Vallunga Valley Hike in the Dolomites: Full Guide + Tips

Just outside Selva di Val Gardena, Vallunga Valley is one of those hikes that almost feels too easy for how good it looks. Together with Val Fiscalina, this quickly became one of our most popular “easy but worth it” walks in the Dolomites.

There’s barely any elevation gain, the path is wide and well-maintained, and you don’t need special gear or mountain experience. Honestly, almost anyone can do this hike.

We even did it with our travel stroller. To be transparent — there were a few short sections where we had to carry it because of the small wheels. But if you’re using a regular stroller with decent wheels, you’ll likely be completely fine.

What we loved most is that you get those dramatic Dolomite rock walls and peaceful alpine meadows without committing to a demanding climb. It’s simple, scenic, and surprisingly rewarding — which is exactly why we’d happily do it again.

Why we think this hike is worth it?

If you’re in the Dolomites and don’t feel like doing another 1,000-meter climb, this is exactly the kind of hike you’ll appreciate.

What makes Vallunga Valley special isn’t adrenaline. It’s accessibility. You walk through a wide, open valley surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks, yet the effort stays minimal.

We also love that you can fully enjoy the scenery instead of staring at your feet the whole time. The trail is comfortable, predictable, and not mentally exhausting — which makes it ideal between bigger hikes.

If you enjoy cycling, there’s also a dedicated bike path running through the valley, so it works just as well for a relaxed ride as it does for a walk.

It’s also one of the few trails in the area that genuinely works for families. Based on our experience, you can do it with kids, slower hikers, or even with a stroller (with minor effort in a few spots).

Vallunga Hiking Map

When to hike

One of the things we really appreciate about Vallunga Valley is that it works almost year-round.

Spring brings fresh green meadows and snow still lingering on the peaks. Summer feels lively but never overwhelming. Autumn adds golden tones and crisp air. Even in winter, when snow covers the valley, it turns into a peaceful white landscape that’s just as beautiful, just with a completely different mood.

We visited in late September and had very pleasant hiking weather — cool enough to walk comfortably, but still sunny and clear. That said, this time of year can be unpredictable in the Dolomites. Weather can shift quickly, so we’d always recommend packing extra layers and a light rain jacket or umbrella, just in case.

Another big advantage in summer? You don’t need to start at sunrise to avoid crowds. You can start mid-morning and still enjoy a relaxed experience.

Getting to the trailhead

The Vallunga trail starts right at the edge of Selva in Val Gardena, just a few minutes from the village center. It’s easy to reach whether you’re using public transport or driving.

By Bus

Regular regional buses connect Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena throughout the day. From the main bus stop in Selva, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to the Vallunga trailhead.

Instead of relying on fixed bus numbers (which can change seasonally), we recommend checking the official South Tyrol mobility website (suedtirolmobil.info) for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.

By Car

Driving is the most flexible option, especially if you’re staying outside Val Gardena.

Approximate driving times:

• From Ortisei – 15 minutes
• From Canazei – 35–40 minutes
• From Bolzano – about 1 hour
• From Cortina d’Ampezzo – 1.5 hours

Parking

There’s a dedicated parking lot directly at the Vallunga entrance.

The only real downside? It’s relatively small and fills up quickly in summer — especially between 8 AM and 10 AM.

When we visited in late September, we arrived around 9:00 AM and had no problem finding a spot.

We paid via the EasyPark app, which we use whenever it’s available in a region. It worked perfectly here and honestly made things much easier.

Many people complain about the parking machine — and we understand why. It doesn’t accept cards and doesn’t give change.

We saw people struggling with it. So we’d strongly recommend using the app instead if possible. We used EasyPark across the Dolomites without any issues, and it saved us time more than once.

Vallunga Trail Description

The trail starts on a wide gravel path right at the entrance of Vallunga Valley. There’s no long forest section before the views open up — you’re surrounded by dramatic rock walls and open meadows within seconds.

The first part is almost flat. We walked side by side the whole time without needing to step aside for uneven terrain. The surface is compact gravel with a few rougher patches, but overall very manageable. This is also where we used our travel stroller — we had to carry it briefly in a couple of spots because of the small wheels, but nothing major.

Along the way, there are several wooden benches where you can sit down, take a break, and simply enjoy the views. You’ll also pass small mountain streams, where we filled up our bottles.

As you go deeper into the valley, the path gradually climbs, but it’s so steady you barely notice it. No steep switchbacks, no exposed ledges, no technical sections. Just a comfortable, continuous walk with mountains getting closer.

What we liked most is that there’s no pressure to “reach something.” You simply walk until you feel like turning around. The scenery stays beautiful the entire way, so you’re not hiking just for a single viewpoint at the end.

If you’re looking for something more challenging, the trail continues higher up toward Rifugio Puez at 2,475 meters. We didn’t go that far since we wanted to explore only the valley itself, but it’s a great option if you want to extend the hike.

Just keep in mind that from the end of the valley, you’ll need to climb roughly another 700 meters in elevation, so it becomes a proper mountain hike at that point.

If you want something more challenging, we highly recommend hiking around Sassolungo, which is just a few minutes’ drive from Vallunga.

Facilities on the trail

Right at the parking, you’ll find La Ciajota, a small snack bar serving simple food and drinks. It’s a convenient spot for a coffee before you start or something quick after you finish — nothing fancy, but practical and well located.

Once you enter the valley, there are no restaurants, huts, or food stalls along the main trail. We recommend bringing water and at least a small snack, especially if you plan to walk the full distance.

If you continue beyond the valley and hike up toward Rifugio Puez, you can stop there for a proper mountain hut meal and drinks. Just remember that reaching it requires a significant climb, so it’s more of a longer alpine hike than a casual valley walk.

Trail difficulty

The main valley walk is genuinely easy.

The path is wide, well maintained, and clearly marked the entire way. There are no exposed sections, no narrow passages, and no technical terrain. The elevation gain is so gradual that most people won’t even notice it.

There are a few slightly rougher gravel patches, but nothing challenging. Based on our experience, it’s suitable for beginners, families, and anyone who just wants a relaxed mountain walk.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic walk in the Dolomites that doesn’t require serious effort, Vallunga Valley is an easy recommendation from us.

It’s wide, peaceful, and genuinely accessible — whether you’re hiking as a couple, with kids, or just want a lighter day between bigger mountain adventures.

Yes, there are more dramatic hikes in the Dolomites. But not every day needs to be extreme. Sometimes, a simple valley walk with alpine walls rising above you is exactly what makes a trip feel balanced.

If you’re planning your itinerary, this pairs perfectly with one of the higher panoramic hikes on another day — so you get both the epic viewpoints and the slow, peaceful side of the mountains.