Why travel far when hidden between the majestic peaks of South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal lies a true vacation paradise. The quaint valley with its villages of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags offers the perfect mix for a truly relaxed and unique summer escape.
1. You are what you eat – Culinary delights in the Alta Pusteria
Highest quality standards and close ties to their roots are the number one characteristics that mark South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria region and make such a big difference it can even be tasted – at the Alpe Pragas manufacture for example, which uses only the best fruit right from the valley for its delicious jams, or at the cheese dairy Three Peaks/Drei Zinnen in Dobbiaco, where visitors are taught interesting facts about the art of dairy processing and cheese making. Many restaurants and mountain cabins invite guests to try traditional South Tyrolean cuisine including dumplings, “Schlutzkrapfen” and other culinary delights to nourish body and soul.
2. For sports enthusiasts and nature lovers – Hiking the Alta Pusteria
Those looking for a gentle, easy-going start should take the one-hour family-friendly hike around Lake Braies, which is set against a beautiful backdrop of lush greens and mountain peaks. The more ambitious might continue on from the lake to the alpine huts “Colle Alti” and the “Lago dei Colli Alti”, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites.
3. The power of water – Kneipp therapy in the Alta Pusteria
Want to give those tired feet an extra treat after a long day of hiking? Italy’s first Kneipp Active Park “Kneipp für mich®” in Villabassa features both standard elements like cold-water treading and facial and arm baths as well as options like a barefoot path, early morning walks in the wet grass, an “outdoor inhalatorium”, a drinking pavilion and, for sore feet, anti-inflammatory and cooling mudpacks.
4. For a refreshing summer splash – Taking a dip in Lake Dobbiaco
Taking a dip on a hot summer day in Lake Dobbiaco, a true natural jewel, is great fun and a wonderfully refreshing experience for the entire family while enjoying unique views of the Landro valley. There are a non-swimmer’s and a regular pool. Both are chlorine-free and kept clean naturally in two separate treatment areas.
5. Made in heaven – The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Anyone who has ever visited the Alta Pusteria will be drawn back over and over again to this quaint valley, not least because of the fascinating landscape around the area’s famous landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Three Peaks, an attraction both during summer and winter. This is where majestic mountains join scenic valleys, where lush Alpine meadows are found next to green forests, and picturesque lakes join unspoilt creeks and springs.
INFO: Alta Pusteria
Val Gardena has tours for all hiking enthusiasts, whether classic pleasure walks, hill runs or challenging climbing ventures.
In our programme, Val Gardena Active, you will find your perfect outing: experience the beautiful Val Gardena landscape with a guided tour in the Puez-Geisler nature reserve, a walk at sunrise with some wildlife watching, a mountain bike adventure or a culinary tour of mountain huts.
We also offer a Kids Active programme from June to September. For children, the Dolomites are a treasure trove of adventures. They can test their courage at the highwire adventure course, follow the UNESCO trail or discover some magic herbs.
More information: Val Gardena Active
In recent years, Val Gardena has developed into a holiday resort with lifestyle character while at the same time maintaining the traditional culture, language and charm of a mountain village. In Ortisei, but also elsewhere, shopping streets, pedestrianised areas in the centre with boutiques, speciality restaurants, vinotheques and art galleries invite you on a voyage of discovery.
The Photoacademy Val Gardena is a completely new event this year. It will take place between 3 and 11 September 2016, and the event focuses on finding the perfect shooting angle. Participants can learn the basics of fine art photography a nature photography with South Tyrolean experts during a series of workshops. The details and expert tricks are delivered by famous photographer Daniel Ernst. The works of art can be admired at the vernissage in Selva Val Gardena,S. Cristina and Ortisei. At the end of the week the winners of the photo competition will be announced and awarded for the ‘Best Val Gardena Poster’.
