Hit the mountain trail

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Delight in the Dolomites and discover a real haven for hikers among the mountain pastures and forests of Val Gardena valley in South Tyrol…

If you’re looking for some wonderful walking this summer, pack your boots and head for Val Gardena valley (Gröden to the German-speaking section of its population) in Italy’s South Tyrol. The stunning landscape of mountain pastures, cool forests and pretty alpine villages stretches beneath the soaring peaks of the mighty Dolomites, providing a natural paradise for walkers. Already a popular winter sports destination, Val Gardena has much to offer its summer visitors too. One of the best ways of exploring this idyllic region is on foot. Walkers can discover trails to suit every ability, from a gentle stroll through the valley’s lush meadows to more challenging treks in the higher mountainous terrain. One of the most popular hiking regions is between the magnificent peaks of the Odle, the Sella Mountains and Alpe di Siusi (the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe). And the unique six-hour trail around the Sasso Lungo massif affords fantastic views of almost all the mountain chains in the western Dolomites. Experienced guides are available for both the leisurely and more challenging routes. And wherever you walk, breathtaking scenery is guaranteed – the South Tyrol has eight nature reserves and one national park. Val Gardena’s climate helps to make a holiday here even more enjoyable in the summer months, and walking in the mountains is possible right up until mid-October.

Of course, walking isn’t the only way to get around here. Other great ways to explore the mountains include cycling along the many mountain bike trails and riding –just hop on an indigenous Haflinger pony. Or, if you feel like tackling something more extreme, why not try rock-climbing? Or try out the via ferrate, the iron rope system originally used to transport people and equipment in the First World War?

For those who want to just take it easy, Val Gardena is also a great place to relax and unwind. Visit the charming villages and check out the area’s world-famous wood-carvers. Enjoy delicious Italian coffee and sample the region’s excellent wines and food specialities such as Speck, the distinctive local ham, crafuncins (a form of ravioli), local cheese and tasty crafons (poppy seed pastries). Classical music concerts take place from July to September, and this summer there will be a celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Val Gardena’s most famous inhabitant, mountaineer and Hollywood-actor Luis Trenker, with film evenings, exhibitions and a themed walk to the locations where he filmed.