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ITALY: Dolomites: Corvara, Gardena, Funes, Puez-Geisler (Odle) Park

126 images Created 28 Sep 2011

View Tom Dempsey's photos from the region of Corvara in Badia, a mountain ski resort in the Dolomites (Dolomiti) mountain range, in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base. For our favorite hike in the Dolomites, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes/Villnöss, then walk 12 miles via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles to beautiful Vallunga, finishing where you started. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). Explore nearby Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) with its onion-domed Church of St. Johann in Ranui under stunning peaks of Geisler/Odle Group. Relax in the Alps town of Kastelruth/Castelrotto. After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige, where mostly German is spoken, plus Italian and a small minority of native Ladin, from Vulgar Latin. 200 million years ago, Triassic coral reefs fossilized into Dolomite. Collision of tectonic plates lifted the Dolomites within the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.

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  • A hawkweed flower (Hieracium genus of sunflower) blooms in Alpe di Seceda, in the Geisler/Odle Group, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Puez-Geisler Group from verdant pastures to alpine wonders to U-shaped Vallunga valley, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA2-6228.jpg
  • A knight in shining armor rides a horse in a medieval festival, in Selva di Val Gardena, Italy. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, in the Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA2-6206.jpg
  • The Baroque, onion-domed Church of St. Johann in Ranui was built in 1744 and dedicated to Saint Johannes Nepomuk. The Geisler/Odle Group of Dolomites mountains rises nearly 1000 meters above the church in Val di Funes (Villnöß valley), Italy. John of Nepomuk, or Nepomucenea, is a national saint of the Czech Republic, the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional, a patron against calumnies, and a protector from floods. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30201_St-Johann-in-Ranui_Geisl...jpg
  • Mountain bikers push their bicycles up the Panoramaweg/Panorama Trail. Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30148_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • A Six-spot Burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae, a black insect with 6 red wing spots, in the Zygaenidae family) sips nectar from a Knapweed (Centaurea genus) flower in the Dolomites, Italy, the Alps, Europe. Geisler/Odle Group, near St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena). See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30033_Six-spot-Burnet-moth_kna...jpg
  • A wild alpine Lilium bulbiferum flower (commonly known as Orange Lily, Fire Lily, or Tiger Lily) blooms in the Dolomites. Starting from Gardena Pass (Grödnerjoch), walk in Val Gardena (Grödner Tal) beneath the Sella massif (Gruppo di Sella) in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy. The Dolomites (or Dolomiti) were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO and are part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Europe.
    11ITA-8169.jpg
  • Wolkenstein Castle was built in the 1200s, was named for a 1400s troubadour, collapsed in 1525 AD, was rebuilt but then fell into disrepair. Vallunga/Langental valley makes a perfect walking destination in Puez-Geisler Nature Park, in Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 9 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-50482-90pan_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • Hikers enjoy another sunny day in the Dolomites. North faces of the Geisler/Odle Group drop nearly 1000 meters into Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. For licensing options, please inquire.
