Italy

Selva Val Gardena

  The rocky Alps of Alto Adige, are among the most dramatic alps in Europe

There are no less than 18 peaks rising above 10,000 feet, formed of dolomite limestone and porphyry, a combination which turns soft pink at sunrise and flaming red at dusk. Selva, at the top of the Val Gardena, is on the edge of the Puez-le-Odle National Park. The Sella group is at the head and opposite the Puez group is the Sassolungo. Plenty of variety for all levels of hiking ability.

val gardena card

sella ronda card

There are several cable cars in the valley to enable easy access to the peaks and the Gardena Card is excellent value for money giving 7 days unlimited access to the cablecars and buses, available from the Tourist Office.

The card will easily pay for itself in 3 days. You can buy the card any time during your stay and the 7 day period starts the first time you use it. The cable car pass and bus pass are two separate tickets so in theory you could walk to local cablecars first and then use the bus ticket for later on in the week - thereby extending your card. Whilst you are getting your Gardena Card and walking map from the Tourist office buy a booklet with the mountain huts in so that you can stamp it when you reach the hut and earn a walking badge at the end of your stay.

There are also daily passes for the Sella Ronda - to travel round the four passes by various forms of transport (outside of Gardena Card validity) and walks. The route can be done in either direction (itineraries are given with the card and 8 hours are needed) but personal experience found it impossible to complete in one day due to infrequency of the buses and closure of a vital chairlift ! - so take your time, enjoy the marvellous scenery and spread it over 2-3 days. I would not recommend the Sella Ronda Card, unless you are superfit - buy transport tickets as required.