Val Gardena

The Ladin Val Gardena (Gröden- Gherdëina) is unique if compared to all others valleys of the Dolomites. As tou reach it from the valley floor, between Ponte Gardena and Ortisei, the symbol of this tourist resort, the Sassolungo top (Langkofel, 3181 m), appears for the first time well in sight. We cannot forget however the Stenia wall, the Cir top, the Sella massif and the beautiful rocky profiles of the Odle.
The 25 km long Valley ends with the Gardena Pass, that enters the Badia Valley, and, more to the south, the Sella Pass.
The most characteristic villages of the Val Gardena are: Ortisei (1236 m), Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena(Sella Gruppe).
When speaking about Val Gardena, one must remember the local wood sculpture and carving tradition, that has created real masterworks.
Numerous manifestations take place in Val Gardena: parades in splendid "gardenesi" dresses, music, entertainment, rock concert on the snow in the first week of April, and, not to miss, the traditional market of San Giovanni, on the second October Monday.
With some nostalgia we recall the "Little train of Val Gardena", cut in 1960, but whose track can be nowadays travelled over on foot along the whole valley, from Chiusa to Selva.
If you want to find out more about this valley, we suggest a visit to the Val Gardena Museum, in the Cësa of Ladinis in Ortisei, the little Church of San Giacomo, the Wolkenstein Earls Castle and eventually Gardena Castle, between Santa Cristina and Selva.