    11ITA-3005.jpg
  • Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. Walk through the beautiful, deeply glaciated, U-shaped valley of Vallunga/Langental in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-4065-67pan_Vallunga_Puez-Geisl...jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above a hiker on green Alpe di Seceda, above St. Christina and Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20979_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • Walk an idyllic path in Selva di Val Gardena village beneath Langkofel/Sassolungo peak on your way to Vallunga, in the Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50431_Langkofel-Sassolungo-Dol...jpg
  • Marmots are large ground squirrels in the genus Marmota. This animal lives atop Alpe di Seceda, in the Geisler/Odle Group, above Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20934_marmot_Dolomites.jpg
  • At Prera Longia/Pieralongia, between Alpe di Seceda and Alpe di Cisles/Cisles-Alm, walk by curious rock outcrops, near St. Christina, in Val Gardena, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. In the background are the Puez Group (middle) and Langkofel Group (right, Sassolungo, 3181 meters/10,436 feet). The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 7 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-21019-25pan_Val-Gardena_South-...jpg
  • A wild geranium blooms on the Cinque Torri trail, near Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites, Italy, Europe
    11ITA-8103.jpg
  • A couple enjoys an outdoor meal with wine in Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-3078.jpg
  • Yogurt, pear, kiwi fruit, cake for breakfast. Posta Zirm Hotel, Corvara, Dolomites, Italy. Corvara is a prestigious tourist center in Alta Badia, at the top of Val/Valle/Valley of Badia in the province of Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy. Corvara is surrounded by the peaks of the Dolomites (or Dolomiti), a part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8232.jpg
  • A stream tumbles in a waterfall from Sella massif (Gruppo di Sella), down to Corvara, a prestigious tourist center in Alta Badia, in Val/Valle/Valley of Badia in the province of Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy. Corvara is surrounded by the peaks of the Dolomites (or Dolomiti), a part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-4127-4129pan_Sella-Group-water...jpg
  • Horse and colt. North faces of the Geisler/Odle Group drop nearly 1000 meters into Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-3059.jpg
  • Posta Zirm Hotel, Corvara, Dolomites, Italy. Corvara is a prestigious tourist center in Alta Badia, at the top of Val/Valle/Valley of Badia in the province of Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy. Corvara is surrounded by the peaks of the Dolomites (or Dolomiti), a part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8210.jpg
  • Hikers walk under the North faces of the Geisler/Odle Group, which drop nearly 1000 meters into Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-3043-45pan_Geisler-Odle-Group_...jpg
  • Sunset rays shine through orange-yellow clouds and blue sky over the Dolomites, Italy, Europe.
    13ITA-30059_cloud-sunburst-sunset.jpg
  • The Baroque, onion-domed Church of St. Johann in Ranui was built in 1744 and dedicated to Saint Johannes Nepomuk. The Geisler/Odle Group of Dolomites mountains rises nearly 1000 meters above the church in Val di Funes (Villnöß valley), Italy. John of Nepomuk, or Nepomucenea, is a national saint of the Czech Republic, the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional, a patron against calumnies, and a protector from floods. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30207_St-Johann-in-Ranui_Funes...jpg
  • A hoverfly flies over a purple knapweed flower. Centaurea is a genus of hundreds of species of herbaceous thistle-like flowering plants (commonly called knapweed, starthistle, centaury, centory) in the family Asteraceae. Centaurea are found only north of the equator. A lift from Corvara in Badia to Col Alt reaches a scenic alp plateau with pleasant signed walks to mountain hotels including Pralongia, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Corvara is a prestigious tourist center in Alta Badia, at the top of Val/Valle/Valley of Badia in the province of Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy. Corvara is surrounded by the peaks of the Dolomites (or Dolomiti), a part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8248.jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental, Puez Group, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei or St. Christina, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). As sheep and cows graze en route, Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is fittingly dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-21181_Vallunga_Naturpark-Puez-...jpg
  • La Perla Dolomiti Express restored bus at Corvara in Badia, Dolomites, Italy. Corvara is a prestigious tourist center in Alta Badia, at the top of Val/Valle/Valley of Badia in the province of Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy. Corvara is surrounded by the peaks of the Dolomites (or Dolomiti), a part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-4007.jpg
  • Walk in beautiful Vallunga/Langental through a deeply glaciated U-shaped valley, in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-8257+63-64_Vallunga_Puez-Geisl...jpg
  • Walk in beautiful Vallunga/Langental through a deeply glaciated U-shaped valley, in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps.
    11ITA-4041.jpg
  • Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. Walk through the beautiful, deeply glaciated, U-shaped valley of Vallunga/Langental in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps.
