Walking trail to San Giacomo Church

An impressive path, easily accessible from the village center of Ortisei, which leads to one of the most beautiful landmarks in Val Gardena.
The St. Jacob's (San Giacomo) Church is one of the most picturesque places in Val Gardena.
The St. Jacob's (San Giacomo) Church is one of the most picturesque places in Val Gardena.
Arianna ColomboDolomites in the heart
Table of Contents

Tourinfo

Tot. duration
2 h 15 min
Duration asc.
1 h 15 min
Duration des.
1 h
Track
6,0 km
Altitude asc.
320 m
Altitude des.
320 m
max. height
1560 m
Difficulty
Condition
Technique
Best season
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Introduction

Reaching the little church of San Giacomo doesn’t just mean hiking along one of the most peaceful areas of the valley; it also means immersing yourself in an atmosphere of calm and spirituality that will take you to one of Val Gardena’s most quintessential symbols: the little church of San Giacomo will appear before your eyes like a postcard, its beauty magnified by a background featuring the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto.

We’d like to suggest an easy hike that’s suitable for everyone. The hike starts in downtown Ortisei and goes uphill following a road that takes you from the village to the little church. The return trip can be made along the same trail number 6, or going down towards Ortisei and returning along Luis Trenker trail number 6B, via the Grohmann monument. Alternatively, you can also take the bus that takes you back to Ortisei. The Somont bus stop is 750 metres from the church, the other bus stop is right at the near Hotel Ansitz Jakoberhof.

Sassolungo in autumn Zoom
You can see the Sassolungo very nicely from the "Dialogue Path" that leads up to Col de Flam.
photo

Drive

From the Brenner motorway (A22), drive along the Val Gardena (SS242) to Ortisei. Follow the road that takes you to the parish church and you’ll find a paid covered car park. From that point, the "streda Sacun" path branches off, and you’ll find signs pointing to the little church of San Giacomo.

Val Gardena is also easily accessible by public transport. Bus line 350 runs every half hour from Ponte Gardena or Chiusa to Ortisei. For detailed schedules, see SüdtirolMobil.

Description

From the parish church in Ortisei, "streda Sacun" starts slightly uphill. Along the trail, you’ll find signs pointing to the little church, but we recommend getting to your destination through the "Dialogue Path" (Troi dl Dialogh): this is a gently sloping park devoted to meditation and featuring many works of art and engraved quotes worth reflecting on.

Dialogue Path of Ortisei Zoom
The "Dialogue Path" leads gently through a small deciduous forest. Quotes along the way invite you to think.
photo

At the end of the park, you come to a small chapel with a giant statue of Christ on the cross. The trail continues into the forest along a wide and very easy path, which is also suitable for beginners. Once on the Dialogue Path, you’ll recognise the 'Col de Flam' amusement park beyond the hedge. The forest trail is very pleasant, since it’s entirely shaded and therefore cool.

Forest path to San Giacomo Church Zoom
The forest path from Col de Flam to San Giacomo Church is pleasantly shady and cool, especially in summer.
Pth near Col de Flam Zoom
Alternative: if you don't take the "Dialogue Path", you can also start behind the Stua Catores.
photo

After walking slightly uphill for approximately one hour, you’ll reach San Giacomo church. Once there, we recommend visiting the interior and the small courtyard. San Giacomo church dates from 1181, is the oldest church in the valley and is consecrated to San Giacomo, the patron saint of walkers and pilgrims. Legend has it that the church was built by the Counts of Stättenecke, as an expression of gratitude for keeping their son Jakob (Giacomo) safe.

The interior features Baroque and Gothic frescoes and statues. Of particular interest are the pulpit and the high altar, carved in wood and embellished with beautiful details. The frescoes, also present in the exterior, make this church one of the most evocative and best preserved places in the Dolomites.

San Giacomo Church in Val Gardena Zoom
Depending on the weather and the season, the place around the church always offers different impressions.
photo

Not far from San Giacomo church, you can walk for 50 metres up until you reach the benches that will allow you to rest for a while and take in one of the most fascinating scenes of Val Gardena in your mind or with your camera: the little church of San Giacomo towering over the woods with Sassolungo and Sassopiatto in the background.

To the left of the church you can follow the trail down to the village of San Giacomo, where you can also take the bus back to downtown Ortisei.

Hiking path near San Giacomo Zoom
The way back leads to the small village of St. Jakob, where you can take the bus or walk further to Ortisei.
photo

If you wish to continue on foot, follow the road to the Grohmann monument, built in memory of the Austrian mountaineer Paul Grohmann, the first person to conquer numerous Dolomite peaks during the second half of the 19th century, including Sassolungo and Marmolada.

From this point, the road descends until it joins the Luis Trenker Path, the famous film director originally from Val Gardena. This trail is named after him and it will lead you to Ortisei’s parish church. From Via Luis Trenker, you to see downtown Ortisei from high up and you’ll hike past a beautiful playground, old villas, and exclusive holiday parks.

Ortisei in Val Gardena Zoom
Luis Trenker promenade just before the parish church of Ortisei, back at the starting point of the hike.
photo

Insider-Tip

Hiking to the little San Giacomo church is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in this area without overworking yourself. You also get to one of the most popular photo spots in Val Gardena! The photos with shots of the church in winter and in summer are very popular. Take a rest on the benches and enjoy the marvellous landscape unfolding before your eyes: this corner of Val Gardena will mesmerise you with its magic every season of the year.

Our recommendation: To find out more about the legend of San Giacomo, there are two options: The book entitled 'The Legend of San Giacomo Count' ('L Grof da Sacun'), which delves into the story that inspired the construction of this church. This is a special edition available in Italian, Ladin, and German and entirely illustrated by 4th and 5th grade children from Ortisei. Or the beautiful Legend Trail, which also leads from S. Cristina to San Giacomo Church. There are several illustrated information boards along the way to find out more about the legend of San Giacomo in an entertaining way.

Maps

  • Tabacco Number 05: Gröden-Val Gardena. The Tabacco maps are also available as an app.
  • AV Map Nr. 52/I