What to do in Val Gardena when it rains: 8 activities to enjoy bad weather

As soon as you get off the bus at Piazza S. Antonio, just take a few steps behind the little church and you’ll find yourself on what we could call Val Gardena’s Champs Èlysèes. Yes, I know the comparison is a bit over the top, but along this pedestrian street you’ll find charming shops and local boutiques selling fashion items, jewelry, traditional crafts, hand-carved sculptures, the typical Chiena (traditional Ladin dolls), and delicious baked goods. My honest suggestion? Stop at one of the Ladin cafés in the center and order a warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce (in my opinion the ultimate cure for rainy day blues). And if apples aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with a good slice of Sacher torte with whipped cream.

Ladin cafés, I recommend:

Cafè-Bar Stetteneck
Caffè Corso
Soviso Cafè
Pitla Stua

Did you know that three languages are spoken in Val Gardena: Italian, German and Ladin? Or that the fossilized remains of an ichthyosaur (a creature part dinosaur and part fish) were found on Seceda? Or that Luis Trenker isn’t just a luxury fashion brand, but was also a mountaineer and renowned film director born right here in Ortisei? You can discover these and many other curiosities at the Museum of Val Gardena in Ortisei, also known as the “Cësa di Ladins” (literally house of the Ladins). Here, you can explore the valley’s history through ancient artifacts, traditions, art and the lives of remarkable local figures.

It’s a well-known fact: there hasn’t been a sea in the Dolomites for a few million years. However, you can still enjoy a taste of that aquatic atmosphere at Mar Dolomit, Ortisei’s public swimming complex. It features pools, saunas, whirlpools, a solarium and Kneipp paths: perfect for relaxing, especially if you tackled a demanding hike the day before and your muscles are now begging for mercy.

If you’re looking for an indoor sport, how about a tennis match at the Tennis Club Ortisei in Roncadizza? Big names like Jannik Sinner and Andreas Seppi have played on these courts. After trading a few rallies (and maybe even winning a set), I suggest ending your day at Pizzeria Tennis, where you can choose from a wide selection of pizzas made with perfectly balanced ingredients (like the pizza named Strepitosa).

Note: court reservations are mandatory. You can book by calling +39 392 9471582

Did you know that Val Gardena was once crossed by a train line? The railway was built during World War I, when the valley was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, by 9,600 soldiers, to transport military supplies from Chiusa to Plan. Today, the tunnel that ran beneath S. Cristina, restored in 2017, is open to the public and offers a fascinating journey into the past. Interactive panels and exhibits share stories, curiosities and historical images of this important chapter in local history. The Railway Walk (in italian passeggiata del trenino) also starts here, ending in Ortisei, with more panels along the route offering anecdotes and photographs.

Note: the Railway walk passes right under Alpstay’s Chalet Hartmann, so you can access it directly from there.

Climbing Sassolungo in the rain is… well, let’s just say not advisable (don’t do it). But you can still get your climbing fix in a safe and fun way at Climbing Nives, right in the center of Selva di Val Gardena. This indoor climbing gym, with its beautiful glass wall overlooking the village center, offers 25 climbing lines and 75 possible routes. And after your climbing session, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore Selva’s local boutiques and cafés.

Ever thought about ice skating in July or August? At the Pranives Ice Stadium, you can. The covered rink is open ten months a year (from July to April) and it’s where world-famous figure skating champion Carolina Kostner trained as a child. I can’t promise you’ll skate like her, but at least you can say you’ve been in the same stadium. And yes, skate rentals are available on site.

Fact: if you’re staying at Alpstay’s Hotel Acadia Mountain Home, the stadium is just steps away.

If you’ve already filled your day with one of the activities above, here’s one last treat to end it on a high (and delicious) note: dinner at the Fromagerie inside Bistrot B24 in Selva Val Gardena. Here, you can savor mountain cheese served as rich and creamy fondues or raclette: perfect for sharing with friends while the rain taps outside and you’re wrapped in warmth and irresistible aromas.

Fact: if you’re staying at Alpstay’s Hotel Acadia Mountain Home, you only have to take the elevator because the Fromagerie is right inside the hotel’s restaurant.

Note: reservations are required. Call +39 0471 774444 to book.