Val Gardena

History and Ladin identity

Val Gardena, known as Gherdëina in the Ladin language, is one of the historical valleys of the Dolomitic Ladinia along with Val Badia, Val di Fassa, Livinallongo, and Ampezzo, and preserves its own linguistic and cultural identity, protected by associations such as the Union Generela di Ladins dla Dolomites. Starting from the 17th century, the valley developed a renowned tradition of wood carving and sculpting, born from the production of sacred statues and toys later exported throughout Europe: an activity that has shaped the economy and urban landscape of its villages, today documented in the Museum Gherdëina in Ortisei, dedicated to local history, sacred art, and Ladin culture.

Villages and places to see

Ortisei, the valley's capital, is the liveliest center, with arcaded streets full of woodcarving shops, the Museum Gherdëina, and the cable car that climbs towards the Alpe di Siusi and Seceda, the latter known for the panorama of the Odle mountains. Santa Cristina Valgardena, in the center of the valley, is the starting point for the Sella and for the lifts that lead towards the Sella Pass and the Vallunga. Selva di Val Gardena, at the western end, is the closest base to the Gardena Pass and the Sella Pass, and is one of the access points to the Sellaronda ski circuit, which connects Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, and Val di Fassa.

Not to be missed

• Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi cable car and the view from Seceda
• Museum Gherdëina in Ortisei: history, sacred art and Ladin culture
• Wood-carving workshops in Ortisei and Santa Cristina Valgardena
• The Sella Ronda ski circuit linking Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba and Val di Fassa
• Vallunga, the side valley of Selva di Val Gardena, with trails into the Puez-Odle Nature Park