Ortisei (St. Ulrich) is the most vibrant and cosmopolitan town in Val Gardena, in the heart of the Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Famous for its centuries-old tradition of wood carving, the town combines typical Tyrolean architecture with a high-level tourist offering focused on wellness, sports, and gastronomy. Surrounded by the imposing peaks of Sassolungo and Seceda, Ortisei is the ideal starting point for exploring the summer trails and ski slopes of the Dolomiti Superski area, offering a complete and charming alpine experience.

What Our Travel Designers Recommend: Landscape, Art, and Architecture

• St. Jacob's Walk (Passeggiata di Sant'Giacomo) – An ancient panoramic church, reachable with a beautiful walk in the woods.
• Val Gardena Museum (Museo della Val Gardena) – Documents local history, traditional costumes, and especially the art of wood carving.
• Parish Church of St. Ulrich and the Holy Sacrament – Noteworthy for its imposing bell tower and the wooden works inside.
• Seceda and Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) – Panoramic points accessible with modern lifts, offering breathtaking views of the Dolomites.

Gastronomy and Typical Products: Ladin and South Tyrolean Flavors

• Canederli (Knödel) – Balls of stale bread, speck, and milk, served in broth or dry with melted butter and sage.
• Schlutzkrapfen – Half-moon pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, typical of Ladin cuisine.
• Speck Alto Adige IGP (South Tyrolean Speck) – The light smoking and air curing give it an unmistakable flavor.
• South Tyrol DOC Wines – Excellent white (like Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc) and red (Lagrein and Schiava) wines.

EXPERIENCES and Activities Selected by Our Local Experts

• Skiing in the Dolomiti Superski – Direct access to the Sellaronda and thousands of kilometers of slopes.
• Summer Trekking – Trails leading to alpine refuges and malghe (huts) where local products can be tasted.
• Visit to the Sculptors' Workshops – To admire the centuries-old art of wood carving, still very much alive today.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Ortisei (St. Ulrich)
• Official Val Gardena Tourism Website

Top 5 Recommended Accommodations

• Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti – An icon of luxury and wellness in the heart of the town.
• Hotel Gardena Grodnerhof – Luxury hospitality and a renowned wellness center.
• Alpina Dolomites Health Lodge & Spa – Although on Alpe di Siusi, it is closely connected and represents the peak of alpine luxury.
• Hotel Grien – Design and fine dining in a panoramic position.

Top 5 Recommended Restaurants

• Ristorante Gourmet dell'Hotel Gardena (1 Michelin Star) – Creative and refined cuisine, a benchmark for fine dining.
• Tubladel – Traditional alpine cuisine, known for meats and Tyrolean dishes.
• St. Hubertus (Hotel Grien) – Offers high-level cuisine in an elegant setting.
• Baita Sofie (Seceda) – Not a restaurant in the village, but a gourmet hut on the Seceda, essential for a complete Dolomitic experience.