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.
A new 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.
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.
Walking in the Dolomites from Selva
Buy a Dolomiti Supersummer pass to use the lifts and ramble across hundreds of kilometres of mountain trails, 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 ones 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
The Val Gardena Active programme has lots of fun and free activities for kids and teens. There are also plenty of family-friendly hikes. 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.
Why book a summer holiday in Selva with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Selva's best activities at your own pace.
Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Selva. Join a professional mountain guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).
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.