The Italian Dolomites are a year-round destination, promising an unforgettable holiday in both summer and winter. Make the most of Northern Italy’s temperate summer climate and spend endless sunny days exploring, enjoying, and relaxing amid the iconic Pale Mountains.
Explore luxury chalets and hotels in Val Gardena
Visiting Val Gardena
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites are undoubtedly one of Europe’s most spectacular geological phenomena. Located in northeastern Italy, within the South Tyrol region, the Dolomites cover over 6,000 square miles of land.
Val Gardena sits at the heart of the Dolomites, within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. This beautiful valley encompasses three villages: Selva, Oritsei, and S. Cristina.
Val Gardena shares much of its history with the Ladin people. Its culture is also deeply intertwined with that of Austria, making it a fascinating and enriching location to visit.
Travelling to Val Gardena
Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Val Gardena: 1 hour 30 mins / 120km
Verona Airport (VRN) to Val Gardena: 2 hours 10 mins / 190km
Venice Airport (VCE) to Val Gardena: 3 hours 15 mins / 270km
Val Gardena is easily reachable by multiple forms of transport. Transfers - both public and private - run from nearby airports and train stations to Val Gardena.
If you prefer to travel by train, the closest station to Val Gardena is Ponte Gardena, situated just a 20-minute drive away. Buses run between the station and the resort, with a travel time of just over half an hour.
With strong public transport links in Val Gardena and the surrounding area, local bus services provide an inexpensive method of transportation to the resort.
Summer in Val Gardena
Whilst winters in Val Gardena are cold and snowy, its summers are blissfully warm. With temperatures in the early 20s (celsius) throughout June, July and August, summer in the Dolomites offers a welcome reprieve from heatwaves and humidity.
The mountain air is fresh and crisp, whilst the weather is temperate enough to allow for hours upon end to be spent enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. August in particular sees a spell of warm evenings – perfect for savouring a meal or a drink outside.
Val Gardena enjoys, on average, 300 days of sunshine every year. Summer is no exception to this rule; skies are bright and blue, allowing for the warmth of the sun to shine through.
What to Do in Val Gardena
Although skiing might not be on the cards, there’s an abundance of activities to be enjoyed in Val Gardena in summer.
Hiking
In summer, the Dolomites become a veritable hiker’s paradise with numerous trails of varying difficulties. There are gentle routes, ideal for a slow-paced summer afternoon, whilst avid hikers can make the most of the more difficult trails.
Rock Climbing
Experience the beauty of the Dolomites up close and personal. Val Gardena is a must-visit location for those passionate about the sport of rock climbing. Home to the Città dei Sassi (City of Stones), Val Gardena presents a vast array of trails to take on and explore, at a variety of difficulty levels. If you’re looking for a bit of guidance and support as you take on the Pale Mountains, there are Mountain Guides available for hire in Val Gardena.
Sports and Leisure
If hiking and climbing isn’t quite your scene, there are plenty of other sports-based activities to enjoy in Val Gardena, such as:
- Horse riding
- Paragliding
- Swimming
- Mountain biking
- Ziplining
- Golf
Exploring Val Gardena
While it might be home to an extensive array of outdoor activities, Val Gardena provides much in the way of culture, history and relaxation.
Events in Summer
Val Gardena plays host to some sensational events throughout the summer months. The iconic Giro d’Italia - one of the most highly-regarded races on the cycling calendar - will pass through Val Gardena in 2024, promising a fun day of spectating. For cycling fans, Sellaronda Bike Day is a great event to get involved in, no matter your skill or experience level.
If it's culture you’re after, the Val Gardena Folklore Festival must not be missed. Held annually, Gröden in Tracht - ‘Val Gardena Dressed to the Nines’ - celebrates the history and traditions of the South Tyrolean region and the Ladin peoples. Locals dress up in their traditional clothing and music and folk dances, whilst sampling the greatest local dishes the region has to offer.
Trostburg Castle
Situated above the village of Ponte Gardena (known as Waidbruck in German), Trostburg Castle is a grand fortress dating back to the 12th Century. Reachable only on foot, a 15-minute trek up from the village through Alpine meadows will take you straight to the castle doors.
Explore the Villages
As the Val Gardena area is made up of three separate villages, it is well worth taking the time to visit each one throughout your trip.
Oritsei is the largest of the three towns and is located at an altitude of 1,237m. It boasts a vibrant town centre with streets lined with charming traditional Alpine buildings. Selva is the sporting hub, located further up at 1,564m. S. Cristina is the third village, a beautiful town surrounded by meadows and mountains.
Dining in Val Gardena 
Michelin Star Restaurants
Suinsom
Situated in Selva, Suinsom is a Michelin-star restaurant specialising in contemporary Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s cosy, wood-panelled interior helps foster a warm and inviting environment, perfect for a memorable summer’s evening.
Alpenroyal Gourmet
An elegant dining experience awaits at the Michelin-starred Alpenroyal Gourmet in Selva di Val Gardena. Serving modern cuisine with an emphasis on the creative and the beautiful.
Anna Stuben
Located in Oritsei, Anna Stuben boasts a charming Alpine-inspired interior, which perfectly complements the menu. Inspired by seasonal ingredients, a creative approach is taken towards traditional South Tyrolean cuisine.
Mountainside Refuges
Nestled throughout the mountains, the Dolomites are home to numerous huts, each offering shelter – and, most importantly, delicious food and drink.
Almhotel Col Raiser
Alpine charm and tradition clings to the very walls of the Almhotel Col Raiser. Serving typical South Tyrolean cuisine amidst stunning mountain views, visitors will feel right at home here.
Piz Seteur
Located at 2,064m, the restaurant at Piz Seteur is a charming mountainside destination. Enjoy a varied menu, sampling flavours from the South Tyrol cuisine and the Meditteranean. Its bar and terrace are a great place to stop off for a drink in the sunshine.
The Troier Hut
Reachable from S. Cristina and Selva, the Troier Hut is situated at 2,250m. This family-run business offers typical South Tyrolean dishes, as well as a selection of homemade pastries.
Where to Stay in Val Gardena
Chalet Vilaiet
Sleeps 6+1 | Catered
Nestled in the Dolomites, Chalet Vilaiet is a beautiful luxury catered Alpine property, situated just a short drive from the villages of Selva and Oritsei. With its enviable position and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, Chalet Vilaiet lets in an abundance of light, treating guests to remarkable mountain views. A hub of relaxation, guests can also enjoy the chalet’s heated outdoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art spa facilities.
Lum D’Or Spa Chalet
Sleeps 6+2 | Self-Catered
A blissful mountain retreat, situated just a few minutes’ drive from Selva. As the name suggests, Lum D’Or is home to exceptional spa facilities, including a heated outdoor infinity pool, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and a hot tub. Meanwhile, the chalet’s sun terrace is the perfect place to soak up the mountain sun.
Chalet Sellaronda
Sleeps 10+2 | Catered
Chalet Sellaronda is a boutique property located in the village of Selva. Boasting 280 square meters of space, Chalet Sellaronda is an elegantly designed property, with traditional décor throughout that gives way to a warm and homely atmosphere. The chalet is a great option for families, with a spacious entertainment room with a pool table, bar and home cinema.
Chalet Villa Carolina
Sleeps 10 | Self-Catered
Chalet Villa Carolina is a beautiful self-catered alpine retreat located in the heart of the Dolomites. Surrounded by nature, Villa Carolina promises peace and relaxation, with panoramic views of the mountains and an outdoor whirlpool. Thoughtfully designed throughout, Chalet Villa Carolina spans over 600 square metres, sleeping 10 guests.
You can always view our full summer portfolio here.
