Santa Cristina in Val Gardena

S. Cristina is situated between the two other villages in Val Gardena, which makes it an ideal starting point to reach all the important places in the area in both winter and summer.

At the heart of Val Gardena

S. Cristina lies in the sunny centre of Val Gardena and offers holidaymakers an almost endless network of walking and hiking trails in summer. The vibrant club life makes the village the cultural centre of the valley. In winter, the direct access to the ski area on Seceda invites you out into the snowy delights.

The Odle Goup to the north and the Sassolungo group to the south frame the romantic village, whose pretty little houses, cafés and shops invite you to stroll and stop for a bite to eat. A sports centre in the heart of the village also caters to tennis fans. With unlimited offers and excursion destinations, S. Cristina is the ideal spot for an active holiday with the whole family.

  • Location: Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy
  • Population: ca. 2,020
  • Languages:Ladin (91.4 %), German (4.2 %), Italian (4.4 %)
  • Sea level: 1,428 m
  • ∅-temperature summer (max): 12-18 °C
  • ∅-temperature winter (min): -10 to -3 °C
  • Beds: 3,000
Winter evening mood of S. Cristina Zoom
S. Cristina also has a lot to offer in winter: direct access to the Ciampinoi and Seceda ski areas.
Wine tasting in S. Cristina Zoom
In summer, markets and wine tastings are held regularly in the centre of S. Cristina.
Parish Church of S. Cristina Zoom
The Parish Church of S. Cristina attracts tourists in summer and winter.
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A temperature of just under 20 °C and sunshine galore - this is what a typical summer day in S. Cristina looks like, one where everybody is guaranteed to be drawn to the mountains. Whether hiking, mountain biking or jogging - with mild temperatures and clear air, exploring the forests and peaks of the surrounding mountains is pure joy. Winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy the snowy season skiing, snowboarding or even tobogganing and snowshoeing.

The history of S. Cristina dates back to the 13th century. From the middle of the 19th century, woodcarving developed into the most important industry in the village. Even today, evidence of this wonderful craft can be admired in S. Cristina.

Holiday in Santa Cristina

Situated in the middle of Val Gardena, S. Cristina is easily accessible by car and public transport. The hospitality of Val Gardena is legendary: with hotels, guesthouses, holiday flats and B&Bs, travellers have a wide range of wonderful accommodation options in a range of prices.

Highlights

Whether summer or winter - a break in S. Cristina lures you out into nature at any time of year. We show you which excursion destinations and activities you shouldn't miss on your holiday.

Skiing

From S. Cristina, the slopes of the Val Gardena ski area are open to you. Especially recommended: the ski hut tour in the Seceda ski area. Around a dozen inviting ski huts are perfect for a day trip on skis, where socialising and culinary variety are always on the agenda. The ski hut tour ends in S. Cristina.

Do you want to experience world-class skiing first-hand? S. Cristina is located on the FIS World Cup slope Saslong. Monte Pana, which is a paradise for cross-country skiers, is also highly recommended: perfectly groomed trails and a unique view promise you a ski day in a class of its own. You can easily rent modern equipment for your skiing holiday at the local ski rental.

Hiking

Santa Cristina is situated at the foot of the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto as well as the Col Raiser and is the ideal starting point for wonderful hikes of various lengths for all abilities. The Pic mountain, Seceda and Monte Pana are right on the village's doorstep. Tip: A short bus ride from Monte Pana takes you to the Alpe di Siusi. How about a day trip to the Puez-Odle Nature Park or the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park? The green alpine pastures and wonderfully flowering meadows invite you to discover them and to take relaxing breaks from a picnic bench. Even during the summer season, the numerous lifts are open to take you to magnificent vantage points. The huts invite you to take a break in the open air with deckchairs.

Walking trails

You don't always have to choose challenging hikes if you want to get to know the mountains around S. Cristina. No matter whether you are a senior citizen, a family with prams and small children or a holidaymaker who wants to get away from it all, S. Cristina is a wonderful place for long walks that encourage you to play, discover and pause for a moment.

Those who want to learn more about the legendary past of S. Cristina and Val Gardena can do so on the Legend Trail. In about three hours you can hike from S. Cristina to S. Giacomo Church and back. Along the way, numerous information boards describe the legend of Count Stetteneck. The village circuit is even shorter and acquaints you with the charm of S. Cristina: the life-size wooden nativity scene and the waterfall are just two of the delightful highlights on this walk through the village.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Where is S. Cristina in South Tyrol?

S. Cristina is located in the middle of the Val Gardena valley. You can easily reach Val Gardena by car from Bolzano, Merano and Trento.

How high is S. Cristina?

The village centre of S. Cristina is 1,428 metres above sea level. The entire municipal area ranges in altitude from 1,250 to 3179 metres.

When do the lifts open in S. Cristina?

Many lifts in Val Gardena are open all year round. Information about the current opening hours in winter and summer.

Where can you go out to S. Cristina?

In the centre and the side streets in S. Cristina, there are plenty of popular restaurants and cafés. During the season it is advisable to book a table in advance. Take-away meals are often offered as well.

What is Ladin?

Dolomite Ladin is spoken in several Alpine valleys in Upper Italy and is one of the three official languages in Val Gardena.

Accommodations in S. Cristina

With a large selection of hotel rooms, holiday flats, guesthouses and B&Bs, S. Cristina is a holiday paradise that also offers the perfect accommodation for you.

Family holidays in S. Cristina

Whether baby, toddler or teenager - in S. Cristina, children get their money's worth. Enjoy time with the family and discover the playgrounds and sports facilities in and around S. Cristina. Many hotels and holiday flats are specially adapted to the needs of young guests. Monte Pana beckons with a pretty mini-golf course and a large playground. In winter, there are easy ski lifts here that are also well suited for children.

Attractions of S. Cristina

With its pretty houses, S. Cristina is a village to fall in love with. On the village circuit, some of the most beautiful sights of the village are directly on your way.

  • For example, there is the Parish Church of S. Cristina, where a chapel presumably existed as early as the 12th century. Numerous reconstructions gave the church its present appearance. A visit to the interior of the church is worthwhile, among other things, because of the high altar, which is particularly noteworthy.
  • The Tervela waterfall, also located on the village roundabout, immediately captivates visitors and is a popular photo spot.
  • The Dolomites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. One of the 7 World Heritage sites in South Tyrol can be found on the Mastlé Alm in S. Cristina and offers an unforgettable view.
Parish church of S. Cristina Zoom
The parish church of S. Cristina has probably existed as a chapel since the 12th century.
Tervela waterfall of Santa Cristina Zoom
The Tervela waterfall in S. Cristina is a popular destination for holidaymakers and can be seen from afar.
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Sports and recreation

A holiday in S. Cristina invites you to be active in the mountains. Whether skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, hiking or mountain biking - everyone will find the right activity for their taste.

Events

S. Cristina is known for its associations that organise wonderful events throughout the year. The calendar of events offers you a colourful mix of cultural and sporting events for young and old.

The other villages of Val Gardena

During your holiday in Santa Cristina, you should definitely visit the other villages of Val Gardena. Ortisei has a beautiful pedestrian zone and Selva lies directly at the end of the valley below the Sella Group.