If you think the Dolomites are beautiful only in summer or winter… get ready to change your mind! Val Gardena in autumn is a real revelation—an explosion of colours, flavours, and timeless traditions.

The valley turns into a magical carpet of golden larches, the air fills with new scents, and nature offers up its seasonal fruits.

Want to immerse yourself with all your senses in this new season and enjoy unforgettable experiences? Here are some ideas.

Val Gardena in Autumn: Hiking, Cycling and Breathtaking Foliage

Autumn in Val Gardena is the perfect season for those who love walking or cycling in the silence of a fairy-tale atmosphere. Trails are still in excellent condition but far less crowded, the air is fresh, and the scenery is pure magic—especially at sunset, when the Dolomites glow with the famous Enrosadira.

If trekking is your favourite activity, don’t miss these trails:

Hiking Highlights

• Seceda: A must-see, whether you hike all the way or take the lifts (if still open).
• Peace Trail: A panoramic, contemplative walk through stunning landscapes.
• Resciesa Hut: Reward yourself with a traditional hot dish after the climb.

If you prefer exploring on two wheels, here are some MTB and e-bike routes for every level:

For MTB and e-bike lovers, Val Gardena offers routes for every level:

1. Rodaval Cycle Path – An easy, scenic 10 km route from Roncadizza to Plan (Selva di Val Gardena) with 430 m of elevation gain. Perfect for families, with picnic spots and stops in Ortisei, S. Cristina, and Selva.

2. Trail Arena Val Gardena – 13.9 km of pure adrenaline with six flow trails (3 easy, 2 intermediate, 1 freeride), all lift-served, surrounded by Dolomite peaks and autumn foliage.

3. Paravis / Family Flow / Easy Jump Trails (Piz Seteur) – Three short but fun runs accessible by chairlift:

• Paravis Trail: 2.8 km, 164 m descent, easy and panoramic.
• Family Flow: 3.5 km, 213 m descent, moderate, fun for all ages.
• Easy Jump: 2.2 km, 192 m descent, gentle jumps in the woods.

4. Passo Sella Tour (e-bike recommended) – From Selva to the Sella Pass (2,245 m) and back via the “City of Stones.” About 17 km, 796 m ascent, medium difficulty (S2).

5. Sellaronda MTB Tour – The legendary four-pass loop:

• Counter-clockwise: 56.7 km, 1,020 m ascent, high difficulty (S3), for experienced riders.
• Clockwise: Same distance but easier climbs thanks to lifts. Requires intermediate technique.

6. Exploring the Valleys – Vallunga, Alpe di Siusi, Rasciesa: from beginner-friendly forest rides to scenic high-altitude loops with mountain huts and funiculars.
Useful tips for bike rentals and group or private tours at the Seceda lift station in Ortisei you’ll find MTB School Ortisei, with expert guides and instructors offering bike rental, private or group tours, and local tips to make the most of your Dolomite adventure.

Flavours & Traditions: It’s Törggelen Time

Autumn in Val Gardena means Törggelen—the age-old tradition of tasting the year’s new wine alongside hearty South Tyrolean dishes. In rustic mountain huts and traditional taverns, you can savour dumplings, speck, roasted chestnuts, and freshly pressed grape must.

At La Bar in Ortisei, enjoy a traditional Ladin snack or sample fine wines paired with local delicacies.

In this Ladin-style bar, guests are taken on a culinary journey through South Tyrolean food and wine traditions – from breakfast to dinner.

If, on the other hand, you’d like to soak up the charm of an old tavern, Ristorante Traube awaits you in the heart of Ortisei with the flavours of Tyrolean cuisine. With its cosy and intimate atmosphere, wooden furnishings, and traditional tiled stoves, this little restaurant embodies all the warmth of South Tyrolean tradition. The menu features only a handful of dishes, each one following the rhythm of the seasons – a real treat for those in search of autumn delicacies.

Another corner of authentic culinary pleasure, where past and present intertwine, can be found in Selva. Ristorante Pizzeria Costabella is a place where cuisine meets South Tyrolean heritage, and the breathtaking views become part of the experience.

It’s the perfect spot to discover the history and culture of the region through its produce and recipes, lovingly passed down for generations in the same family..

Wellness & Relaxation

Many hotels in Val Gardena—especially in Ortisei—boast spas and wellness centres, ideal after a hike or ride among the autumn foliage.

Among them, the Alpenheim Charming Hotel & SPA truly stands out – a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Dolomites, where timeless traditions meet the highest standards of modern hospitality.

This elegant 4-star hotel, set in a panoramic location yet just a few minutes from the town centre, welcomes you with breathtaking views over Val Gardena and a warm, relaxing atmosphere.

It’s the perfect choice if you love combining wellness and nature. Alongside its dreamlike setting, Alpenheim offers a wonderful wellness area featuring an indoor pool, saunas, an outdoor whirlpool, and revitalising massages.

The rooms are cosy and spacious, furnished in elegant alpine style, while the restaurant serves South Tyrolean specialities with a gourmet twist – leaving the table without a smile is simply impossible.

In Val Gardena in autumn you don’t need elaborate plans—just a pair of hiking boots, a bike if you wish, and eyes wide open to wonder.

Are you ready to live an extraordinary experience?