Holidays in Selva

Combine an outdoor summer holiday with a unique alpine cultural experience; taste the food and soak up endless Dolomite views

Selva is one of three villages in the famous Val Gardena in the Dolomites. These mountains are like no other, not only in geological structure but in their unique beauty. The Dolomites are simply out of this world, with distinctive jagged tooth-like peaks that glow pink at dawn and dusk - a phenomenon called ‘enrosadira’. They’re so special, the whole range is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire area is a network of national parks, nature reserves and conservation areas, with festivals, concerts, fairs and sporting events taking place throughout summer - there is plenty on offer for the whole family.

Walking in the Dolomites from Selva

Buy a Dolomiti Supersummer pass to use the lifts and ramble across hundreds of kilometres of mountain trails with endless walking opportunities, or get a Gardena card if you want to stay local - this area has some of the best views, after all. Many beautiful trails start in Selva Gardena. One of the most popular is the Seceda Ridgeway, a 6-mile walk from the village centre to the top of the Seceda mountain, winding its way through lush meadows, dense forests and rocky terrain. All, of course, with unbeatable views. The Puez-Odle Nature Park, a protected area with some of the best Dolomite scenery, has a number of routes with varying difficulty, ranging from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes.

Family adventures in Selva 

The Val Gardena Active programme has lots of fun and free activities for kids and teens. With plenty of family-friendly hikes too! Set off together in search of adventure playgrounds or local wildlife. Teenagers will love the mountain lifestyle with plenty of things to do to get their adrenaline pumping, with zip-lining, hiking, mini-golf, and even mountain biking to try out

E-biking in and around Selva

Tackle the hills and cruise along valley paths with the help of an electric motor, giving you the time to take in the mountain views. It doesn’t get much better than an e-bike tour of mountain huts, or ‘rifugi’ as they call them, to combine outdoor adventure with local food and wine.

Selva's cultural experience

Selva is steeped in culture and history. It has a rich Ladin heritage, with its unique customs, traditions and cuisine to discover. The region was also strategic during World War I with battles fought between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces along the mountain fronts. Cut into the mountains here are caves and tunnels, which are open for visitors to explore on walks. 

Why book a summer holiday in Selva with Inghams?

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Selva include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Val Gardena Active Programme - offering a programme of activites and guided walks in the Val Gardena (discounts available only when staying at affiliated hotels)

Free Mobil Card with free use of Val Gardena & Alto Adige public buses

Inghams rep based in resort

Flights and transfers included

Exclusive to Inghams: Join up to two included walks with a professional, local guide (limited availability, pre-booking is essential)

Walking in and around Selva

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Selva

Selva is perfectly set up for walking and exploring the outdoors. There are some great opportunities to join guided walks and activities with the Val Gardena Active Programme, just book these at the tourist office the day before you want to go. Lots of our hotels are really outdoors focused and some offer their own guided walks. These are fantastic to go on as the hoteliers often take you out personally and show you what they love about the area. There are so many different landscapes to discover in the Val Gardena, from meadows and farms, to lakes and rocky mountain routes. It's also a great place for spotting local wildlife such as, horses, cows and even marmots!

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of Inghams guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Getting around Selva

Lifts

There are 18 lifts open in Val Gardena during the summer, normally from the beginning of June until early October. If you're planning to make good use of the lifts in the Val Gardena the Gardena Caris really useful and may even save you some money or if you want to explore further afield then the Dolomiti Supersummer pass gives you access to 120 lifts in 15 regions.

For more information on the cards mentioned above check out the 'Cards & Passes' section of this page.

Public Transport

For Inghams guests the public buses in the Val Gardena are free. All you have to do is take you Val Gardena Mobil Card with you and you'll easily be able to hop from town to town within the area. This opens up even more areas for you to explore!

