Things to Do in Val Gardena: Attractions, Hiking & Where to Stay

Why a Vacation in Val Gardena Is Worth It

Val Gardena is the perfect destination for anyone who loves stunning mountain panoramas and outdoor activities.

It sits right in the heart of the Dolomites — and with countless hikes and excursions, you get to experience them up close. In winter, the valley transforms into a dreamy winter wonderland that’s ideal for skiing.

On top of that, you’ll find a huge selection of beautiful hotels, restaurants serving delicious South Tyrolean cuisine, and cultural experiences.

Did you know that three languages are spoken in Val Gardena? German, Italian, and Ladin — we think that’s pretty cool!

Our Map of Val Gardena

We’ve marked the key spots in Val Gardena on a map so you can get a feel for where everything is before you arrive.

The 3 Villages of Val Gardena

Val Gardena has three villages, which are also the best bases for a stay in the valley:

1. St. Ulrich (Ortisei in Italian)
2. St. Christina (S. Cristina in Italian)
3. Wolkenstein (Selva in Italian)

Here’s what you need to know about each one — plus our personal picks for every village.

St. Ulrich / Ortisei

What do you need to know? St. Ulrich is the largest village in Val Gardena and the closest to the Brenner motorway. The village center is full of small shops, cafés, and restaurants — it’s totally charming. St. Ulrich is especially well known for its wood carvings, which you can pick up in many stores.

Highlights in St. Ulrich / Ortisei: Museum de Gherdëina, cable car up to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi, wood carving shops.

Our tip: St. Ulrich is the best base for an overnight stay in Val Gardena if culture matters as much to you as the mountains. You’ll find a huge selection of great hotels here.

St. Christina / S. Cristina

What do you need to know? St. Christina is far more rural than St. Ulrich and offers a fantastic view of the Sassolungo. There’s no real village center here, but in return you get plenty of peace and quiet. From St. Christina, you can take the cable car up to Monte Pana, where lots of great activities await.

Highlights in St. Christina / S. Cristina: Monte Pana, Col Raiser cable car, the world’s largest nativity scene at the Sport Center Iman.

Our tip: St. Christina isn’t necessarily worth a day trip on its own, but it’s a very authentic place to stay and a great base for exciting hikes.

Wolkenstein / Selva

What do you need to know? Wolkenstein sits at the highest elevation of all three villages and, just like St. Ulrich, has a small village center — plus lots of hotels. The absolute highlight is the view of the Sella massif right from the village. From here you can head straight out on hikes and outdoor adventures.

Highlights in Wolkenstein / Selva: the Langental valley, the ruins of Wolkenstein Castle, views from the Gardena Pass and Sella Pass.

Our tip: Do the hike from Wolkenstein up to Stevia, a high alpine pasture where around 500 sheep and goats graze in summer.

The Most Beautiful Sights in Val Gardena

Here’s what else is worth seeing in Val Gardena beyond the villages.

Promenade of the Former Grödner Railway

What do you need to know? The platform promenade “Ferata de Gherdëina” connects St. Ulrich with Wolkenstein via St. Christina, following the route of the old Grödner Railway. Today you can stroll along the former track bed and learn about the railway’s history through information panels along the way. The path is about eight kilometers long.

Is it worth it: Absolutely! It’s an easy walk and genuinely informative — a great option on a relaxed day.

Our tip: If you’d rather avoid gaining elevation, walk the route downhill starting from Wolkenstein. That way you’ll descend 400 meters instead of climbing them.

Monte Pana

What do you need to know? Monte Pana is a high plateau above St. Christina packed with great things to do. There’s a zipline, paragliding, and — if that sounds a bit too thrilling — you can walk the Panaraida nature trail or the Troi Unika artist’s path instead.

Is it worth it: Yes, especially for families and anyone who wants activities beyond classic hiking!

Our tip: Monte Pana is also worth a visit in winter — not just for skiers and snowboarders. There’s even a cross-country skiing center here.

Langental

What do you need to know? The Langental takes you from Wolkenstein straight into the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. You can hike at a relaxed pace through this canyon valley, framed by impressive Dolomite peaks. Since the terrain doesn’t climb as steeply as many other mountain highlights in Val Gardena, it’s a particularly great outing for families.

Is it worth it: Absolutely! The Langental is one of the most beautiful spots in Val Gardena and a wonderful hiking destination for every level.

