers!

    G. Comploj-Soplases Holzschnitzereien - Woodcarvings - Sculture in legno
    File:Colosseum - Rome - Italy (16800139540).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
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    Explore Val Gardena in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:Seceda, in val Gardena.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Frea pass Sella group Dolomites.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Ortisei (BZ) 2.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Dark and gloomy atmosphere at Alpe di Siusi in italian Dolomites.jpg -  Wikimedia Commons
    File:Santa cristina val gardena.JPG - Wikipedia
    File:Sassolungo.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Groomed skirun from Seceda Val Gardena.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Fresco Nativity Saint James church Urtijëi.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Dolomites Funes Italy - panoramio (2).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Odles Fermedes Secëda Resciesa Mont dedite Scienboden te Gherdëina.jpg  - Wikipedia

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