Top 5 hikes in Val Gardena

The Dolomites have always been among the top hiking areas in the Alps and are arguably one of the most diverse mountain regions anywhere. Enchanting larch forests and meadows alternate with rugged, steep rock faces and sheer cliffs. Scattered throughout are picturesque mountain huts and lakes – what more could a hiker's heart desire? We've selected the most beautiful hikes in Val Gardena and present the region's "best of." The region's landmark, the Sassolungo (Langkofel), soars 3181 meters into the sky and is a true eye-catcher. While many tours here are reserved for climbers, there are also some truly worthwhile, easy hikes on and around this imposing mountain, especially on the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm). This plateau, situated at an altitude of approximately 1800 meters, is the largest alpine pasture in the Alps and a true paradise for leisurely hikers. From the starting points of Selva di Val Gardena, Santa Cristina, and Ortisei, numerous cable cars further shorten many hikes.

Tour 1: Seiser Alm Circular Trail

The Seiser Alm lies in the shadow of majestic Dolomite mountains and is the largest alpine pasture in the Alps. The path leads us across picturesque alpine meadows through the beautiful high plateau. At every turn, breathtaking views of the imposing rock formations beyond the Seiser Alm unfold. And best of all: thanks to the cable car, you hardly have to break a sweat to enjoy such a view!

2: 45 pm

500 m

5,4 km

Condition

Difficulty

experience

Starting point in the valley : St. Ulrich

Cable car access : Yes

Places to eat : Many restaurants and hotels

Suitable for children : Yes

Tour 2: From the Seiser Alm to the Tierser Alpl Hut

The hike from the Seiser Alm to the Tierser Alpl Hut leads us to the southern edge of the large high plateau. The cable car first takes us to a respectable starting altitude of 2009 m. From there, the trail leads gently uphill southwards across alpine meadows to the Roßzahnscharte pass. From there, it's just a short detour to the Tierser Alpl Hut, which is the perfect place to stop for refreshments.

4: 30 pm

560 m

725 m

7,0 km

Condition

Difficulty

experience

Starting point : Compatsch

Cable car access : Yes

Places to stop for refreshments : Tierser Alpl Hut

Suitable for children : Yes

Tour 3: From Seceda to Wolkenstein

This tour begins with a leisurely cable car ride from St. Ulrich to Seceda. From the very start, fantastic views of the Dolomites unfold before you. The rock pinnacles of Gran Fermeda, Sas Rigais, and Furcheta are particularly impressive with their forbidding steepness. We, however, take the easy path down through idyllic meadows, past small mountain lakes and several restaurants to Selva di Val Gardena. A truly magnificent tour with an ever-changing mountain panorama!

2: 00 pm

70 m

970 m

5,2 km

Condition

Difficulty

experience

Starting point in the valley : St. Ulrich

Cable car access : Yes

Places to stop for refreshments : Regensburger Hütte, Schuatschhütte, Troier Alm

Suitable for children : Yes

Tour 4: Around the Langkofel

The tour around the Langkofel is undoubtedly one of the region's highlights. It offers the opportunity to discover this multifaceted and impressive mountain from every perspective. The route first takes us by cable car to the Langkofel Pass and from there into the breathtaking rocky landscape of the Langkofel cirque. We then hike below the mighty north and east faces of the massif – our gaze is constantly drawn to the heavens. Finally, the boulder labyrinth of the Stone City awaits exploration – all in all, a truly diverse circuit around a prominent Dolomite peak.

6: 00 pm

960 m

7,1 km

Condition

Difficulty

experience

Starting point in the valley : Sella Pass

Cable car access : Yes

Places to stop for refreshments : Sellajochhaus, Toni-Demetz-Hütte, Langkofelhütte, Comicihütte

Suitable for children : Yes

Tour 5: From Col Raiser to the Puez Hut

The crossing from Col Raiser to the Puez Hut, suitable for experienced hikers, and the subsequent descent to Selva di Val Gardena lead us into the diverse landscape of the Puez Plateau. First, we take the cable car up to Col Raiser and pass the Regensburg Hut to reach the Forces de Sielles. Here we finally arrive in the barren karst landscape and hike along the Val Gardena High Trail to the Puez Hut and back down into the valley to Selva di Val Gardena.

4: 45 pm

580 m

1120 m

8,7 km

Difficulty

Endurance

Landscape

Starting point in the valley : St. Christina

Cable car access : Yes

Places to stop for refreshments : Almgasthof Col Raiser, Odles-Hütte, Regensburger Hütte, Puezhütte

Suitable for children : Yes