There is a large marmot population in the area at the foot of the Plattkofel. This is why this tour is often called "Marmot walk". With a bit of luck you might even come a cross one of those animals on this trail.
Walking is the best way to enjoy wonderful stretches of greenery. During your spring in South Tyrol, you can witness the awakening of nature in the valley and on the alpine meadows in bloom. Midsummer days are equally surprising: people are lured to mountain peaks, marvel at sweeping views and indulge in the traditional dishes served in quaint mountain huts. Go on a hike to watch the spectacle of autumn’s glorious colours and relax in nature.
There is a large marmot population in the area at the foot of the Plattkofel. This is why this tour is often called "Marmot walk". With a bit of luck you might even come a cross one of those animals on this trail.
Ask any of the locals, and they might let you in on their favourite insider tip: a lovely, historical trail which crosses forests and meadows. Get ready for a beautiful walk and a somewhat mystical experience. The delightful scent of flowers and mesmerising birdsong will accompany you for 5 km as you explore the lush, untouched nature: the dappled sunlight washes over the moss-covered forest, creating a pleasant ambience and tableau to be admired.
During this excursion you may well just see modern farmsteads, but handy information boards showing pictures from the time reveal what the buildings really looked like in the past.
Among the sights along this route are the parish church, the recently restored railway tunnel, a section of the railway path and the largest hand-carved nativity scene in the world.
The Val Gardena Railway was constructed long time ago, when the region was part of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy. In its 44 years during which it was operating, it strongly influenced the valley. The railway was running from 1916 to 1960 and was completed in record time.
The Val Gardena Railway drove through this Railway tunnel near the parish church of S. Cristina Val Gardena. In 2017, after works of restauration, the tunnel has been made accessible to history enthusiasts.
Another sight is the largest nativity scene in the world. Since 2000, the world's largest nativity scene has been displayed in the Iman Sports Centre in S. Cristina
Snowshoe hike through the Resciesa forest within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The starting point is at Furnes, the middle station of the Seceda cable car. The hike reaches the top station of Resciesa and continues to the Holy Cross Chapel at 2.189m. Enjoy the 360-degree snowy landscapes and take time to recharge your energy.
According to the legend, a young local inhabitant, Count Jakob von Stetteneck, let it build in the middle of the woods in gratitude for coming back alive from Santiago de Compostela. He dedicated it to Saint Jakob, the protector of all hikers.
Tradition holds that the S. Giacomo church is the oldest one of the whole valley, since its own origin goes back to the 12th century. In historic-artistic terms, its Gothic frescos in the presbytery and the paintings from the 16th century near the pulpit, which represent scenes of the legend, are valuable and unique.
This tranquil hike on the plateau of the Alpe di Siusi offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature and enjoy a day in good company. During the walk, you can admire a breathtaking landscape, with stunning views of the Sassolungo group, the Sella group, and the Sciliar.
The Val Gardena railway trail runs along the entire length of the valley and takes you past woods, meadows, hamlets and local sights on the sunny side of the valley. Choose between Selva, S. Cristina and Ortisei as your starting point. The walk follows the course of the former Val Gardena railway, which was built during the First World War – in the years 1915-1916.
On a section of the path you will find a number of bronze sculptures by local artists. These give walkers and hikers an insight into the fascinating history of art in the Gardena Valley.
Along the railway line trail from La Poza towards S. Cristina there is a snow gauge, which measures the amount of snowfall for the period from 1951 to the present day.
A unique snowshoe hike along snow-covered meadows and forests at the foot of the Sassolungo Group.
Explore the natural beauty along the Troi Paian, the first trade route in Val Gardena. This hike will take you through picturesque forest trails from Furnes to St. Peter and Laion. Immerse yourself in the pristine nature and enjoy the tranquility along this historic path.
Starting from a breathtaking landscape at the foot of the Sassolungo group, this relaxed snowshoe trail leads through snow-covered forests to Monte Pana.
Val Gardena Railway was constructed long time ago, when the region was part of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy. In its 44 years during which it was operating, it strongly influenced the valley and brought many tourists to it, above all in the last years. The railway was running from 1916 to 1960 and was completed in record time. In fact, construction was started in September 1915 and in February 1916 the railway was officially inaugurated. 6.000 Russian soldiers who were prisoners during the World War did this great work.
On the comfortable way with panoramic view from S. Cristina to Roncadizza, you will find several information boards with historical pictures, which explain the Val Gardena Railway history.
Winter hike along the well-prepared hiking trails of the Resciesa area.
Resciesa is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Puez - Odle Nature Park and is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Val Gardena. This loop hike takes you from the top station of the Resciesa funicular to the summit cross. Passing then by the S. Croce Chapel you return to the starting point. Suitable for hikers of all ages, this easily hiked route guarantees spectacular panoramic views, extending from the Valle Isarco to the Sciliar area and to the Passo Sella.
Multi-day trekking tour „Curona de Gherdëina” - On the crown of Val Gardena
“Curona de Gherdëina” is the unique trekking tour on the fascinating mountain crown of Val Gardena on over 2.000 height meters. The 60 kilometres long tour goes from the Natural Park Puez-Odle in the northeast (Unesco World Heritage), to the Sella plateau in the southeast and the Sassolungo mountain group in the south of the valley. The Dolomites show its particular beauty; on every part of the trekking the “pale mountains” seem to take different shapes. Relaxing opportunities are provided in the mountain huts in which you can enjoy typical dishes and live unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.
This hike cuts across the imposing mountain landscape coasting the Puez-Odle Nature Park: these very same Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
2009.
The path is peppered with various adventure stations using natural products. Ideal entertainment for childeren and parents alike. The unique backdrop sets the tone for the whole walk and guarantees a fun time surrounded by nature for all the family.
You find more information about the adventurehike Pana Raida on the following link:
https://www.valgardena.it/en/families/playgrounds/panaraida/
Hike through the breathtaking views of the Seiser Alm, suitable for the whole family. The trail is easily walkable and takes you first to the Sanon Hut via the Schgaguler Hut. The return is via the Contrin Hut until you reach the Mont Seuc mountain station again.
The Val Gardena rail tracks course through the whole valley on a sunny stroll across forests, meadows, villages and local sights. Choose from Roncadizza, Ortisei, S. Cristina or Selva as a starting point. The walk follows the old rail tracks of the Val Gardena locomotive built during WWI (1915-1916) by Russian prisoners. Along the old railway line from La Poza to Santa Cristina you can find the diagram of the snow that fell since 1951.
This 5 km hike leads from Ortisei to Resciesa through the forest. It is a fairly steep trail which requires good physical condition and walking confidence. Do not be discouraged by the elevation gain; you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view that will make you forget your fatigue. This hike is recommended for those who enjoy walking in the tranquility that only the forest can offer.
This snowshoe trail will take you to the Sëurasas meadows, a place standing out for its lush nature and where peace and quiet reign supreme.
The starting point of the hike is the mountain station of the Seiser Alm. Follow the path no. 9 to the „Almgasthof Tirler“, from here continue along the trail no. 8 in direction of Goldknopf, until Kompatsch (path no. 7). The walking time is about 4 hours. The way back leads via Sanon and Monte Piz back to the starting point. You will need about 1.5 hours for this last part.