Guided Walks

Inghams guided walks - included in your holiday

We’ve included two full-day walks per week in Selva, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional mountain guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The walks will run every Monday and Friday and you can add them onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see some of our planned routes below:

Mont Sëura – at the foot of the majestic Sassolungo

This circular walk takes you from the meeting point at the church square in Selva all the way to Monte Pana. On the walk you can hike up Mont Sëura to make the walk challenging but you'll have the option to take a chairlift up if you prefer. If you choose to walk up, it's a bit of a climb, but you'll be rewarded with fantastic views at the top. On the way back you'll pass a small lake with an iconic Dolomite backdrop and will be surrounded by mountains. To end the walk you'll head over to Pozzamanigoni and then back to Selva.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 13.5km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 4-5 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 543m
  • Terrain: A variety including gravelly paths and grassy terrain with some ascents and descents
  • Useful information: You'll stop at one of the mountain refugi where you can pay for lunch locally and there will be a few more huts along the walk if you need a break. There's a chairlift from Selva to Monte Pana (optional and payable locally, approx. €15 per person).

Stone City Walk

Starting at the church square you'll head up on the famous Ciampinoi cable car (payable locally) and begin the walk through the Cittá dei Sassi (rock city). The walk will pass along the Passo Sella to Plan de Gralba and is part of the very popular Sassolungo route. You'll have the chance to hop on the unique Sassolungo gondola to the Sassolungo-Forcella and visit the popular Toni Demetz Hut. This is an amazing place surrounded by a rocky landscape. On the way back you can either take the bus back to Selva from the Passo Sella or Plan de Gralba or you can walk back to Selva.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 11.9km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 4 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 170m (ascent) & 875m (descent)
  • Terrain: A variety including well-kept mountain paths, hilly terrain and rocky paths with some ascents and descents (there may be some loose terrain)
  • Useful information: You'll stop at one of the mountain huts along the way where you can pay for lunch locally. There are a few huts on the route where you can stop for breaks if needed. During the walk you'll take the Ciampinoi cable car (payable locally, approx. €18 one way, per person). You'll also have the option to take the Sassolungo cable car (payable locally, approx. €28 per person return).

In the Heart of the Puez Odle Natural Park

This walk takes you through the stunning Puez Odle Natural Park which is a protected area. This walk is slightly harder however its fantastic scenery and UNESCO sites make it worth it. During the walk you'll have the opportunity to stop off at the Rifugio Firenze which has a large outdoor seating area, perfect for soaking up those views! You can then choose to walk up to the Mastlé - Santa Cristina Panoramic Balcony which is part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site and has breath-taking views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 16km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 5-6 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 783m
  • Terrain: A variety including gravel paths, rocky paths, meadows and curated mountain paths with some ascents and descents (there may be some loose terrain)
  • Useful information: You'll stop at the Rifugio Firenze where you can pay for lunch locally and there'll be another hut along the walk (the Juac Hut) if you need a comfort break. During the walk you'll take the Col Raiser cable car (payable locally, approx. €19 one way and €28 return, per person). You'll take a public bus back to Selva at the end of the walk (free with the Val Gardena Mobil Card).

UNESCO Natural Heritage Site - Puez Odle

Head up in the Dantercepies gondola (payable locally) and discover the UNESCO Puez Odle Natural Park which has remained un-changed for centuries. You’ll walk up the Forcella Crespeina pass and along the fantastic Vallunga all the way back to Selva where the walk will end. During the walk you'll get a fantastic view of the Sella group mountain range and you'll be immersed in the rocky landscape over the Gardena Pass.

    • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
    • Distance: 11km
    • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 4 hours)
    • Ascent/Descent: 488m (ascent) & 1,235m (descent)
    • Terrain: Rocky paths with some gravel and well-kept mountain paths with ascents and descents (there may be some loose terrain)
    • Useful information: You'll stop at the Forcella Crespeina pass where you'll have a comfort break and have some food and a drink. Please note that you will need to bring your own food and drink on this walk. During the walk you'll take the Dantercepies gondola (payable locally, approx. €22 return, per person).

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash for mountain huts/transport. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Our Favourite Walks

The walking in Selva is so good that every route could be classed as a favourite, but here are just a few routes that we really love:

Panascharte to the Seceda

  • Easy to moderate hike
  • 8 kilometres
  • One of the most popular hikes in Val Gardena with views of the Odle peaks

This walk begins with the cable car in Ortisei and takes you to one of the most popular spots in Val Gardens. The stunning Seceda is a 2,519 metre high mountain and part of the Puez Nature Park. It's the best place to go for views of the Odle Group. That means in can get busy in summer so plan to set off early.

