Vallunga opens up right behind Selva di Val Gardena, and it's the classic pick for anyone who wants to be in the mountains without much climbing. It's the entrance to the Puez-Odle Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area, and the main trail (number 14) follows the near-flat valley floor through meadows, larch woods and along the stream, with Dolomite walls closing the view on both sides. The first stretch is so easy you can manage it with a hiking pram, and the cattle grazing along the way are a detail kids always love.
Walk on and you reach the Chapel of San Silvestro, dedicated to the patron of livestock. Restoration in the early 1990s uncovered centuries-old frescoes showing scenes from the life of Jesus, and the benches outside make a fine place to rest in the quiet. If you want to keep going, head uphill toward Rifugio Puez to stretch the day onto harder terrain. In winter the valley changes character and becomes a classic spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, thanks to its wide, sheltered floor. In any season, it's the most relaxed way to enjoy Val Gardena.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vallunga suitable for children?
Very much so. It's one of the most family-friendly valleys around. The floor is nearly flat, the path is wide and easy, and you can do the first section even with a hiking pram. Cattle grazing in the fields are a regular sight.
Can you visit Vallunga in winter?
Yes. In winter it becomes a classic spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, thanks to its wide, avalanche-sheltered floor. A walk on packed snow works just as well.