Ortisei is a picture-perfect Alpine town beneath the peaks of the Dolomite Mountains with an abundance of local culture and seasonal outdoor activities.
History and heritage
Located in the Val Gardena, Ortisei’s pastel-hued houses, hand-painted frescoes, intricate timber wood carvings, and balconies with cascading flowers, make it any photographer’s dream destination. As the largest town in the Val Gardena—a string of valleys situated in the province of Bolzano – in Ortisei the locals take great pride in their history and heritage, often wearing traditional costumes during seasonal festivals and parades. In the town centre a pedestrian street is lined with boutiques selling handmade products such as carved wood sculptures, traditional textiles, and local delicacies like speck, which is smoked cured pork. And in the various bars, restaurants, and cafés visitors can find offering tempting treats, including dumplings, goulash, and the iconic apple strudel.
Two historic churches
Ortisei is home to two beautifully decorated churches that are well worth a visit: the parish church of Ortisei, dedicated to Saint Ulrich and dating back to 1793, with a Baroque spire, precious statues, ornately carved wooden altarpieces, and original frescoes. Then there is the smaller Chapel of Sant'Antonio, located in the main square, which was built in 1673 in Renaissance style and showcases beautiful stained glass windows, unique carvings, and frescoes.
Hand-carvings as souvenirs
The woodcarvers of Ortisei have been making intricate nativity scenes, life-size figures and traditional toys for centuries. Visitors can admire their ornate, hand-carved works of art, meet the renowned sculptor families of Ortisei, and take-home unique examples of their exquisite wood carvings. While the town itself offers a blend of traditional folklore and handsome architecture it is the surrounding landscape that truly captivates visitors.
Learn from a local
The best way to explore the mountains and forests surrounding Ortisei is with a knowledgeable local guide who will take you to areas of beauty off the beaten path and share valuable local insights, making any experience even more special and memorable. They can also recommend one of the Alpine mountain hut eateries to enjoy home-cooked food with locals in a charming setting overlooking the majestic Dolomite Mountains.
Where to Stay in Ortisei
The ADLER Spa resort Dolomiti offers five-star comfort in an exceptional location in the heart of Ortisei’s historic centre. This modern resort offers complimentary guided tours daily and free use of electric bikes for those who prefer biking to hiking. The perfect base for exploring the area, this award-winning resort has a restaurant serving seasonal cuisine inspired by its natural surroundings. Guests will also find complimentary indoor and outdoor activities as well as access to the AGUANA Water World and Fitness World, along with daily guided hiking and biking excursions, which are also complimentary. For information: www-adler-resorts.com
