In recent years, Val Gardena  has developed into a holiday resort with lifestyle character while at the same time maintaining the traditional culture, language and charm of a mountain village. In Ortisei, but also elsewhere, shopping streets, pedestrianised areas in the centre with boutiques, speciality restaurants, vinotheques and art galleries invite you on a voyage of discovery.

The Photoacademy Val Gardena  is a completely new event this year. It will take place between 3 and 11 September 2016, and the event focuses on finding the perfect shooting angle. Participants can learn the basics of fine art photography a nature photography with South Tyrolean experts during a series of workshops. The details and expert tricks are delivered by famous photographer Daniel Ernst. The works of art can be admired at the vernissage in Selva Val Gardena,S. Cristina and Ortisei. At the end of the week the winners of the photo competition will be announced and awarded for the ‘Best Val Gardena Poster’.

Many summer events feature culinary delights: the “Sëira dl vin” in S. Cristina on 8 July 2016 is a celebration of wine – on the red carpet. Another food event is the Val Gardena Sky Dinner on 13 July 2016, an exclusive candlelit dinner in the gondolas of the “Mont Sëuc” cable car. Traditional Val Gardena dresses are at the centre of festivities like “Gardena in costume” on 7 August 2016 in Selva. Gourmets as well as lovers of art and tradition will flock to S. Cristina. A further highlight is the “Aperitif Urtijëi” between 17 July 2016 and 28 August 2016 when Ortisei’s five “Fine Dine” restaurants serve traditional South Tyrol fare in the village’s pedestrian precinct.

Val Gardena’s events calendar also features a number of musical highlights. Fans of classical music will enjoy ValgardenaMusika, a series of events from July to September 2016. This consists of six classical concerts in various Val Gardena venues, www.jmgconcert.it.

Those preferring music out in the open can enjoy a unique open-air concert at the foot of Sassolungo on 26 June 2016. The South Tyrol Jazz Festival makes a stopover at the Comici Hut in Selva Val Gardena. Finally, following the traditional snow festival on 17 August 2016 in Selva will whet everyone’s appetite for the coming winter season – “Winter is on its way!”

INFO: Val Gardena