Hiking in Val Gardena

Relaxation and exercise amidst a magnificent natural landscape. Let the vastness of the mountains and the lush green forests restore your energy.
A diverse and varied network of trails ensures an unforgettable hiking holiday in Val Gardena.
A diverse and varied network of trails ensures an unforgettable hiking holiday in Val Gardena.

Hiking holidays at their finest

Lace-up your hiking boots and discover the unique nature of the Dolomites in Val Gardena. Hikers will have an unforgettable time in this UNESCO-protected mountain landscape: the perfectly signposted network of trails leads to breathtaking views and cosy huts where hosts welcome their guests with South Tyrolean delicacies. In the Sciliar-Catinaccio and Puez-Geisler nature park, you can get particularly close to the extraordinary flora and fauna of the Dolomites. From holiday flats to wellness hotels, you will find a variety of excellent accommodations here in Val Gardena for a relaxing and diverse hiking holiday.

Highlights: Hiking Val Gardena

  1. Enjoy the sun on more than 300 days a year in Val Gardena. Experience the pleasantly mild mountain climate.
  2. The network of paths in Val Gardena is perfectly signposted. GPS routes and maps make it easy to find your way around.
  3. The Dolomites offer a special nature experience. Discover the varied flora and fauna of the mountains.
  4. Seemingly countless cosy mountain huts tempt you with South Tyrolean specialities and welcome you to take a rest.
  5. Special hiking trails for families offer plenty of variety and fun for nature lovers both young and old.
  6. Convenient bus connections allow you to organise your hiking holiday in Val Gardena without a car.

The best hiking hotels

Many hosts in Val Gardena welcome hikers with special offers: guests benefit from hiking supplies, guided group hikes and information about hiking tours, among other things. From all hiking accommodations, you can directly reach perfectly signposted hiking trails and lifts that lead into the magnificent mountain world of the UNESCO-protected Dolomites. 

Suggestions for accommodations

The most beautiful hiking tours

Whether you want to undertake a lengthy walk or a challenging hike - in Val Gardena, you will find plenty of tours that are perfectly suited to your fitness level. Here we present some of the most beautiful hiking tours that lead to uniquely beautiful views, crystal clear mountain lakes or through green forests where every breath fills you with renewed energy. Enjoy being active in a fascinating natural landscape that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and placed under special protection due to its unrivalled beauty.

Hikes in Val Gardena

Do you want to plan your next hiking tour in Val Gardena? Discover the most popular tours of the region here and get inspired for your next excursion. We have put together some of the most popular hikes in the region for you.

Walking trails in Val Gardena

In Val Gardena, there are numerous walking paths of various lengths and difficulty levels that lead to wonderful vantage points. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Dolomites, take impressive photos and let your gaze wander into the distance. Discover the most beautiful panoramic walks here.

Offers

Attractive offers and packages for an active summer holiday in the Dolomites. The hosts of the region have come up with plenty of extras for hikers, mountain bikers and holidaymakers who want to soak up the sun in the mountains.

Dolomites' high trails

The Dolomites' high trails offer experienced hikers the unique opportunity to directly discover the nature of the Dolomites. The trails, some of which are up to 200 kilometres long, lead from hut to hut in either challenging or meditative and peaceful stages. Whether it's a multi-day hike or a varied day tour - plan the tour that suits your fitness level and your desires on the specially signposted high-altitude trails.

Which Dolomite high trails are there?
  • Dolomites Alta Via 1, "The Classic"
    From Lake Braies to Belluno, 150 km, 13 days, easy
  • Dolomites Alta Via 2, "The Path of Legends"
    From Brixen to Feltre. 185 km, 15 days, difficult
  • Dolomites Alta Via 3, "Path of the Chamois"
    From Dobbiaco to Longarone, 120 km, 10 days, difficult
  • Dolomites Alta Via 4, "Grohmann High-Altitude Trail"
    From San Candido to Pieve di Cadore, 90 km, 8 days, difficult
  • Dolomites Alta Via 5, "Titian High-Altitude Trail"
    From Sesto to Pieve di Cadore, 100 km, 10 days, difficult
  • Dolomites Alta Via 6, "Path of Silence"
    From Sappada to Vittorio Veneto, 190 km, 14 days, difficult
  • Dolomites Alta Via 7, "In the Footsteps of Lothar Patera"
    From Pieve d'Alpago to Segusino, 110 km, 11 days, difficult
  • Dolomites Alta Via 8, "The Path of Panoramas"
    From Brixen to Salorno, 160 km, 13 days, medium
  • Dolomites Alta Via 9, "Transversale"
    From Bolzano to Santo Stefano, 180 km, 14 days, easy
  • Dolomites Alta Via 10, "Judicaria High-Altitude Trail"
    From Bolzano to Lake Garda, 200 km, 18 days, difficult
Which Dolomite high trail is the most beautiful?

There are a total of ten Dolomite high trails that are signposted with a triangle. You can cross the Dolomites on these trails in about one to three weeks. Each trail has its own charm. Whether you choose the famous Alta Via 1 or the newer trails that cover the western Dolomites, choose a route that you can handle with your experience.

