The most beautiful hikes in Val Gardena

There are countless tours to discover in Val Gardena. Below, we’ve put together a list of some of the best hikes in the region.
Val Gardena is a hiker's paradise. Among its many trails, there are some particularly special hiking tours.
Val Gardena is a hiker's paradise. Among its many trails, there are some particularly special hiking tours.

Introduction

Hiking is perhaps the most beautiful leisure sport of all. Apart from good shoes and weatherproof clothing, you don't need any expensive equipment to get out into nature, clear your head and find peace. Val Gardena is a true paradise for hikers. For every fitness level, every age group and every taste, there are short and long tours, paths to unique views, excursion destinations and huts where you can enjoy yourself after a strenuous hike.

But which hikes are the most beautiful? Considering the multitude of possible tours, the choice is difficult. We have compiled a list of the most popular hikes in Val Gardena that are definitely worth discovering. All trails are well signposted and guarantee fantastic experiences in a fabulously beautiful natural landscape.

The Puez Round Tour

Discover the unique Puez-Odle Nature Park

Fantastic views await you on the 15-kilometre-long Puez Circuit in the Puez-Odle Nature Park, for which you should plan about six hours of hiking time. Among other things, the hike takes you along the famous Dolomites High-Altitude Trail no. 2 to the Puez high plateau. No strenuous ascents await you on this hike. However, a good basic level of fitness is required due to its length.

The starting point of the trail is the mountain station of Dantercepies in Selva. A beautiful path leads you between rocks until you reach the wide Puez plateau, which resembles a fantastic lunar landscape. If you are looking for some refreshment on the way, you have the chance to take an ice-cold bath in the crystal-clear Crespeina Lake. Another bonus is that the hike can be extended at will. It’s even possible to spend a night in the rustic Puez Hut and split the hike over two days.

  • Total duration: 6 h
  • Ascent duration: ca. 1 h
  • Descent duration: 2,5 h
  • Distance: 15 km
  • Ascent altitude: 330 m
  • max. altitude: 2512 m

Hike around the Sassolungo Group

Do you fancy a challenge and already have some hiking experience in the mountains? The large Sassolungo circuit is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Val Gardena Dolomites. As it requires sure-footedness and stamina, it is recommended exclusively for experienced hikers.

The 16 kilometres can be completed in about six hours. Your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes, views of spectacular peaks and opportunities to stop for refreshments in cosy mountain huts. As this is a circular route, you can start at various points.

Among other things, the hike takes you along the Frederick Augustus Trail over the Sella Pass, the Rodella Pass, the Piz da Uridl and the Comici Hut around the entire Sassolungo Group. Take enough time to enjoy the magnificent views of some of the most beautiful Dolomite peaks at length. The small Sassolungo circuit is, of course, also an insider tip.

  • Total duration: 6 h
  • Ascent duration: 3 h
  • Descent duration: 3 h
  • Distance: 16 km
  • Ascent altitude: 940 m
  • max. altitude: 2361 m

Hike beneath the Odle peaks

View the famous photo subject from different perspectives

The Odle peaks are undoubtedly one of the most famous photo subjects in the Dolomites. A hike below the famous "Odles", as the Geisler are called in Ladin, offers you different perspectives of the mountain peaks and boasts numerous panoramic views and cosy huts. The nine-kilometre tour is easy and takes around four hours to complete. Be sure to plan extra breaks for taking photos and eating.

Start at the mountain station of the Col Raiser cable car, where almost the entire route is visible before you. There are cute donkeys and a small, pleasantly quiet hut at the Pieralongia Alp. Once refreshed, head to the summit of the Seceda, one of the most impressive viewpoints in the area, before descending back to the starting point of the hike.

  • Total duration: 4 h
  • Ascent duration: 2,5 h
  • Descent duration: 1,5 h
  • Distance: 9 km
  • Ascent altitude: 503 m
  • max. altitude: 2519 m

Panascharte to the Seceda

The Panascharte is one of the most popular hikes in Val Gardena and offers you plenty of variety. As the trail can get very crowded in the summer months, it is advisable to start the tour early in the morning.

For the hike via the Panascharte to the Seceda alpine pasture, you should plan around three hours, in which you will cover eight kilometres. Almost the entire route offers you a wonderful view of the slender peaks of the Odle, which are among the most popular photo spots in Val Gardena for photographers.

Start with the cable car in Ortisei, which takes you comfortably to the mountain station of Rasciesa, where the hike begins via trail no. 35 towards the east. It goes briefly through the forest and then above the forest line on a pleasant path along the Inner-Rasciesa mountain pasture to the Brogles saddle. Below this is the Brogles Hut, where you can gather strength for the coming effort. The ascent of the Panascharte follows, first through the forest, then above the tree line through rocky terrain. At the Seceda pasture, you will find a selection of cosy huts where you can recharge your batteries with a hearty meal before returning to the valley by cable car or on foot.

  • Total duration: 3,5 h
  • Ascent duration: 3 h
  • Descent duration: 0,5 h
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Ascent altitude: 620 m
  • max. altitude: 2495 m

Hike to the Pic Mountain

A panoramic view of the entire Val Gardena Valley

The Pic Mountain may not be one of the most spectacular mountains in Val Gardena. However, a hike to its summit offers you a first-class view of the entire Val Gardena Valley. The seven-kilometre route to the summit can be completed in about 3 hours. Since the ascents are relatively steep and many hikers shy away from the effort, you have the chance to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the experience of nature far away from the crowds.

Start at the Cristauta car park in S. Cristina. From here, follow a forest road uphill through the forest to the Seurasas Hut, where you can have a short rest before tackling the remaining steep climb to the summit. Once at the top, enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panorama that you won't find anywhere else in Val Gardena. The descent is either the same way as on the way up or on the north side to the Mastlé alpine pastures.

  • Total duration: 5 h
  • Ascent duration: 2,5 h
  • Descent duration: 2,5 h
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Ascent altitude: 600 m
  • max. altitude: 2363 m

Crossing the Sella and Piz Boè

Beautiful high-alpine Dolomite ambience

The Sella crossing is a highlight that you won’t want to miss during your holiday in Val Gardena. The 5.8-kilometre long hike will astonish you for about six hours with a high-alpine Dolomite ambience, difficult passages, crystal-clear mountain lakes and wonderful views. The summit of Piz Boè is 3152 metres high and offers a magnificent panoramic view.

The ascent and descent of this first-class hike are on different sides of the mountain, which is why we recommend using public transport or a taxi to get there. Start from the mountain station at Sass Pordoi. From here, you can see as far as the Marmolata, the Sassolungo and the Civetta.

The traverse of the mountain is on trail no. 627. Where the trail is particularly difficult, steel ropes have been installed. The Pordoi Hut is recommended for a rest. Whether scree slopes, high Dolomite walls or Lake Pisciadù – there are always surprises awaiting you on this captivating trail.

Since the Sella crossing at an altitude of around 3,000 metres proves to be quite difficult, sure-footedness, experience and a good level of fitness are a must before treating yourself to what will surely be the grand finale of your holiday in Val Gardena with this hike.

  • Total duration: 6 h
  • Ascent duration: 1,5 h
  • Descent duration: 3 h
  • Distance: 5,8 km
  • Ascent altitude: 400 m
  • max. altitude: 3152 m

If you prefer a less strenuous hike, you will find recommendations for the most beautiful walks and family hikes in Val Gardena here. But of course, it's also worth just setting off and discovering your own favourite paths. So put on your hiking boots and head out into the mountains, which in Val Gardena, are at their most beautiful.