Ortisei: the historic center of Val Gardena

Ortisei is the most important municipality in Val Gardena. It lies close to the Dolomites, and due to this position it is a renowned and wonderful holiday center. 

It reaches to the slopes of the mount Rasciesa and it lies on the orographic right of the rio Gardena river and includes the hamlets of Bulla, San Giacomo and Roncadizza. A lively old town, featuring many cafés and renowned shops, and then a well-preserved Ladin tradition, an excellent cooking, walks, museums and permanent exhibitions. 

What to see in Ortisei

The center features a pedestrian itinerary which is ideal for strolling, whereas the house of Ladin culture and the Ladin museum allow visitors to discover the traditions of this land. In the permanent exhibition ART52 you can admire the works of local sculptors. 

Furthermore, there are many monuments and churches you can admire There are many monuments and churches, inside which you can admire some of the most beautiful works by Val Gardena sculptors. The eighteenth-century parish church of St. Ulrich is worth a visit for its Renaissance and Baroque elements and artistic sculptures, and the Church of St. James for its Baroque high altar, whose statues were made by the Vinazer family of artists.  

If you want to do some sport, you will find many facilities: fitness and tennis center, indoor and outdoor pools, pitch and putt course, billiard. And to relax, the public sauna. 

Summer in Ortisei

There are many walks and hikes starting in Ortisei: through the woods, towards the old railway or in Val d'Anna, to the refuge Rifugio Firenze, to the Ladin mountain or along the Troi Pajan, a very old path in the forest, or in the new adventure path. If you prefer going by bike, the Ortisei Brogles or the Odle tour are the right things for you!

Winter in Ortisei

The direct connections with the Seceda, Alpe di Siusi and Rasciesa ski and trekking areas will take you to one of the most extraordinary slope and path carousel in the Dolomites. 

And if you come in January and February, don't miss the snow and ice sculpture competition.

How to get to Ortisei

By car: from the Brennero motorway, for those coming from the south the exits are Bolzano Nord or Chiusa Val Gardena. From Chiusa Val Gardena take the Val Gardena state road SS242d and in about twenty minutes you will reach Ortisei. The Bolzano Nord exit takes you onto the SS12 Brennero state road, which you drive north to Ponte Gardena. Turn right over the bridge, take the second exit at the roundabout and follow the SS242 through the tunnel. In 15 minutes you arrive in Ortisei.

By train: The stops are Bressanone and Bolzano. From there you can continue by bus.

By plane: the nearest airports are Bolzano, Verona, Venice, Bergamo, Milan, Innsbruck and Munich. Buses and shuttle buses connect the various airports with Val Gardena several times a day.