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Val Gardena

The Dolomites in the Heart of South Tyrol

8 Days / 7 Nights
Walking

This tour takes you into the heart of South Tyrol, where soaring alpine peaks, blooming mountain meadows, and the rich traditions of Ladin culture come together in perfect harmony. From the bishop’s town of Bressanone, you will set out on varied stages that wind along scenic high trails, through charming mountain villages, and to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Dolomites. You will marvel at the jagged peaks of the Odle/Geisler group, traverse the vast high plateau of the Alpe di Siusi, and enjoy vistas that stretch as far as the Ortler and Großglockner. Beyond the stunning natural landscapes, you will encounter vibrant craftsmanship and historic sites: picturesque villages, serene churches, and remarkable cultural treasures such as Säben Abbey enrich your journey. This tour is filled with nature’s wonders and cultural encounters, revealing new facets of the Dolomites with each passing day.

 

On this mountain hiking holiday you experience the impressive Dolomites up close. In seven days and five hiking stages, the route leads you from the South Tyrolean villages of Niederdorf/Toblach to St. Vigil, Abtei und St. Kassian all the way to Cortina d’Ampezzoni in the Veneto and finally back to the starting point of your hiking tour in Niederdorf. What awaits you here will remain in your memory for a long time: great views and summit panoramas, picturesque alpine scenery and stunning hiking paths in the Dolomites, a World Heritage Nature Site. You will experience three cultural- and language areas in Italy.

  • Mountain Lake in Alta Badia: Lake Lagazuoi in South Tyrol, teeming with fish, is located at an altitude of around 2.180 metres and is so crystal-clear that even the impressive peaks of the Fanes-Dolomites are reflected in it.
  • South Tyrolean Specialities: There is enough time to taste the wonderful South Tyrolean specialities on this mountain hiking tour. On the hiking stage from Abtei to St. Kassian, you hike across alpine meadows with traditional rest stops which serve particularly tasty regional specialities.
  • Cortina d'Ampezzo: On the fifth day of your hiking holiday you reach the famous ski resort Cortina d’Ampezzo at 1224 metres above sea level, located in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Veneto.

This hiking holiday is assigned our level of hiking ‘Mountain Hiking’. You will experience the bizarre mountain world of South Tyrol and the Veneto along well-marked hiking paths, partly also on via ferratas. A good basic fitness level, surefootedness and a head for heights are required. Particularly relaxed: some of the hiking stages can be shortened by taking a cable car ride or a bus ride, for instance.

Itinerary at a glance

Between Bressanone, Val Gardena, and the Alpe di Siusi, you will experience the Dolomites in all their diversity: soaring peaks, blooming alpine meadows, and vibrant local traditions come together to make this tour an unforgettable journey.

Stroll through the charming streets, pause at Cathedral Square, and take in the grandeur of the magnificent castle complex – a captivating introduction to your upcoming journey.

Take the cable car up to the Plose, Bressanone’s local mountain. From 2,050 meters, a spectacular panorama unfolds: the striking Dolomites seem almost within reach. Your route winds through wide alpine meadows until the idyllic Ranui Chapel comes into view – a stunning sight that perfectly captures the harmony of nature and the South Tyrolean mountain landscape.

From St. Magdalena, you ascend to the Brogles Pass, where an awe-inspiring view of the Villnöß Odle/Geisler range with Sass Rigais (3,025 m) opens up. This mountain ridge separates Val di Funes from Val Gardena. You then descend through the heart of Puez-Geisler Nature Park into traditional Val Gardena, where St. Ulrich, St. Christina, and Wolkenstein lie invitingly in the valley below.

A short bus ride brings you to St. Christina, where your route leads up to the sun-drenched Seceda Alm. From there, a truly spectacular panorama unfolds: Dolomites stretching as far as the eye can see, with distant views reaching the Ortler and Großglockner. Especially impressive is the side view of the Geisler peaks – a scene among the most photographed in the Dolomites – and an unforgettable moment that captures the magic of this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

After the bus ride to Wolkenstein, your path continues via Plan de Gralba to the Tieja Pass and onward to the scenic Piz Sela. From here, enjoy stunning views of the Langkofel and Sella groups. The descent brings you back to St. Christina, where you can admire the world’s largest hand-carved nativity Scene – an impressive testament to Val Gardena’s traditional craftsmanship.

Take the cable car up to the famous Alpe di Siusi, stretching over 56 square kilometers – one of the largest high alpine pastures in the world. From this vantage point, your eyes roam across blooming meadows and gentle hills to the Langkofel, Plattkofel, and Schlern peaks. The plateau is home to remarkable plant diversity, with over 790 species recorded on this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, the cable car carries you back to Val Gardena, completing a perfect finale to your Dolomites adventure.

On the “Troi da la Posta”, follow in the footsteps of the past. The old postal trail, once connecting Chiusa with Val Gardena, is now a scenic route. From the sunny slopes, enjoy panoramic views, pass through spruce forests, and arrive at the picturesque village of St. Peter. A gentle descent over meadows brings you to Chiusa, where Säben Abbey towers majestically above the town. Return to Bressanone by train.

Day
08

Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Mountain Hiking

The trails follow clearly marked paths through meadows and forests and require no special skills. A good basic level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the high-altitude routes. On most days, you can choose between a shorter or longer hike, giving you the flexibility to tailor each day to your preferences.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***-hotels and guest houses
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Transfers according to program
  • 1 cable car ascent Plose
  • 1 cable car ascent and descent Alpe di Siusi
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20
  • If half board dinner (multi-course menu)
  • Optional cable car rides to shorten the stages on your own

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Arrival by train to Brixen
  • Innsbruck or Verona airport
  • Parken: paid hotel parking spaces, no reservation possible, payable on site

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
  • Minimum number of participants: 2 persons
  • Special dates for groups of min. 5 persons on request
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Sophia Altenberger

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Sophia Altenberger
Travel Specialist
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