Hikes in Ortisei

Ortisei in Val Gardena lies at 1237 meters above sea level and is the main town of Val Gardena in South Tyrol. The municipality is located approximately in the middle of the valley running from east to west, which itself is a side valley of the Valle Isarco. It is surrounded by numerous mountains and alpine pastures. The Dolomites of Val Gardena belong to several groups and, as far as their shapes are concerned, are among the most impressive and varied mountains of the Alps. The region, and Ortisei in particular, is also famous for its woodcarving art, which finds expression in countless wooden statues, wooden figures and wooden toys, and which, in addition to tourism, still represents an important economic sector for the town. The town represents the commercial and administrative center of the entire valley and offers its guests a variety of leisure activities, even apart from hiking.

Ortisei in Val Gardena, with its picturesque valley and majestic mountains and rock formations, is naturally made for hiking. The numerous hiking trails in and above the valley offer ample opportunities to gather lasting impressions. The local mountains include, for example, the Rasciesa in the north, the Pitschberg and the Seceda. The Rasciesa is more of a mountain range with a sloping summit plateau, which offers plenty of space for a high alpine pasture. For those who prefer the fast and comfortable way from Ortisei, the Raschötzer Bahn is a funicular railroad that not only looks impressive with its 2402 meters of operating length, but is also the longest of its kind in South Tyrol. The mountain station is located at the Rasciesa alpine pasture at 2122 meters and is also the starting point for other hiking trails.

One of the most impressive hiking routes is, for example, the Raschötz-Runde, which offers magnificent mountain panoramas in all directions on its 8 km from beginning to end. The highest point is the Außerraschötz with 2281 m. The tour takes about three hours. If you use the cable car, you can reach the starting point comfortably. Despite the cable car ride, not all of the climb has been mastered, because there are still 288 meters left for hikes along the circular route - and every single one of them is worthwhile!

When visiting Ortisei, hiking trips through the Dolomites are not to be missed. Among the comparatively easy hikes is the alpine pasture hike on the Sedeca over 9.3 km with a total of 490 meters in altitude. Towards the southwest, the Sedeca offers a rich alpine landscape with wide meadows before it drops steeply towards the northwest. The starting point of the circular hike is S. Cristina in Val Gardena, from where the path can be reached by cable car. The route starts at the top station of the Col Raiser cable car at 2102 meters, which is also the finishing point of the circular trail.

You don't always have to go high up. The village of Ortisei itself also offers beautiful paths and themed trails for short or long hikes in the valley. Short hikes with small differences in altitude are also well doable for children. To get to know the village and its views, it is best to take a walk on the village circuit along the Luis Trenker promenade, named after the famous Val Gardena mountaineer and movie star. Perfect for children is also a trip to the Kneipp course in the Annatal, where there is a large playground to let off steam.

If you are not afraid of a few meters of altitude, hike to the church of St. Jakob and enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire Sassolungo massif high above the village. The church is one of the most popular photo motifs in Ortisei. Things get historic on the hike on the valley floor on the Gardena railroad path, which leads east to Selva Gardena. The wide panoramic path, which is also suitable for strollers, not only offers beautiful views, but also provides information about the exciting history of the Val Gardena railroad at many information points.