Sassolungo

What do you need to know? The Sassolungo (Langkofel) is an impressive Dolomite massif and, at 3,181 meters, the highest peak in Val Gardena. Its shape alone is seriously striking — the west face rises about 1,000 meters straight up. The summit is strictly for very experienced climbers, but there’s a fantastic circular hike around the entire Sassolungo group that’s totally doable.

Is it worth it: Absolutely. You really can’t miss the Sassolungo from the valley — it dominates the skyline. We recommend the circular route to all hiking fans.

Seceda

What do you need to know? Seceda is one of the most famous places to visit in South Tyrol and the ultimate Instagram shot. You can take the cable car from St. Ulrich directly to the famous “Ridge Line,” or plan a full-day hike from St. Christina or Wolkenstein. Along the way, you’ll pass the UNESCO World Heritage terrace and the impressive monolith “Pieralongia” beneath the Geisler Peaks. At the summit cross at 2,519 meters, you’re rewarded with an unmatched 360° panorama.

Is it worth it: Yes, the cliff views are breathtaking — though the upper ridge gets very crowded. We recommend planning a full-day hike with the “Seceda Ridge Line” as your destination rather than just taking the cable car up and back.

Note: Due to its popularity, you now need to book a time slot for the Seceda cable car in advance.

Hiking in Val Gardena

Val Gardena is surrounded by several famous Dolomite massifs — with a trail network spanning 600 kilometers, there are an incredible number of great hikes to discover here. We’ll share our favorites below.

For every hike, make sure you pack the essentials: enough water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Find out more in our hiking packing list

Moderate Hikes in Val Gardena

360° Panorama on the Picberg

• Distance: 6.6 kilometers
• Duration: 2 hours
• Elevation: ↗ 303, ↘ 662
• Level: Moderate
• Navigation: To the route

Over the Piza Pass to the Stevia Alpine Pasture

• Distance: 10.1 kilometers
• Duration: 2.5–4.5 hours
• Elevation: ↗ 904, ↘ 886
• Level: Moderate
• Navigation: To the route

Hike Along the Dolomites “UNESCO” Viewing Terrace to Seceda

• Distance: 3.5 kilometers
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Elevation: ↗ 423, ↘ 10
• Level: Moderate
• Navigation: To the route

Challenging Hikes in Val Gardena

The Sassolungo Circular Hike

• Distance: 17.3 kilometers
• Duration: 4–6.5 hours
• Elevation: ↗ 705, ↘ 705
• Level: Challenging
• Navigation: To the route

Gardena Pass – Cir Peaks to the Puez Hut

• Distance: 15 kilometers
• Duration: 4–5 hours
• Elevation: ↗ 500, ↘ 900
• Level: Challenging
• Navigation: To the route

Col dala Pieres

• Distance: 15.5 kilometers
• Duration: 5–7 hours
• Elevation: ↗ 1150, ↘ 1150
• Level: Challenging
• Navigation: To the route

More Cool Activities in Val Gardena

Beyond hiking, there’s plenty more to keep you busy in Val Gardena. Here are our favorites.

Scenic Mountain Bike Tour to Alpe di Siusi

What do you need to know? Val Gardena is seriously well known for mountain biking. There are great routes for every level — from families to seasoned riders. The tour across Alpe di Siusi is particularly beautiful.

Is it worth it: Yes, mountain biking is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to explore the mountains on two wheels rather than on foot. We love the Alpe di Siusi routes!

Cycling Along the Rodaval

What do you need to know? The Rodaval cycling path is a great bike route for everyone. It runs from Runggaditsch through all three villages — St. Ulrich, St. Christina, and Wolkenstein — covering about ten kilometers in total with 470 meters of elevation change. Since the route is mostly paved, you can ride it comfortably on any type of bicycle.

Is it worth it: Definitely. Also known as the Gröden cycling path, it’s a real highlight for anyone who loves cycling.

Our tip: If you’re not super fit, we’d strongly recommend renting an e-bike. There are rental shops in all three villages.

Adventure Park Emozion Col de Flam

What do you need to know? Emozion Col de Flam is a really cool adventure park set in nature. It’s located in the Anna Valley near St. Ulrich at the Seceda valley station, and it’s especially great if you’re on a vacation with kids in Val Gardena. There are several courses including a zip-line, a fly-line, and a high ropes course — with difficulty levels to suit every child ages four and up.

