Selva

With slopes that reach the town center and a natural park right at its doorstep, Selva represents a great base for all kinds of outdoor adventures.

The perfect location

Along with S. Cristina and Ortisei, Selva ("Sëlva" in Ladin language, "Wolkenstein" in German) is one of three villages in Val Gardena. Just over 2,500 inhabitants live in the picturesque village, which is known far beyond the South Tyrolean region as a hub for wood carving and a tourist destination.

Selva is located in the middle of the Dolomites, which have been declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Near the village is the Vallunga, which leads into the imposing Puez Group in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The Pizes de Cir, the Gardena Pass, the Gruppo del Sassolungo and the Sella Group also define the landscape around Selva. Since the village belongs to the geographical area of Ladinia, Ladin is one of the official languages in Selva, in addition to German and Italian.

  • Location: Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy
  • Population: ca. 2,550
  • Languages: Ladin (90%), German (5%), Italian (5%)
  • Sea level: 1,563 m
  • Guest beds: 8,700
  • Overnight stays per year: 1,300,000
  • ∅-temperature summer (max): 18 - 21°C
  • ∅-temperature winter (min): -6 to -8°C
Selva in winter Zoom
In winter, Selva is one of the most popular ski resorts in the entire Dolomites due to its location.
Selva christmas market Zoom
Cosy huts at the Christmas market offer the opportunity to buy a souvenir.
Shopping in Selva Zoom
The centre of Selva, seen here in Nives Square, is an ideal place for shopping and strolling.
Selva: new year party Zoom
A ski holiday in Selva is especially popular and enjoyable at the turn of the year.
Selva in Italy Zoom
In late summer, Selva offers the chance to experience the wonderful contrasts of nature.
Selva in summer Zoom
The village of Selva lies directly under the imposing Sella Group in the Dolomites.
Climbing hall of Selva Zoom
In the climbing hall in Selva, you can attempt your first climb with guidance.
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With an average daily maximum temperature of around 18-21 °C, Selva is an ideal destination for hikers and cyclists in the summer months. In winter, the village is a true winter sports paradise, offering skiers an almost endless choice of slopes and lifts with its direct connection to the Dolomiti Superski ski association.

Selva was first mentioned in a document as "ze Wolkenstain" in 1288. The most significant economic sector of the village is tourism. The wonderful location of the village, excellent infrastructure and the well-known hospitality of Val Gardena make it ideal for holidaymakers travelling to Selva in summer as well as in winter.

Holidays in Selva

Selva is easily accessible and delightfully peaceful, charms with lovingly designed houses and is famous for its extraordinary hospitality. Whether hotels, holiday flats or B&B - in Selva, every holidaymaker will find suitable accommodations for an unforgettably beautiful holiday in the Dolomites.

Highlights

Whether in summer or winter - one holiday in Selva is not enough to discover everything the picturesque village and region have to offer. Here are some highlights that you should not miss on your holiday in Val Gardena.

Skiing

Selva in Val Gardena is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and the village offers direct access to the Sellaronda ski circuit. Experienced skiers can expect a thrilling circuit around the imposing Sella Group. Beginners also get their money's worth in the Val Gardena ski area. And those who want to watch world-class athletes on their speedy descents can enjoy a diverse competition programme.

The Val Gardena & Alpe di Siusi ski area is part of the Dolomiti Superski association. A ski pass gives you access to an almost endless network of lifts and slopes for every level of experience and taste. Whether families with children, beginners or professionals - breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, perfect infrastructure and numerous huts that invite you to take a cosy break are a delight for everyone who spends their skiing holiday in Selva.

Hiking

Even in summer, the stunning mountain landscape around Selva lures holidaymakers out into nature. You need nothing more than sturdy shoes, some provisions and curiosity to discover wonderful walking and hiking trails. Some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Val Gardena can be reached very easily from Selva: The hike to the Juac hut, which can be extended to the Rifugio Firenze, the walk through the Vallunga, which is also excellent for families with children, the small Sassolungo circuit, which is challenging for experienced hikers, and the Puez circuit, which leads through the Puez-Odle Nature Park, will take you to magnificent views and natural landscapes that will fill you with a feeling of joy.

