Selva Val Gardena holidays

© valgardena.it / Selva Val Gardena, Italy

Popular holidays

A traditional mountain town complete with views of the snow-capped Dolomites and green valleys is what's in store when you book a holiday to Selva Val Gardena.

Iconic mountains

Based in the heart of the Gardena Valley, Selva sits amongst the Dolomite Mountains. It’s a location that's great for both culture lovers and hikers, with winding paths leading to old churches and castles. A good option is the Sentiero della Via Crucis trail. This takes you up to Wolkenstein Castle which is built right into the rock face. The walk from the centre of town only takes around 25 minutes, but it's a good climb.

Charming traditions

Selva is a great destination for lovers of Italy’s traditions and charms. Discover the distinctive culture of the Ladin people at the Ladin Ciastel de Tor museum, or visit a local woodcarving workshop. You might even bring a piece home with you. Don’t forget to visit The Gherdeina Local Heritage Museum in Ortisei, where you’ll learn about the area’s cultural and natural history. When you’re done, sit back in a mountain café and have a coffee and something sweet, like crostoli or carfogn.

Walking adventures

Holidays to Selva Val Gardena are great for nature lovers and adventure seekers because of the rural, mountainous landscape. The area has plenty of walking paths. Many trailheads can be accessed on foot or by using the interlinked cable cars throughout the summer months. Build up your appetite for a delicious ravioli lunch by tackling the Keep-Fit Path – there are 18 exercises to complete over an hour. Or take the Vallunga Langental path to the museum, which takes around one hour.

Good to know

There won't be a TUI rep in Selva but there will be one at the airport when you arrive, to meet you and answer any questions you might have. If you have any other questions throughout your stay, our 24/7 TUI Service Centre is available to call at any time.

Out and about

Here are some experiences to try during your Selva Val Gardena visit:

• Guided mountain walks

• Mountain lifts

• Nordic walking

• Cycle routes

• Castle tours

Popular hotels in Selva Val Gardena

Top things to see and do in Selva Val Gardena

Shopping

Bargain buys

There are weekly food markets offering fresh fruit and local produce, as well as regular flea markets selling handmade crafts. You could find the perfect gift for loved ones back home.

Mid-range buys

You'll find a range of shops selling clothes, shoes and leather goods in Selva Val Gardena. Wood carving is a tradition here, and you could pick up a locally made souvenir or two.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

There are plenty of laid-back bars and restaurants in the town square and beyond, where you can relax with a nightcap before calling it a night.

Lively evenings

For a lively evening, head to the bars in the town. If you're lucky, you may be here when a summer party is in full swing, like the jazz or folk festivals.

Food & drink

Dumplings are go

The local cuisine is a unique mix of traditional Italian and Austrian. So alongside the expected pizza and pasta you'll find dumplings, schnitzel and apple strudel on the menu too.

Pizzas at La Bula

One place that always gets busy is La Bula. The menu has pages and pages of pizzas to choose from, so you might find yourself coming back to try a few different ones. And you can round off your meal in proper Italian fashion with a glass of grappa. Just note it's only open Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Coffee and pastry

Why not sit and watch the world go by in a café, with a piece of strudel and a coffee?

Getting about

Buses

Selva Val Gardena is well-served by buses, with stops at Piazza Nives and the Ciampinoi cable car station. You can head to nearby towns like Santa Cristina Val Gardena, Ortisei and Passo Gardena.

Summer lifts

If you'd like to enjoy the views of the Dolomites without having to hike, the Ciampinoi cable car, Dantercepies gondola and Mont de Seura chairlift are open all year round.

On foot

With plenty of pedestrianised streets, Selva Val Gardena is ideal for walkers. The cobbled squares and traditional timber buildings are the perfect backdrop for a stroll.

Walking

Walk the Via Crucis

The scenic Via Crucis route takes you from the centre of Selva past Wolkenstein Castle to St Silvestro Chapel. You'll finish in Vallunga Valley, where you can grab lunch in a mountain hut before heading home.