Many guests have confirmed the Dolomites are the most beautiful mountains in the world. In 2009, UNESCO also recognised the region’s uniqueness, its geological significance and, last but not least, its beauty.

Val Gardena, the heartland of the Ladin culture, is about thirteen miles long and runs more or less from west to east from the narrow entrance to the valley at Ponte Gardena to Selva at the end of the valley and up to Passo Gardena and Passo Sella.

The roots of traditional woodcarving in Val Gardena go far back into the past: as early as around 1600, families began making utensils, religious figures and children's toys out of wood in the winter months, which they then sold at the markets in spring. Today, more than 200 artists and sculptors work in Val Gardena, and many exhibit their works in important galleries and art museums worldwide.

Placed directly below the Sella massif, the plateau-shaped mountain which appears as though it’s carrying the weight of the heavens on its shoulders, lies the picturesque village of Selva Val Gardena. Selva Gardena is certainly one of the most popular starting points to ride the Sellaronda in winter on skis or in summer by MTB.
Across the schools of not only Selva Val Gardena but also the valley’s other two municipalities, children are taught Ladin. Together with Italian and German, it makes up the Dolomites Val Gardena’s official languages.