Val Gardena extends over about 25 km in the north-western part of the The Dolomites, in South Tyrol. The territory extends from Ponte Gardena, rising up to the Sella Group, with the Sella and Gardena Passes.
The Trentino area today experiences a great "tourist breath", starting from Pontives, where we actually find the linguistic border between German and the Ladin language. It is in this area exactly that the Ladin valley opens up.
History of Val Gardena
Val Gardena presents archaeological finds that indicate forms of life in a remote era. Interesting finds, found in Val Gardena, and precisely at "Plan de Frea" date back to the primitive age. Archaeologists frame them around the year 6000 BC; these are arrowheads, needles and many other tools, and prehistoric finds present throughout the Dolomites area of Trentino Alto Adige. It is probably about vestiges of ancient hunters, who in the summer sought shelter under the enormous rock at “Plan de Frea”.
The hypothesis is plausible, since in the most rigid months, a permanent stay would have been very difficult. Subsequent findings on the "Col de Flam", near Ortisei, concern bronze buckles, jewels, iron axes, Gallic sabers and primitive rural tools. These artifacts would go back to 400 BC, so we see a leap of five thousand years. Instead, the first documents on Val Gardena date back to the year 999.
In Val Gardena from sculpture to trekking
That year, Count Otto von Andechs handed Bishop Gotschalk, the "Forestum ad Gredine", that is the wooded area of Val Gardena. Imposing vestiges of the valley's 2000-year history can be found everywhere: "Benunìte Gherdeina!" This is how the locals greet; defending their ancient language. Over time, local tradition has developed craftsmanship into the mastery of sculpture, transforming craftsmanship into art.
What once served to supplement a meager salary is now an internationally appreciated art; a very important source of income together with tourism for Trentino! Works of particular value are exhibited in the Museum of Heritage of Val Gardena in Ortisei. Here is a permanent exhibition, dedicated to Louis Trenker; the climber, architect and director, who experienced the mountain as an adventure. This beautiful valley, once difficult to access, today it is a destination for skiers and nature lovers who prefer hiking, trekking, and climbing.
Visit Trentino Alto Adige between nature and ibex
Trentino Alto Adige has a unique charm; the peaks of the surrounding giants The Dolomites, attract visitors and sports enthusiasts with unique views. Jagged peaks they follow one another in blocks of rock that adorn Val Gardena in all its length, from Ponte Gardena to the Sella Group. Dense coniferous forests stretch out on the slopes like a regenerating green carpet.
Trentino has always had a great skiing vocation, in fact, when spring arrives, at the foot Sassolungo, Sella and Odle; you still ski under the sun. Further down you can enjoy the flowering of crocuses in Vallunga. A short break, and lo and behold the implants ski they are ready to reopen for the summer season! The Adige Valley, as beautiful as few, attracts thousands of tourists every year, as well as Lake Garda, and the magnificent medieval castles.
Stelvio National Park
Those who love nature are attracted to Trentino Alto Adige from the majestic oaks, chestnuts, spruces, larches and birches. It is not uncommon to meet roe deer, and ibex, i which were extinct and then reintroduced in Stelvio National Park.
Until the sixties, the deer, on the other hand, the marmot lives between 2000 and 3000 m. There are many in the pre-Alpine region gray hares. So, for example, those who want to visit the park National Stelvio, established in 1935, will not be disappointed.