Pic Mountain

  • Moderate hike
  • 7 kilometres
  • 360 degree views of Val Gardena

You'll feel on top of the world at the summit of Pic Mountain. Take the cable car from San Cristina and hike along to Sëurasas, one of the most scenic look outs in Val Gardena, and the summit of Mount Pic for uninterrupted, 360 degree views of the the Dolomite mountain ranges.

Round the Sassolongo group

  • Challenging hike
  • 17 kilometres
  • Stunning landscapes

Start on the Ciampinoi lift and hike towards the well-known rock formations of the stone city and to the Passo Sella. Follow the Friedrich August path and take in the stunning views over Seiser Alm, the biggest high alpine pasture in Europe.

More great walking route inspiration

You can view lots more recommended routes with interactive maps on the Val Gardena Tourist Office website. You can also see the opening status of the routes here.

Useful Information & Guidelines

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for hiking around Val Gardena. You can rent walking poles in resort from around €8 per day.

Walking maps

Val Gardena Outdoor is available for free on Google Play or the App Store and has quite a few walks on there to get you started. For paper maps, we recommend Kompass 59 or Kompass 76.

Hiking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

  • Plan your route well and don't over-estimate yourself
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
  • Take all the recommended equipment
  • Make a note of emergency numbers:
    • Italian Emergency Services: 112
  • Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
  • Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
  • Always leave gates as you found them
  • Leave no trace

  • from£739pp
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Hotel Oswald has a fantastic location in the centre of Selva. It's just 500 metres from the Ciampinoi lift, which will take you up to some stunning walking routes.

  • from£724pp
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Hotel Aaritz has fantastic levels of service and a cosy Tyrolean style. It's opposite the Ciampinoi lift, so it's in the ideal location for discovering all the walking trails Selva has to offer. If relaxation is on the agenda, a visit to the spa is well worth it before heading to the bar to enjoy a drink.

  • from£744pp
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Hotel Mignon, Exterior

This Hotel Mignon offers friendly hospitality and stylish interiors with comfortable guest rooms, a wonderful restaurant and state-of-the-art spa.

  • from£749pp
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    3.5 Rating

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The Hotel Pralong's a small, homely hotel just a ten-minute walk from the village centre and the local amenities and has loads of fantastic walks on its doorstep.

  • from£879pp
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  • 18 rooms
Rodella (12) (1)

The family-run Rodella is a perfect base for walkers - just 15 minutes from the nearest lift with a free shuttle bus on request. This is an idyllic mountain retreat, in a perfect location for walking and complete with a modern wellness area and fantastic local food.

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Hotel Somont, Exterior

Hotel Somont has been really well maintained and is always being updated - the whole place feels fresh and modern. Our part of the hotel is the spa - we love the indoor pool and choice of saunas.

  • from£1009pp
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dolomites_selva_hotel-antares_bedroom.jpg (2)

If you're looking to get back to nature then the Hotel Antares has everything you need for a cosy alpine getaway with great access to Selva's Ciampinoi gondola. You won't be able to get enough of the Val Gardena's striking mountain scenery and picturesque walking trails.

  • from£1079pp
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Summer Facade

Mountain Home Garni Villa Anna is a great quality chalet-style hotel in Selva. Its modern but cosy and traditional style will make you feel right at home. You can easily head out to one of Selva's many walking trails from here and immerse yourself in the Val Gardena's natural beauty.

  • from£1589pp
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26052023 MRP3728 Mattiarizzi Fullres

Hotel Stella's a beautiful family run hotel in the centre of Selva. Run by the Demez family this elegant hotel has loads of activities on offer. It's the perfect spot for a sophisticated mountain getaway.

Val Gardena Cards & Passes

Free Val Gardena Mobil Card

You'll get a free Val Gardena Mobil Card when you stay at any of our hotels. It gives you unlimited travel on all public transport in South Tyrol. Including the historic Ritten Railway.