Climbing and Mountaineering

The Dolomites, famous for their whimsical peaks, also offer wonderful opportunities for climbers and mountaineers. If you want to discover the most beautiful spots of this unique natural landscape, the best way is to explore the surrounding mountains of the Dolomites with a mountain guide. In the climbing area in the Vallunga, a fascinating boulder awaits beginners in the form of the Busc dl Preve. The numerous via ferratas around Val Gardena are also a real highlight.

Sport climbing is possible near Selva, among other places, in the Stone City at the Sella Pass, which consists of more than one hundred boulders. Experienced climbers will get their money's worth in the Frea climbing garden on the Passo Gardena. And the Nives climbing hall in the centre of Selva is a worthwhile destination not only during bad weather.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Selva in South Tyrol?

Selva is the highest village in Val Gardena and lies directly below the imposing Sella Group. It belongs to the Trentino region in South Tyrol and is very easy to reach from Bolzano, Merano and Trento, among other places.

How high is Selva?

The centre of Selva lies at an altitude of 1,563 metres above sea level. The municipal area extends to an altitude of 1,400 to 3,179 metres.

When do the lifts open in Selva?

The lifts in Selva open just in time for the start of the season. Many lifts are open all year round and take you to the mountains in summer and winter. Current status of the lifts in Val Gardena for winter and summer.

Where can you go out to eat in Selva?

Selva offers a wide selection of pizzerias, restaurants, bars and cafés. In summer, you can enjoy a meal in one of the countless mountain huts and refuges. In winter, ski huts offer great menus for their guests.

Where does the Ladin language come from?

Ladin, the official language in Selva along with Italian and German, is a Romance dialect spoken in several Alpine valleys in Upper Italy. More than 30,000 people speak Ladin, which is proudly kept alive as part of the regional identity.

Accommodation in Selva

Whether you're looking for a private apartment, a cozy room in a B&B or a charming hotel, rest assured, Selva has got you covered. Explore your options!

Family holiday in Selva

Selva offers plenty of variety for an unforgettable family holiday in the Dolomites. In the numerous family accommodations in Val Gardena, there is everything from a playground just outside the front door to baby cots, high chairs or mountain bikes for little explorers to make children and parents happy on holiday.

Sights

The most beautiful sight in Val Gardena is undoubtedly its nature. But it is worthwhile to learn about the traditional history of the village and its surroundings and to explore the magnificent churches and attractions in Selva. The whole region is world-famous for its woodcarving art.

  • St. Sylvester’s Chapel in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and offers hikers a wonderful place for quiet contemplation. From the Vallunga valley, a steep path leads up to the Selva Castle ruins, which were built as early as the 13th century.
  • In the 17th century, the Castle Gardena, now known as "Fischburg", was built as a summer and hunting lodge. The site of a fish farm is privately owned and unfortunately cannot be visited by the public.
  • The history of the Maria Hilf Parish Church dates back to the 16th century. The church, which has been rebuilt several times, is now a modern octagonal building, inside of which you can admire, among other things, an impressive chancel with a portrait of the Virgin Mary by Lucas Cranach.
St. Sylvester’s Chapel in Vallunga Zoom
St. Sylvester’s Chapel is located at the entrance to the Vallunga valley, which leads far into the Puez-Odle Park.
Castle Gardena in Val Gardena Zoom
The Castle Gardena is located in the municipal area of Selva but is closer to the centre of S. Cristina.
Maria Hilf Parish Church of Selva Zoom
The appearance of the Maria Hilf Parish Church with its modern octagon dates back to the 1980s.
The Selva Castle ruins Zoom
The Selva Castle ruins are in a somewhat peculiar position, high in the rock face of the Stevia.
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Sports and Activities

One thing is for sure: a holiday in Selva is never boring. Sports enthusiasts can let off steam here at any time of the year. Whether at the ice rink, tennis court, football pitch or slackline park - there are wonderful sporting opportunities here for every age group and every taste.

Events

The calendar of events in Selva offers a varied schedule at any time of the year. Celebrate your heroes at the Ski World Cup, enjoy live music at Rock the Dolomites, admire MTB athletes at HERO or get on your bike yourself at the Sellaronda Bike Day.

Other villages of Val Gardena

Selva forms Val Gardena together with Ortisei and S. Cristina. Use your holiday in Selva to visit the other villages of the valley and get to know the wide range of Val Gardena traditions.