Vallunga – Dolomites, Italy

italy

Vallunga

Italy

About this place

Vallunga, also known in Italian as Vallunga and in German as Langental, is one of the hidden gems of the Dolomites.
This valley stretches out from Selva di Val Gardena and is surrounded by imposing mountain peaks, where sheer rock faces alternate with dense pine forests. The tranquility and beauty of the area invite exploration—whether you choose a leisurely walk along babbling streams or a more adventurous climb to higher summits.

Each season reveals a different face of Vallunga. In spring, blooming alpine meadows decorate the valley, while in summer the sun makes the rock formations shimmer. In autumn, red and golden leaves cast a warm glow over the landscape, and in winter the entire valley is draped in a serene blanket of snow. This variety makes Vallunga a beloved destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike, offering one of the most perfect places to experience the raw beauty of the Dolomites.

The many hiking trails lead you through pristine nature, along wild mountain streams, and sometimes even to hidden waterfalls. Panoramic views over the valley remind you of your smallness in the overwhelming mountain landscape, yet at the same time you feel the peace and magic of the peaks. Whether you stay for just a few hours or an entire day, Vallunga continues to surprise with its quiet grandeur and promises unforgettable memories of the Dolomites.

Golden Hour & Blue Hour

  • 01:10

    Morning Astronomical twilight Start

  • 02:10

    Morning Nautical twilight Start

  • 02:57

    Morning Civil twilight Start

  • 02:33

    Morning Blue hour Start

  • 03:34

    Morning Sunrise Start

  • 03:37

    Morning Golden hour Start

  • 18:03

    Evening Golden hour End

  • 18:47

    Evening Sunset Start

  • 19:47

    Evening Blue hour End

  • 19:24

    Evening Civil twilight End

  • 20:11

    Evening Nautical twilight End

  • 21:11

    Evening Astronomical twilight End

Times calculated from coordinates using suncalc.

Current weather

8°C

scattered clouds

Feels like
7°C
Humidity
56%
Wind speed
1.9 m/s
Wind direction
N (19°)
Sunrise
03:32
Sunset
18:46

Hourly forecast

Feels like:
7°C
Humidity:
56%
Wind speed:
2 (Light breeze)
Wind direction:
N
Cloud cover:
26%
Dew point:
0.1°C

Photography tips

  • Recommended Image: The classic image here is a shot of the little chapel at the start of the trail.
  • Pro Tip: Don’t forget to look elsewhere and zoom in on the mountain peaks. In autumn look at the golden coloured larches, they are everywhere. Bring a zoom lens!
  • Seasonal Variations: Each season offers unique photographic opportunities, from snow-covered landscapes in winter to vibrant greenery in summer and colourful foliage in autumn.

Hiking tips

  • Trail Access: Access to the valley is easy, there is a large parking space at the entry of the valley. From there on you can chose to just follow the valley or find a different route.
  • Duration and Distance: It all depends on how far you want to take it. There are beautiful routes. An easy stroll  or the entire way into the mountains.
  • Facilities: Amenities such as restrooms, dining options, are available at the start of the trails (parking place).

Routes

Hikes & rides from here

HikeModerate

View on Selva di Val Gardena – Vallunga roundtrip from Col da Lech

Distance
13.2 km
Ascent
325 m
Descent
345 m
Duration
3h 60m

From Col da Lech, this loop begins unhurriedly — a path that winds through open meadows and along the treeline, with the limestone summits of the Dolomites as a constant backdrop on the horizon. The terrain is manageable: some elevation change, but never demanding. This is a route that doesn't impose itself. The descent runs a little steeper than the climb, but stays well within reach for anyone reasonably comfortable on foot or in the saddle.

The heart of the journey is the descent toward [vallunga-dolomites-italy], the quiet valley that stretches southeast from Selva di Val Gardena. Here the mood shifts noticeably: fewer people, more room to breathe. The Langental — as the Germans call it — has something withdrawn about it, almost austere. The flanks rise steeply on either side, the light falls differently than it does on the open mountain pastures, and the silence is genuine. Photographically, this is the soul of the route: the relationship between the wide valley floor and the enclosing rock walls offers a sense of scale that is rare in much of the Dolomites.

The full loop covers just over thirteen kilometres, fitting comfortably within half a day — enough time to linger at Vallunga without feeling rushed. The route lends itself well to a gentle ride or walk in the early morning light, before the tourist bustle of Selva has quite gathered itself.

mountainvalleypanoramicloopfamily-friendly

Gallery

  • Vallunga – Dolomites, Italy
  • Vallunga – Dolomites, Italy
  • Vallunga – Dolomites, Italy