Valgardena - Paths in S. Cristina in Val Gardena

Planetary Trail:
S. Cristina boasts the only Planetary Trail in South Tyrol. It is situated along the promenade built on the route of the former Val Gardena railway. The nine planets of our solar system (including the Earth) have been set up true to scale, and information boards have been added to provide the relevant date, such as the diameter of the planets, their density, distance from the Sun, number of moons etc. The educational goal of the Planetary Trail is to demonstrate to visitors the literally astronomical dimensions of the Universe.

S. Giacomo:
There is also a fine circular walk to S. Giacomo with wonderful views of the Sassolungo and the Sella. The walk begins at the church square and goes via Ulëta (2 to 2½ hours; open in winter).

Circular walk via Plesdinaz:
North of the Uridl Inn a steep path leads off to Ulëta; after 100 m a level path branches off to the right to Pensione Bellavista. The way back is along the road as far as Villa Dolomiti, where you turn right across the old railway embankment to reach the church (1 to 1½ hours).

The path to Ortisei:
The path to Ortisei goes past the cemetery in the direction of Soplases; when you reach the Comploj food store the path crosses the main road, and then you turn left; after Casa Mulin d'Odun the path crosses the stream and then you turn right on the quiet road to Ortisei (1 hour; open in winter). Alternative route: from the Comploj food store follow the main road, and after 130 m join the old railway line to Ortisei.

Circular walk to the waterfalls:
From the bottom of the Monte Pana Lift, a path leads off to the right to Casa Tervella, and then turns left through the woods to the waterfalls. To return, take the same path as far as the little bridge, then head for Soplases and from there to the church or to Hotel Post (1 to 1½ hours; open in winter).

Kreuzweg Via crucis:
From the Orchidee house (above the parish church) a way of cross begins with 14 stations, made by local sculptors, which goes through Col da Mëssa to the hamlet of Plesdinaz. The way of cross was inaugurated in September 1998 (see booklet) .

Selva Gardena:
The walk to Selva Gardena starts at the back of Hotel Selva above Piazza Dosses and leads to Hotel Oswald. The return route to S. Cristina is via La Sëlva, Ciaslat and Monte Pana.

Now also our little mountain friends can get their own walker distinctive: Big "G" is the name of the funny puppet, which makes every child happy!
All the destinations are chosen so that children can find something of particular, like children's playgrounds, animals, meadows etc.

Ask at the Tourist Offices for the walker's booklet for children.
To collect the points needed for the award, you simply have to have your card stamped in the various refuges, hotels or bars you come to during your walks.

Gold, silver, bronze and rock crystal and wonderful moments from the mountain tops and at every turn of the path. And if you are not just a keen walker and mountain-lover, but something of a sportsman (or woman), you might be tempted to go for the new Val Gardena walker's pin "Cristal d'Or" - in the above-mentioned choice of gold, silver, bronze or rock crystal! Plus a fine certificate as a special souvenir.

Ask at the Tourist Offices for the Val Gardena walker's booklet. To collect the points needed for the awards, you simply have to have your card stamped in the various refuges you come to during your walks.