    11ITA-4046.jpg
  • Beneath the Sella Group in the Dolomites, a knight in shining armor rides a horse in a medieval festival, in Selva di Val Gardena, Italy. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, in the Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA2-6203.jpg
  • Mendel Haus is decorated with frescoes dating from 1886 in Kastelruth/Castelrotto, a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2378.jpg
  • Church bell tower, seen from Restaurant Hotel Zum Turm, Alla Torre, in Kastelruth/Castelrotto,  a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2345.jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above green Alpe di Seceda, above St. Christina and Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20944_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-30175-77pan_Geisler-Odle-Dolom...jpg
  • Church bell tower. Kastelruth/Castelrotto is a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2349.jpg
  • Church bell tower. Kastelruth/Castelrotto is a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-2360-62pan_Kastelruth_Castelro...jpg
  • Feet are massaged by stones in a cold public bath in Kastelruth/Castelrotto,  a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth.
    11ITA-2403.jpg
  • Church bell tower. Kastelruth/Castelrotto is a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2362-p3.jpg
  • Church bell tower, seen from Restaurant Hotel Zum Turm, Alla Torre, in Kastelruth/Castelrotto,  a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2373.jpg
  • Church bell tower. Kastelruth/Castelrotto is a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2342-p1.jpg
  • The Baroque, onion-domed Church of St. Johann in Ranui was built in 1744 and dedicated to Saint Johannes Nepomuk. The Geisler/Odle Group mountains rise nearly 1000 meters above the church in Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe.  John of Nepomuk, or Nepomucenea, is a national saint of the Czech Republic. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-3108.jpg
  • The church bell tower rises above Hotel Zum Wolf / al Lupo / Ulbergo Hotel, in Kastelruth / Castelrotto, a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2386.jpg
  • North faces of the Geisler/Odle Group drop nearly 1000 meters into Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-3014.jpg
  • A "Night of the Witches" celebrates with bands, Tyrolean music, dancing, is celebrated at Kastelruth/Castelrotto, a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2445.jpg
  • Wild orchid flower blooms in Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8202.jpg
  • An alpine "spring gentian" flower (Gentiana verna, in the family Gentianaceae) blooms with a deep blue five-lobed corolla (set of petals), at Passo di Giau, Dolomites / Dolomiti, the Alps, Italy, Europe. From Gasthaus Passo di Giau (2236 meters), explore scenic trails of the Dolomites. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8117.jpg
  • Door. Kastelruth/Castelrotto is a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2387.jpg
  • A white flower blooms with yellow center. Hike scenic and historic trails around Cinque Torri in the Dolomiti Ampezzane mountains near Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Europe. Explore restored artillery bunkers and trenches from World War I conflicts between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops. The "Five Towers" (Cinque Torri or Fünf Türme) rise to 2361 meters elevation on Averau mountain in the Nuvolao group of the Dolomites. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8101.jpg
  • Purple alpine flowers bloom in the Sexten Dolomites, Italy, Europe.
    11ITA-8088.jpg
  • A man runs with leashed dog by purple knapweed at Col Alt, Pralongia, near Corvara, Dolomites, Italy, Europe. knapweed flower. Centaurea is a genus of hundreds of species of herbaceous thistle-like flowering plants (commonly called knapweed, starthistle, centaury, centory) in the family Asteraceae. Centaurea are found only north of the equator. A lift from Corvara to Col Alt reaches a scenic alp plateau with pleasant signed walks to mountain hotels including Pralongia, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Corvara is a prestigious tourist center in Alta Badia, at the top of Val/Valle/Valley of Badia in the province of Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy. Corvara is surrounded by the peaks of the Dolomites (or Dolomiti), a part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8245.jpg
  • Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. Walk through the beautiful, deeply glaciated, U-shaped valley of Vallunga/Langental in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-4079-81pan_Vallunga-San-Silves...jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-30155-57pan_Geisler-Odle-Dolom...jpg
  • Wagon wheel. Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe.
