Dolomites: Highlights of Val Gardena - 8 days
ItalyDolomites

Dolomites: Highlights of Val Gardena - 8 days

8 Days
Moderate to Challenging

Dolomites: Highlights of Val Gardena - 8 days

from $2,980 / person

Overview

Embark on a self-guided walking holiday that unveils the breathtaking beauty of the Val Gardena and the Dolomites. Starting in the Villnöss region, where ancient architecture intertwines with stunning landscapes, this journey offers a soothing escape into nature. Traverse lush meadows, charming villages, and alpine trails that wind through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dolomites. Capture memories of soaring peaks and serene valleys as you delve into the rich Ladin culture renowned for its unique woodcarving tradition. Each day presents a new adventure, leading you to postcard-perfect vistas, quaint local eateries, and the warm hospitality of Tyrolean mountain houses.

Highlights

  • Wander through the historical streets of Bressanone / Brixen, admiring its elegant cathedral and bishop's castle.
  • Ascend the Plose mountain by cable car for breathtaking views of the Dolomites and the picturesque Ranui church.
  • Experience sweeping vistas of the Val di Funes / Villnöss Geisler from the Passo di Brogles / Broglessattel viewpoint.
  • Auswalk across the expansive Seceda alpine pasture, enveloped by UNESCO-listed Dolomite peaks.
  • Delight in local traditions, including the largest hand-carved nativity scene in the world at Santa Cristina.
  • Explore the lush landscapes of Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm, home to diverse flora in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Conclude your journey on a scenic trail to Chiusa / Klausen, featuring a glimpse of the impressive Säben monastery.

Itinerary

Loading overview…

What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (7 nights)

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transfers

  • Cable Car
  • Luggage Transfers
  • Public Bus

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

4

Auswalk Walking Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.

View Fitness Guide

6

Days on the trail

15-18 km

Daily distance range

294-1030 m

Daily ascent range

6/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Nights are spent in a selection of three-star guesthouses and hotels, each chosen for their quality, comfort and authentic Tyrolean atmosphere. The accommodation reflects the local character of the region, from traditional guesthouses to welcoming alpine hotels.

What You'll Eat

Six breakfasts are included throughout the walk. Lunches are purchased at mountain refuges along the way, which is very much part of the Dolomites experience. Dinners are not included as standard, though a half-board option is available, adding a three-course dinner featuring regional cuisine each evening. Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking — if you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source in the mountains.

More About This Trip

The walk starts and finishes in Bressanone/Brixen. The closest airports are Innsbruck (approximately 83km), Verona (191km), Treviso (228km) and Venice (313km). By train, services run from Innsbruck via the Brenner Pass or through the scenic Pustertal Valley directly to Bressanone. We can arrange private transfers from Innsbruck, Treviso and Venice airports to your hotel on request. At the end of the walk, train connections from Bressanone provide easy access to major cities for onward travel.

This walk is available from late June to mid-September, with start days on Saturdays and Sundays. Groups of five or more have increased flexibility on start dates. Additional nights' accommodation and private transfers to and from Brixen can be arranged at additional cost — contact our team for details.

This walk is graded moderate to challenging, with daily distances averaging around 16km and up to 604m of ascent and descent. The trails are well-defined and varied, covering forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths and mountain villages, with prolonged ascents and descents on rough terrain and steps throughout.

Snow patches may be encountered on higher passes, so good mountain footwear is essential. An active lifestyle and a training regime of three to four times per week is recommended. Mountain weather can change quickly — at least one member of your group should be comfortable navigating with a map. Comprehensive walk notes, maps and GPX tracks are provided for each day.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on this itinerary. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

August 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1Out of season
2Out of season
3Out of season
4Out of season
5Out of season
6Out of season
7Out of season
8Out of season
9Out of season
10Out of season
11Out of season
12Out of season
13Out of season
14Out of season
15Out of season
16Out of season
17Out of season
18Out of season
19Out of season
20Out of season
21Out of season
22Out of season
23Out of season
24Out of season
25Out of season
26Out of season
27Out of season
28Out of season
Available
Limited
Unavailable
Out of season

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Notes

For groups of less than 5 people this walk must start on a Saturday or Sunday.

Dolomites reviews

5.0
2 reviews
5 Star
2
4 Star
0
3 Star
0
2 Star
0
1 Star
0
Ann W
last year

Instructions are very clear. We enjoyed the walk and was grateful for the routes that took us away from the crowd.

Andy
last year

The Dolomites are the most spectacular place I have walked. The accommdations and the food were good, the app and the notes got us around the mountans without a hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your main luggage is transported between accommodations so you only carry a daypack on the trail each day. Bags must not exceed 20kg. Your luggage will be accessible at each property by the evening.

A 30–45 litre daypack with a hip belt and a waterproof cover is recommended. This is what you'll carry each day on the trail with your layers, rain gear, water, snacks, camera, and other essentials.

Yes. Most days offer a choice of distances or routes to suit how you're feeling. On the Dolomites of Cortina walk, for example, Day 2 can be walked as either 10km or 16km, and similar flexibility exists across most other days. Cable cars and public buses can also be used on certain days to skip sections, though tickets for these are generally not included in the trip price.

The Dolomites are spectacular but demanding. Some trails reach above 2,000 metres, with exposed sections equipped with handrails and cables. Trekking poles are strongly recommended — they make a real difference on steep and rocky ground. A solid base of fitness is important, and it's worth building in elevation training before you go, as the climbs use different muscles to flat walking. Snow is possible in the early season, and certain trails can be affected by water erosion, so always check conditions before heading out.

Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, including at most mountain refuges, but carry some cash too — smaller villages and local businesses often prefer it, and some public toilets charge a small fee. ATMs are available in towns along the route.

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory, and it must cover trekking above 2,500 metres and helicopter rescue. All medical services in Italy are chargeable — including emergency evacuation — and costs can be very high without adequate cover. Keep your policy number and your insurer's 24-hour emergency contact number with you at all times.

Let Auswalk know of any allergies or dietary needs at the time of booking so your hotels can be informed in advance. If your requirements are particularly specific, it's worth bringing some of your own snacks as backup — ingredients can sometimes be harder to source in more remote mountain locations.

Want to Know More?

The Dolomites Experience

Wonder
The most dramatic arena on earth. Auswalk beneath Cinque Torri, Tofane and Tre Cime di Lavaredo massifs
This is wilderness on a scale that humbles. See Lake Sorapis, its blue-turquoise waters glowing beneath Mount Sorapis
Wander Bressanone’s historic streets past the cathedral and bishop’s castle
Wellness
Walk, Climb, Breathe, the Dolomites do not do ordinary. Where physical challenge meets profound restoration.
The Dolomites silence you. Not gradually, as other landscapes do, but immediately and completely.
Relax and unwind in comfortable 3 and 4-star hotels from Pocol to Misurina. Enjoy breakfasts, dinners and local Italian mountain cuisine
Nature
Cross Seceda alpine pasture with iconic Geisler peaks rising across UNESCO-listed slopes
Enjoy some of the most dramatic and crowd-free high alpine walking in Europe. Roam Alpe di Siusi, among diverse flora beneath Sassolungo and Schlern
Follow forest tracks and balcony paths through verdant valleys and pale peaks