Val Gardena Ready For Autumn - Food Festivals, Burning Dolomites & Events
The three villages of Ortisei (1,236m), S. Cristina (1,428m) and Selva (1,563m) provide the most unique setting for an Autumn escape. Val Gardena is the cradle of South Tyrolean art, specifically wood carving. This art form remains a key earner for the valley to this day, second only second to tourism.
In September and October, the imposing mountains shine with shades of red and orange, “enrosadira” creating an enchanting panorama. This is the beginning of the autumn season in the Dolomites, offering breathtaking views. The hay harvest has come to an end and the cows, sheep and goats return from the mountain pastures.
24th September – 15th October Culinarium Urtijei
- Urtijei, the local name for Ortisei is one of the main villages of Val Gardena and is also known for its great culinary diversity. Michelin-starred restaurants with an international flair, local restaurants serving delicious South Tyrolean dishes, Italian pizzerias and Ladin farm cuisines: there’s something for everyone thanks to the outstanding meals from three different culinary traditions.
- Culinarium Urtijei runs over three weeks celebrating all that is ‘food’ from the Michelin star ‘Anna Stuben’ to family run ‘Pizzeria Lamm’ there is a dining experience to suit, with 10 restaurants all focussed on offering the finest regional produce and delicious meals to celebrate these festival weeks. https://www.valgardena.it/en/sommerurlaub-dolomiten/events-highlights-groeden/culinarium-urtijei-val-gardena/#c7890
Market of leaves – Monday 9th October
A sensational market Every year, the leaf market “Segra Sacun” is the largest and most traditional market in Val Gardena and for generations the autumn valley highlight. The market is filled with numerous stands offering culinary delights and handcrafted products. The pear is the typical autumnal fruit which will catch your eye as you walk around - decorated with colourful ribbons, tradition demands young men give the young woman who has caught their eye a pear as a sign of their interest! Wood-carved pears are tokens to take home! https://www.valgardena.it/en/detail/base/events/traditional-market-segra-sacun/2B028839716F4B549C01A07702CC8F25/
Burning Dolomites From mid-September on, there is a very special phenomenon in Val Gardena: Burning Dolomites, “enrosadira” an incredible natural spectacle at sunset! The colours of the larch trees become more and more intense and the sun sets the peaks of the Dolomites on fire. Guided Walks for sunrise and sunset to see this incredible phenomena are available during the Autumn months: https://www.valgardena-active.com/en/summer
The Mills in Bulla - stepping back in time - in the past, the „Bergweiler Pufels“ were Val Gardena’s granaries. Between three and seven farms were built to manage the municipal mills - the “Pufeler Schlucht” and just one remains restored, offering an insight in to the milling of corn in the past. A 2km walk through the gorge and along the Bulla stream is available as well as weekly guided tours of the partially preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