    11ITA-3066.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30015_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. Walk through the beautiful, deeply glaciated, U-shaped valley of Vallunga/Langental in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps. Panorama stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-4075-78pan_Vallunga_Langental_...jpg
  • Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. Walk through the beautiful, deeply glaciated, U-shaped valley of Vallunga/Langental in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-4083-85pan_Vallunga.jpg
  • A "Night of the Witches" celebrates with bands, Tyrolean music, dancing, is celebrated at Kastelruth/Castelrotto, a comune in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomites, Italy, near Bolzano and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol (Südtirol) became Italy's Alto Adige. German is the most spoken language in Kastelruth. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8197.jpg
  • Yellow dessert with fork outline in chocolate sprinkles. Posta Zirm Hotel, Corvara, Dolomites, Italy. Corvara is a prestigious tourist center in Alta Badia, at the top of Val/Valle/Valley of Badia in the province of Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy.
    11ITA-8225.jpg
  • Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. Walk through the beautiful, deeply glaciated, U-shaped valley of Vallunga/Langental in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps.
    11ITA-8256.jpg
  • Walk in beautiful Vallunga/Langental through a deeply glaciated U-shaped valley, in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8257-p1.jpg
  • North faces of the Geisler/Odle Group drop nearly 1000 meters into Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-3019-21pan_Geisler-Odle-Group_...jpg
  • Hikers walk under the North faces of the Geisler/Odle Group, which drop nearly 1000 meters into Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-3030.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group from St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30035_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30081_Santa-Maddalena_Funes-Vi...jpg
  • Church in Santa Maddalena village, Val di Funes (Villnöss), Dolomites, Italy, Europe. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30080_Santa-Maddalena_Funes-Vi...jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30083_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30086_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30141_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-30132-33pan_Geisler-Odle-Dolom...jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30167_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • Wolkenstein Castle was built in the 1200s, was named for a 1400s troubadour, collapsed in 1525 AD, was rebuilt but then fell into disrepair. Vallunga/Langental valley makes a perfect walking destination in Puez-Geisler Nature Park, in Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol). For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 8 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-50493-501pan_Vallunga_Dolomite...jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30175-p1_Geisler-Odle-Dolomite...jpg
  • A Christian fresco decorates the church exterior in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village, in Val di Funes (Villnöss), in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30192_Santa-Maddalena_Funes-Vi...jpg
  • Passo delle Erbe / Wurzjoch, in the Dolomites, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30257_Passo-delle-Erbe_Wurzjoc...jpg
  • Ceiling painting, St. Johann in Ranui, Val di Funes (Villnöss valley), Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The Baroque, onion-domed Church of St. Johann in Ranui was built in 1744 and dedicated to Saint Johannes Nepomuk. John of Nepomuk, or Nepomucenea, is a national saint of the Czech Republic, the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional, a patron against calumnies, and a protector from floods. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30215_St-Johann-in-Ranui_Funes...jpg
  • Interior panorama of St. Johann in Ranui church, Val di Funes (Villnöss valley), Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The Baroque, onion-domed Church of St. Johann in Ranui was built in 1744 and dedicated to Saint Johannes Nepomuk. John of Nepomuk, or Nepomucenea, is a national saint of the Czech Republic, the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional, a patron against calumnies, and a protector from floods. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-30222-27pan_St-Johann-in-Ranui...jpg
  • The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50337_Selva-di-Val-Gardena_Dol...jpg
  • In Val Gardena (Gherdëina / Gröden), hike the gorgeous Vallunga/Langental valley in Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift (to the upper meadow at far left in photo), admire great views up at the cross on the edge of the next valley (Val di Funes/Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle (back left) and Puez Groups (right) from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-50362-64pan_Val-Gardena-Dolomi...jpg
  • Schlern/Sciliar mountain rises above Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi, the largest Alpine meadow in Europe. For a scenic walk from Selva di Val Gardena, take the Ciampinoi lift for views of Alpe di Siusi then hike to Passo Sella and return by bus. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50376_Alpe-di-Siusi.jpg
  • Langkofel/Sassolungo Group at Passo Sella, Val Gardena/Gröden, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. For a scenic walk from Selva di Val Gardena, take the Ciampinoi lift for views of Alpe di Siusi then hike to Passo Sella and return by bus. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50411_Langkofel-Sassolungo-Dol...jpg
