Many travelers get confused when looking for Val Gardena on a map. Are we in Italy? Are we in Austria? Why do the signs have three languages?
Here is the reality: Val Gardena (Gröden) is a side valley of the Isarco Valley in South Tyrol, Northern Italy. While politically Italian, the culture is deeply Tyrolean, and the primary language is Ladin (an ancient Rhaeto-Romance language), followed by German and Italian.
We are situated directly in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, specifically bordering the famous Sella Massif.
The Short Answer
- Country: Italy (Northern region)
- Province: South Tyrol (Südtirol / Alto Adige)
- Nearest Major City: Bolzano (40km southwest)
- Nearest Airports: Bolzano (BZO), Innsbruck (INN), Verona (VRN)
- The Three Villages: Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva
You will notice everything here feels Austrian—from the architecture to the food. This region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1919. Don’t be surprised if locals greet you with “Grüß Gott” instead of “Buongiorno.”
The Three Towns: A Geography Guide
Val Gardena consists of three main villages, strung along a single road (SS242) that climbs up the valley. Understanding the order is crucial for booking your hotel.
1. Ortisei (St. Ulrich) - 1,236m
The first town you reach coming from the highway. It is the largest, most “chic” village with a pedestrian center. It connects to the Seceda mountain and Alpe di Siusi. Seceda vs Ciampinoi: Where to Ski
Seceda Cable Car
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2. Santa Cristina (St. Christina) - 1,428m
The geographic center. It is quieter and sits directly beneath the Sassolungo mountain. It is the logistical heart, hosting the FIS Ski World Cup downhill course.
3. Selva (Wolkenstein) - 1,563m
The highest village at the end of the valley. Selva is the “Sport Hub” located directly on the Sellaronda ski loop. Sellaronda Strategy: Orange vs Green If you want ski-in/ski-out convenience, this is often your best bet.
Ciampinoi Gondola
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How to Get Here (Arrival Logistics)
For a detailed breakdown of trains, buses, and flights, read our complete guide: How to Get to Val Gardena (Complete Guide)
By Car
This is the most common way to arrive. You will take the A22 Brenner Motorway.
- From North (Innsbruck/Munich): Drive south over the Brenner Pass.
- From South (Verona/Milan): Drive north past Bolzano.
- The Exit: You must exit at Chiusa/Val Gardena. From there, it is a 20-30 minute drive up a winding mountain road to reach Ortisei.
From November 15th to April 15th, winter tires or onboard snow chains are mandatory by law in South Tyrol. Police checks are frequent.
Unsure if you need chains vs. socks? Read our detailed guide. Winter Tire Rules in Val Gardena
By Train
The valley itself has no train station (the historical train line closed in 1960).
- Destination Station: You should book tickets to Bolzano (Bozen) or Bressanone (Brixen).
- The Connection: From these stations, the Bus 350 runs regularly (every 30-60 mins) directly into Val Gardena. The ride takes about one hour.
By Plane
- Bolzano (BZO): The closest airport (45 mins). Serviced by SkyAlps.
- Innsbruck (INN): 1.5 hours away. Great for winter charters.
- Verona (VRN): 2 hours away. The main international hub for the Dolomites.
- Milan/Munich: 3.5 - 4 hours away.
Local Insider Tip
If you rely on Google Maps, be careful with the Mountain Passes. In summer, navigating via the Passo Gardena or Passo Sella is scenic and beautiful. In winter, however, these passes can close temporarily due to heavy snow or avalanche risk. Always trust the highway signs (A22) over your GPS if it tries to route you through high mountain passes during a storm.
