Ortisei in Val Gardena - Summer and winter holiday place in the Dolomites

Ortisei is characterized by its outstanding position and its busy pedestrian area with many shops and bars

Ortisei in South Tyrol is Val Gardena's main town. The Val Gardena Valley is about 30 km long and is located in the north-western part of the South Tyrolean Dolomites, UNESCO's World Natural Heritage. Three townships belong to Val Gardena: Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva. All of them are a famous holiday destinations during every season.

The altitude of 1,236 m above sea level turns Ortisei into the ideal place for winter and summer holidays. It is the perfect starting point for passionate skiers as well as for ambitious hikers. The town, with its old and solid mercantile tradition and rich history, has a particular urban plan that blends harmoniously with the landscape. The centre and its pedestrian area are a wonderful meeting place but are also ideal for shopping. Seceda, Rasciesa and the Alpe di Siusi can be easily reached with comfortable lifts from the village centre.

Ortisei and its district S. Giacomo, home of the Jakoberhof, offer sunny fields and a nice view to the Sassolungo, the main symbol of Val Gardena.

The oldest tradition in Ortisei South Tyrol is the wood carving. Centuries ago, men spent the long winter months carving toys and other little souvenirs for the markets in the surroundings. In the last century it has become an art craft exported all over the world.