Anna valley walking trail

On the path into the Anna valley (Val d'Anna) in Ortisei, which is suitable for prams, there is a difference of only 100 metres in altitude. However, most families will exceed the stated hiking time of 30 to 60 minutes, as there are plenty of opportunities to play and stop for refreshments in the Val d'Anna.

After all, who wants to set speed records on holiday? In the picturesque Val d'Anna, taking your time is the name of the game and after just a few minutes into the hike, children and parents alike will begin to feel a sense of peace and contentment.

Coming from the Brenner motorway (A22), drive through the Val Gardena (SS242) to Ortisei. The best place to park is at the valley station of the Seceda cable car. Val Gardena is also easily accessible by public transport. Line 350 runs every half hour from Ponte Gardena or Chiusa to Ortisei. From the Saint Antonio Square stop, it is only a 10-minute walk, comfortably via an escalator, to the Seceda cable car. Timetables can best be found via SüdtirolMobil.

The hike through the Val d'Anna is wonderfully suitable for a day when you can leave the car at your holiday accommodation. The starting point is the parish church in the centre of Ortisei. If you're staying in S. Cristina or Selva, you can easily reach Ortisei with one of the many public buses. In fact, you can see the parish church from the bus station (Saint Antonio Square). Alternatively, escalators lead directly up to the entrance from the Val d'Anna.

Start at The Parish Church of Ortisei - a beautiful church whose construction had already begun by the end of the 18th century and which features several paintings and carved figures. After a look inside the church, the hike begins: a brown hiking sign next to the parish church points the way into the Val d'Anna. Following the signpost, you'll quickly reach the valley station of the Seceda cable car. Next to it, you can see a covered wooden bridge that leads over the Anna stream and marks the beginning of the Val d’Anna.

Col de Flam adventure park

At the entrance to the valley, on the right-hand side of the stream, is the Col de Flam Adventure Park high ropes course. With a 680-metre zip line, the park is one of the most exciting attractions in Val Gardena. The area offers plenty of entertainment for children of all ages and adult adventurers. Whether on the four trampolines, on the zip line or the course equipped with a real helicopter, thrills, exercise and fun in the middle of the forest are guaranteed here. On the Col de Flam high ropes course, one and a half to two hours fly by in no time. There is even a petting zoo with animals.

Kneipp facility in the Val d’Anna

A wonderful attraction also awaits hikers to the left of the stream: tired feet can be refreshed in the newly built Kneipp facility. While adults can make wonderful use of Kneipp to get their circulation going and do something good for their health, there is no stopping the children when it comes to rolling up their trousers and fearlessly trudging through the cold but shallow mountain water.

It's worth packing a towel and a pair of fresh hiking socks just in case. Even though the Kneipp facility in Val Gardena is still new, Kneipp itself has a long tradition: for more than 100 years, followers of the teachings of naturopath and priest Sebastian Kneipp have sworn by the health-promoting power of cold water. In times when cardiovascular diseases and stress are becoming more and more prevalent, a cooling refreshment amid the picturesque mountain landscape around Val Gardena is an excellent idea.

Playground

When it's time to finally set off on the wide and gently ascending footpath, rest assured there'll be plenty of places to take a break. For a short or long rest in between, there is always a pleasant spot to stop along the way. Why not use one of the many hammocks available to lie back and admire the blue sky and indulge in a daydream?

Are the little ones are still full of energy? Then head for the playground! The large playground offers children swings, slides, climbing frames and even a zip line. If you have a ball with you or are brave enough to simply join the many children playing here, you can practise your skills on the football pitch. It's not just the little ones who quickly make friends here; adults can also chat with like-minded individuals about the most beautiful hiking trails and huts for families.

Baita Pauli

From the playground, it's not far to the Baita Pauli. The small Pauli Hut welcomes its guests in summer to a beautiful sun terrace. There is also a sunbathing lawn. Hungry bellies can also be filled here with specialities of South Tyrolean cuisine; if the weather is good, chances are good that there will be a barbecue.

In addition, the large meadow right next to the hut is the landing site of paragliders who have taken off from Seceda. If you're lucky, you can watch some of them landing. And who knows, maybe you'll get the urge to take a flight yourself the next day.

Café Val d’Anna

The Val d’Anna Café Restaurant located behind the hut is also geared to serving families. Here, you can find everything that a family could wish for after a hike. On the small playground, which leaves hardly anything to be desired, parents can keep an eye on their children at all times while they relax on deckchairs and enjoy the homemade specialities.

At noon, when it is hottest, you can cool your feet in the shallow water of the stream, build little dams or simply listen to the sound of the water. While you can enjoy the sun and warmth on the meadow, the stream provides a pleasantly cool breeze while the trees along it offer shade. Even the little ones have been taken care of. Everything is available in a small wooden hut: a place to change nappies, bottle warmer, cooking area, etc. Café Val d’Anna is truly a paradise for families!

If you are walking through the Val d'Anna with children, you should plan enough time so that young and old can enjoy the numerous attractions that are located on and near the path. In addition to a small snack, a towel should also be included in your luggage. If you are really hungry, there are two excellent places to stop in the Val d'Anna.

If you want to hike a little further on the way back, you can make a detour to St. Jacob's Church. The church is the oldest in the Val Gardena valley and is located in a beautiful clearing from where you'll have an impressive view of the Sassolungo and Sassolungo mountains, one of the most popular photo spots in Val Gardena.