Is it worth it: Yes, every kid will have a blast here. They recently added trampolines too, so there’s even more energy to burn off.

Tickets: Prices vary depending on the attractions. The kids’ course, for example, costs 12 euros per child.

Via Ferrata (Fixed-Rope Routes)

What do you need to know? There are nine via ferratas in Val Gardena in total. You can find more information about them on the Val Gardena website. They add a real adrenaline rush on top of regular hiking in the valley.

Is it worth it: Yes — but only if you’re comfortable in alpine terrain and know how to use the equipment. A solid level of fitness is also essential.

Important: Never attempt a via ferrata without proper equipment. If you’re a beginner, go with a guide who can walk you through the key safety rules. Via ferratas are otherwise only suitable for experienced hikers and climbers.

Hidden Gems in Val Gardena

Looking for a truly special experience in Val Gardena? Here are our real under-the-radar picks!

Dolomites Breakfast

What do you need to know? The Dolomites Breakfast has long been a local favorite — but most tourists haven’t discovered it yet: you hike up to an alpine hut in the morning and treat yourself to a mountain breakfast. Here you’ll find a list of which huts participate in the Dolomites Breakfast.

Is it worth it: Absolutely! What we love most is being up on the mountain before the other hikers arrive, enjoying the Dolomites in complete peace and quiet.

Our tip: If you haven’t stuffed yourself at breakfast, you can continue your hike afterward.

Chairlift Ride at Sunset: Flying Aperitivo

What do you need to know? Riding a chairlift up the mountain while sipping an Aperol? Val Gardena makes it happen! Every Thursday at 6 PM in summer (early June to early September), it’s time to go. The meeting point is the valley station of the Mont de Sëura chairlift on Monte Pana. You pay 29 euros per person and can sign up up to one day in advance at the valley station or at a tourist office in Val Gardena.

Is it worth it: We love the idea. Along with the Aperol, there are snacks, and the chairlift glides slowly toward the Sassolungo — so you can enjoy your drink in complete peace. Now that’s a real insider experience!

Guided Sunset Hike

Sunsets in the Dolomites are one of a kind. The rocks glow in shades of red, orange, and pink — a phenomenon that’s especially vivid in fall.

To experience the play of colors at its most intense, head up to the Sëurasas Alm in the evening.

Important: Especially if you don’t have much hiking experience, go on a guided hike. You can book one through the Val Gardena Active program, which we’ll introduce you to in just a moment.

Helpful Tips for Your Vacation in Val Gardena

To wrap things up, here are a few more useful pointers for your Val Gardena trip.

Where to Stay in Val Gardena

The accommodation selection in Val Gardena is enormous. You can browse and book through the Val Gardena website.

For peak season in summer (July and August) and winter (December, January, and February), we strongly recommend booking months in advance.

In the off-season, you can still find something on shorter notice. We especially recommend visiting Val Gardena in May or June, or in September or October.

The valley is far less crowded then, and you can still do most hikes without snow.

Val Gardena Active Program

Through the Val Gardena Active program, you can book many special activities in the valley — guided hikes, yoga classes, cooking classes, and much more.

The program runs in both winter and summer, with activities varying by season. You can find information and book tours on the Val Gardena Active program website.

Getting Around in Val Gardena

You have plenty of options for getting around Val Gardena: on foot, by bike, by car, by bus, or by cable car.

By Car

We recommend leaving your car behind during your stay. This helps you avoid traffic jams on the roads and at parking lots, especially during peak season. Of course, you can still arrive by car without any problem.

By Bus

Buses are a great way to get around Val Gardena and to reach other cities in South Tyrol like Bolzano or Brixen. For schedules and current departure times, your best bet is to download the suedtirolmobil app.

Also handy: All accommodations affiliated with Val Gardena tourist offices include the Val Gardena Guest Pass — which makes public transportation free of charge.

Get the “Gardena Card” Lift Pass

If you’re planning to ride multiple lifts during your trip, the Gardena Card lift pass is worth considering — especially if you want to do a lot of hiking across the valley.

The card is available from €124 for 3 days, and during that time you can ride the participating lifts as often as you like.

On the Val Gardena website you can find out more about the lift pass and where to buy it.