If you are planning a Dolomites trip and want one place that makes everything easy, Val Gardena is one of the most popular bases to choose and for good reason.
Set between some of the most spectacular peaks in the Dolomites, the valley combines extraordinary mountain scenery with an exceptionally well-developed tourism infrastructure. It is particularly popular with families, thanks to the huge choice of activities, well-marked trails, lifts and mountain huts, as well as plenty of options for keeping everyone entertained when the weather turns.
The three main villages Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena each have their own character, but together they provide an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding mountains.
Why choose Val Gardena as your base?
The biggest advantage is simply choice.
From Val Gardena, you can spend one day hiking beneath the Sassolungo, another exploring the high trails of the Seceda ridgeline, and another taking an easy family walk through alpine meadows. You can use the lifts to gain altitude without exhausting the youngest members of the group, or simply enjoy the valley itself on foot or by bike.
For families, this flexibility is a major advantage. You don’t need to plan every day around a single major hike: there are short walks, playgrounds, mountain farms, adventure parks, scenic lifts, museums and indoor activities all within easy reach.
And when the weather is perfect, the choice becomes almost overwhelming.
Hiking for every level
Val Gardena is one of those rare places where serious mountain adventures and easy family walks coexist.
There are panoramic trails suitable for children, leisurely walks between alpine huts, longer hikes for experienced walkers and spectacular high-altitude routes for those looking for a real Dolomite experience.
Things to do with children
Val Gardena is particularly well suited to families.
The valley has built an impressive network of family-friendly attractions and mountain experiences, so a holiday does not have to revolve around hiking from morning to evening.
Depending on the age of your children, you can combine walks with:
- mountain playgrounds and adventure areas
- easy trails through forests and meadows
- cable-car rides with spectacular views
- bike rides and family cycling routes
- alpine farms and animal experiences
- adventure parks
- summer tobogganing and other outdoor activities
- museums and cultural attractions
On WD you’ll find:
- a stroller friendly hike to Tuffalm
- a stroller friendly hike to Tschötsch Alm
- a stroller friendly hike to Rauchhütte
- the Pana Raida trail
- a stroller friendly hike in Vallunga
- a family hike (strollers via cable car) on the Alpe di Marinzen
What to do on a rainy day
The Dolomites are a mountain destination, so rain is part of the experience. Val Gardena is one of the better places to be when the weather turns.
The valley and surrounding area offer a good selection of indoor activities, museums, swimming pools, wellness centres and family attractions, meaning that a rainy morning doesn’t necessarily mean a wasted day.
It is also worth remembering that mountain weather can be very local. A rainy forecast in the valley does not always mean that the entire region is wet and conditions can change quickly. Having a flexible itinerary is therefore particularly useful here.
On WD:
- Mar Dolomit swimming pool for families and wellness area
- Adler spa resort
- Nativity museum
Eating gluten-free in Val Gardena
For travellers with coeliac disease or strict gluten-free requirements, Val Gardena is also an unusually convenient destination.
South Tyrol has a strong food culture and a well-developed awareness of dietary requirements, and several restaurants, hotels and cafés in the valley cater specifically to gluten-free guests.
However, there is an important distinction between something being gluten-free and being safe for someone with coeliac disease.
When travelling with a serious gluten-free requirement, always explain that you need to avoid cross-contamination, rather than simply asking whether a dish contains gluten. The safest restaurants are those that understand dedicated preparation areas, separate utensils and the risk of flour contamination.
For Wild Dolomites, we recommend checking individual restaurants before visiting and looking specifically for places that can clearly explain their coeliac-safe procedures. We will be adding dedicated restaurant guides to help families find reliable options without having to research every menu themselves.
On WD:
Travelling with a van or a rooftop tent?
It’s a common misconception that you can’t overnight in a campervan, van or rooftop tent in the Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi area. While it’s true that there’s only one camping site in the area, it’s also true that there are a few options, among my favourites:
- a field in front of a hotel right at the beginning of the valley
- a parking area at the opposite side of the valley, shortly before the road leading to Gardena pass
- the parking area next to the cable car to Alpe di Siusi in Siusi (not currently allowed)
- a parking lot of a public outdoor swimming pool perfect for every access to alpe di Siusi
- small gravel parking spot almost on the trail to the alpe di Siusi (cable car- free!)
WD pearls
- reach alpe di Siusi and Seceda cable car – free (the alpe di Siusi is doable with a stroller too, altought very steep in the first section)
- (some) lakes are meant to be swimmed into!