Gardena Card

The Gardena Card is very useful if you're planning to use the lifts in the Val Gardena a lot. Round trips start from about €24 so it may be worth buying the card, which will give you unlimited access for:

  • €103 per adult for three consecutive days
  • €135 per adult for six consecutive days
Dolomiti Supersummer Pass

Make the most of the Dolomite lift network

The Dolomiti Supersummer pass is really useful if you want to explore the mountains to the max! It gives you access to 120 lifts in 15 Dolomite regions. This is a great deal if you know you're going to be spending a lot of time riding around in lifts. For more information on the card and prices visit the Dolomiti Supersummer website.

You can buy this card online in advance of your holiday.

Things to do in Selva

Enjoy activities with the Val Gardena active programme

Get involved with as many activities as you want with the Val Gardena active programme. They include guided walks, Nordic walking tasters, food & wine experiences, climbing, biking and lots more. Activities are either free or discounted when you stay at affiliated hotels.

Affiliated hotels include: Hotel Oswald, Hotel Rodella, Hotel Aaritz, Hotel Mignon, Hotel Somont, Hotel Stella

Test out your climbing skills on a via ferrata

Our favourite is the via ferrata Mesules. You'll need to be in good shape for this one but it's great if you want a challenge and you'll see almost the entire Sella Group on the descent.

Thrilling mountain biking trails

Mountain biking in the area is second to none. Head for the freeride trails or stick with the gentle the winding routes on the family line - both are fun. Best of all the lifts take you to the top of the runs, so all you need to do is enjoy the ride down.

Incredible local food

The food won’t disappoint here. Typical mountain fare has more Austro-Hungarian influences than it does Italian but don't worry it’s easy to stumble upon fresh, stone-baked pizzas. Plan your hikes around the mountain huts where you can have lunch - there's more than 60 to choose from.

Visit Val Gardena's villages

Head along the road to the pretty villages of San Cristina and Ortisei, they're linked by the fascinating Val Gardena railway trail. Both villages are soaked in tradition with local markets, pretty churches and boutique shops. There's even craft breweries. Not to mention the spectacular mountain panoramas.

Family activities in Selva

Walking trails for all the family

There are plenty of family friendly walks in Selva. Family friendly walks will have easier and mild gradients available, with wide trails where children will have plenty of space to play and explore. Many walks will also have refreshment stops to sit back and relax at one of the mountain huts or to enjoy a picnic. Some of the resort favourite family friendly walks are The Ledgent Trail, Walk through the Val D’Anna and Hike to Brogles Hut.

Val Gardena Kids Active & Junior Active

Each summer from June to September, Val Gardena offers an action packed programme of activities for all young explorers from ages 6 to 12 years old. There is so much fun to be had for all young explorers, ready for their next adventure. Kids Active & Junior Active runs for five days per week and offers a vast range of activities. Spend the week hiking through the forest with the nature park guide learning all about the inhabitants that live there. Fancy something creative, learn how natural materials can be used to create surprising things or turn your hands to clay. There is so much more fun on offer too!

Mountain Adventures

There is no shortage of mountain fun in Selva. With over five adventure playgrounds to choose from with an endless amount of fun equipment for children to play on. Take to the 10 metre long slide at the Pranives Children’s Playground, or take a pit stop at the Val D’Anna Playground set amongst a walking path where children can burn their energy on the playhouse and climbing equipment whilst taking in those glorious mountain views.  

Fancy an adventure with a height? Head to the Col de Flam Adventure Park with a roof top rope adventures for children of all ages.

The Mar Dolomit is an activity not to be missed, offering an outdoor pool, and 4 indoors pools which include a children’s and baby pool too – plus there is a children’s slide!

Good to know

Hiking trails: 600km of hiking trails and easy access to other valleys and mountains in the Dolomites

Terrain: Varied terrain from mountain climbs to flat, grassy meadows

Best time to go: June to mid September. It can get hot in August but the high altitude walks are a great way to cool off

Best for: Walkers of all abilities, families, nature and activities 

Fly into: Verona

Fly from: Manchester, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stansted, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours 30 mins by coach

Resort: Free Mobil Card 

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