Many summer events feature culinary delights: the “Sëira dl vin” in S. Cristina on 8 July 2016 is a celebration of wine – on the red carpet. Another food event is the Val Gardena Sky Dinner on 13 July 2016, an exclusive candlelit dinner in the gondolas of the “Mont Sëuc” cable car. Traditional Val Gardena dresses are at the centre of festivities like “Gardena in costume” on 7 August 2016 in Selva. Gourmets as well as lovers of art and tradition will flock to S. Cristina. A further highlight is the “Aperitif Urtijëi” between 17 July 2016 and 28 August 2016 when Ortisei’s five “Fine Dine” restaurants serve traditional South Tyrol fare in the village’s pedestrian precinct.
Val Gardena’s events calendar also features a number of musical highlights. Fans of classical music will enjoy ValgardenaMusika, a series of events from July to September 2016. This consists of six classical concerts in various Val Gardena venues, www.jmgconcert.it.
Those preferring music out in the open can enjoy a unique open-air concert at the foot of Sassolungo on 26 June 2016. The South Tyrol Jazz Festival makes a stopover at the Comici Hut in Selva Val Gardena. Finally, following the traditional snow festival on 17 August 2016 in Selva will whet everyone’s appetite for the coming winter season – “Winter is on its way!”
INFO: Val Gardena
Mountain fanatics will enjoy many events and activities this summer. One example is the “Curona de Gherdëina“, a 5-day trekking tour from Passo Gardena via Bamberg Hut and Alpe di Siusi – Europe’s largest alpine pasture – to Ortisei, then returning via the largely flat Innerraschötzer Alm back to Passo Gardena. From 30 June to 3 July and from 15 – 18 September 2016 this trekking experience is offered as a guided group tour.
Alpine climbing is also on offered during the ‘MOVE – Feel the Dolomites’ Climbing Festival: beginners will be taught in outdoor camps how to climb between 24 and 31 July 2016. Advanced climbers will receive tips from experts on how to improbe their stamina and technique. On top of that, outdoor brands will be offering their new collection and climbing material for a test run. www.move-dolomites.it
Those interested in other, more challenging hikes will find many experienced guides to accompany them.
GPS data for mountain and hiking tours are available for downloading on a dedicated website: www.dolomitesalpine.it
INFO: Val Gardena
Reinhold Messner described the Dolomites as the “most beautiful mountains in the world“. Mountain bikers will also feel at ease and can experience magnificent scenery, a variety of touring opportunities, excursions through the wild and romantic Langental or biking trips to the “City of Stones”.
The best-known tours of the Dolomites include Sella Ronda, unmissable because of its spectacular scenery. Crossing four Dolomite passes requires physical fitness, but the riders are rewarded with spectacular views over Sella group and Marmolada.
The HERO Bike Festival will take place between 16 and 19 June 2016 and is packed with races, events, concerts, glamour and discussions, and around 5,000 bikers from 50 countries are expected to arrive. It will be a HERO GREEN EVENT, which means it fulfills sustainability criteria which the province of South Tyrol demands from all events in the area. The new generation of bikers sprints head on 17 June 2016 with the HERO Kids. The professional bikers wait until the following day to cross the start line of the famous HERO South Tyrol Dolomites. Amateur bikers will take to the roads on 19 June 2016: every biker is welcome on the Sellaronda Bike Day. In fact, four Dolomite passes will be traffic-free on this day. Don’t worry if you can’t be there that day, as the Sellaronda Bike Day returns on 11 September 2016 during the EcoDolomites Weekend at the E-Bike-Festival.
Descriptions and GPS data for all bike and trekking routes are available for downloading at www.mtb-dolomites.com
INFO: Val Gardena
Great and small adventures – such as discovering the rock crystal cave at the foot of Langkofel which featured in the legend of “Gardeno” and the beautiful “Selladilla” – make Val Gardena the ideal family holiday location throughout the summer.
During the Val Gardena children’s weeks we welcome youngsters and their families with a weekend programme filled with surprises and exciting adventures. From 11 June to 1 July 2016, we are offering a number of animation programmes, climbing courses, barbecues and children’s parties. The best thing is: families staying for seven days or longer can enjoy special discounts for children, e.g. free accommodation for children under 8 years in their parents’ bedroom.
More information and booking details at www.valgardena.it. The Val Gardena Active programme also offers a large choice of tailor-made activities.
INFO: Val Gardena