Dolomites UNESCO Geotrail

This hike raises the bar! The Dolomites UNESCO Geotrail is a long-distance hiking trail that leads you in ten daily stages from the Bletterbach in Aldino to Sesto in the The Puster Valley. In addition to unforgettable panoramic views, exciting information about the geological history of the Dolomites awaits you at each stage. Learn how, for over more than 200 million years, a colourful primaeval sea transformed into the pale mountains we know today as the Dolomites. The fifth stage of the long-distance trail leads from Ortisei to the Puez Hut and is thus an ideal destination for a day trip for holidaymakers in Val Gardena.

Sunrise at Seceda in Val Gardena Zoom
Especially in the morning and evening, the peaks of the Dolomites show themselves in the most beautiful light for hikers.
Autumn hiking on the Alpe di Siusi Zoom
Even in autumn, hikes in the Dolomites are something special, like here on the Alpe di Siusi with a view of the Sassolungo.
Geisler Group in the Dolomites Zoom
Hardly any other mountains offer hikers such varied and changing views as the Dolomites in South Tyrol.
Hiker in the Dolomites Zoom
On hikes in the Dolomites, visitors are compelled to stop again and again to gaze at the imposing peaks.
Hiking break in the Dolomites Zoom
Cosy and rustic huts invite you to take a break and refresh before continuing your hike.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Where is the best place to hike in the Dolomites?

The Dolomites offer a seemingly endless network of perfectly signposted hiking trails for every fitness level. Some of the most popular hiking tours in the region include the Sassolungo circuit, the family hikes on the Alpe di Siusi and the Dolomite High Altitude Trails.

When is the best time for hiking in the Dolomites?

This depends largely on the altitude of the planned hike, as there may well be snow fields at higher altitudes until June. In general, the months of May to October are ideal for sunny hikes in the Dolomites.

Where is Val Gardena located?

Val Gardena - the approximately 25-kilometre-long side valley of the Eisack Valley is located in the northwest of the Dolomites. Waidbruck, the Sella Group, the Passo Sella and the Passo Gardena mark the natural borders of the popular valley.

What are the names of the villages in Val Gardena?

Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva are the three villages of Val Gardena.

How high is Val Gardena?

Ortisei in Val Gardena is situated at an altitude of 1236 metres, S. Cristina at an altitude of 1428 metres and Selva at an altitude of 1563 metres above sea level.

Where is Val Gardena at its most beautiful?

Whether the Sassolungo Group or the Alpe di Siusi - in and around Val Gardena the Dolomites present themselves from their most beautiful side. The three villages of Val Gardena are also enchanting with lovely restaurants and inviting cafés.

Val Gardena: Hiking with children

In Val Gardena, hiking becomes an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Several walking and hiking trails can also be used with prams. There are even wonderful picnic areas for small and large children. Time and again, rocks along the way invite you to climb and play. If you are quiet and take a pair of binoculars with you, you will occasionally have the chance to observe an animal or two. The Alpe di Siusi is family-friendly in every respect: play areas, adventure trails for children and child-friendly refreshment stops promise a fun-filled day of hiking in nature.

Family hiking in the Dolomites Zoom
Hikes with little to no incline also offer families with children plenty of hiking pleasure and variety.
Child hiking in the Dolomites Zoom
In June, the alpine meadows in the Dolomites blossom beautifully and are waiting to be explored.
Lech Sant in Val Gardena Zoom
There is a lot for children to discover and experience on family hikes in the Dolomites.
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Val Gardena hiking tips for families

Whether it's a short walk with the pram or a day trip with the whole family - around Val Gardena, there are countless exciting tours where all members of the family will get their money's worth. Discover some of the most popular family hikes in the region here and make plans for a holiday where your children can't get enough of hiking and playing in the mountains.

Val Gardena Active

Val Gardena Active offers you a varied programme of outdoor activities during the summer months. Whether it's a climbing tour, a hike to a beautiful mountain lake or a visit to a mill - choose the most exciting events for your dream holiday from the colourful weekly programme. Val Gardena Active regularly offers guided hikes to wonderful destinations in the region.

Insider-Tip: Photo spots

If you like photography and love to capture magical moments with your camera, Val Gardena is the place for you. Take your equipment with you and start early in the morning for a photo hike in the Dolomites, where you can photograph the Sassolungo, unique panoramic views, animals and other wonderful sights. On Seceda​​​​​​​ is one of the most famous photo opportunities in the Dolomites.

Cable cars and transport

Would you like to leave your car behind on holiday? Discover here how you can get around Val Gardena in summer even without a car. Take the bus for free with the Val Gardena Mobil Card, treat yourself to a Gardena Card that allows you to use the lifts that are open in summer or grab the Dolomiti SuperSummer Pass that even allows you to transport your bike on the lifts throughout the Dolomiti Supersummer area. If it gets late, the night bus will bring you home safely. And for all those who like to travel individually and comfortably, taxi companies are always on hand with their services.

Need a break from hiking?

If you also want to take a break or need a change of pace after a few hiking tours, there are loads of opportunities in Val Gardena and the Dolomites. Visit one of the top events and get to know the culture and people of the region. How about a bike tour, a visit to a church or a stroll through the pretty villages of Val Gardena, for example?

Val Gardena - a top destination for more than just a hiking holiday

Summer in Val Gardena is not only an unforgettable experience for hikers. Discover here how you can also discover the Dolomites. Whether it's by mountain bike or climbing - in Val Gardena, you can expect a variety of adventures amid a unique natural landscape.