  • Rifugio Passo Sella provides scenic roadside lodging beneath the Langkofel/Sassolungo Group at Passo Sella, above Val Gardena/Gröden in the Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. For a scenic walk from Selva di Val Gardena, take the Ciampinoi lift for views of Alpe di Siusi then hike to Passo Sella and return by bus. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50422_Langkofel-Sassolungo-Dol...jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental valley, Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50430_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental valley, Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50436_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • A hiker walks up a quiet road in Vallunga/Langental valley, Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50442_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • The Baroque, onion-domed Church of St. Johann in Ranui was built in 1744 and dedicated to Saint Johannes Nepomuk. The Geisler/Odle Group mountains rise nearly 1000 meters above the church in Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe.  John of Nepomuk, or Nepomucenea, is a national saint of the Czech Republic. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-3112.jpg
  • A short ascent to Wolkenstein Castle gives a good view over Vallunga/Langental valley, in Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-50515-16pan_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • A short ascent to Wolkenstein Castle gives a good view over Vallunga/Langental valley, in Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50528_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • Wolkenstein Castle was built in the 1200s, was named for a 1400s troubadour, collapsed in 1525 AD, was rebuilt but then fell into disrepair. Vallunga/Langental valley makes a perfect walking destination in Puez-Geisler Nature Park, in Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 12 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-50452-63pan_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes (depicting the life of Jesus), in Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. Vallunga/Langental valley is preserved in Puez-Geisler Nature Park. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-50542-45pan_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • Cows, hiker, Vallunga/Langental valley, Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol). For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50601-p1a_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • Vallunga/Langental valley, Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol). For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-50557+59-60_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • Knights in shining armor ride horses in a medieval festival, in Selva di Val Gardena, Italy. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, in the Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA2-6190.jpg
  • Our favorite lodging in the Dolomites was Garni Murfrëid, in Selva di Val Gardena in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, in the Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire the great views from the cross, then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Puez-Geisler Group from verdant pastures to alpine pleasures, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). Apropos the idyllic grazing of sheep and cows en route, Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-20874-77pan_Garni-Murfreid.jpg
  • Opened in 2000, La Curta-Seceda passage connects Ortisei village center (Piazza S. Antonio) with the valley lift station of Seceda ski area, in Val Gardena, the Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The passage ascends 59 meters vertically over a length of 295 meters using 4 covered moving walkways in a tunnel (2 upwards and 2 downwards) and 6 escalators (3 upwards and 3 downwards). The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20880_Ortisei-Seceda-Passage.jpg
  • A paraglider glides over Alpe di Seceda and Val Gardena in the Geisler/Odle Group, in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, in the Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start with the first morning bus from Selva to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire the great views from the cross, then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine pleasures, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20892_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • A paraglider glides over Val Gardena from Seceda in the Geisler/Odle Group, in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, in the Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start with the first morning bus from Selva to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire the great views from the cross, then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine pleasures, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20895_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above green Alpe di Seceda, above Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). As sheep and cows graze en route, Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is fittingly dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20912_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above a hiker on green Alpe di Seceda, above St. Christina and Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20977_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • A green bicycle hangs as an ornament on a building, in Selva di Val Gardena, Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, in the Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA2-6183.jpg
  • Hikers admire the sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group which soar above green Alpe di Seceda, above St. Christina and Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20976_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • A mat of pink flowers blooms on the edge of Vallunga (Langental), in the Puez Group, in Naturpark Puez-Geisler, Dolomites, Italy, Europe. On the horizon in center is the Langkofel Group (Sassolungo, 3181 meters / 10,436 feet). The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, in the Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire the great views from the cross, then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Puez-Geisler Group from verdant pastures to alpine pleasures, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). Apropos the idyllic grazing of sheep and cows en route, Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 7 overlapping photos.
    13ITA2-6246-52pan.jpg
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