Ortisei St Ulrich

Ortisei, known as St. Ulrich in German, is a town in the Val Gardena valley within the Dolomites, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). This trilingual valley, where Italian, German and Ladin are all spoken, is known for its mountain scenery and its ski area, part of the wider Dolomiti Superski network. A cable car from the village centre climbs to the Alpe di Siusi plateau, one of the largest high-altitude meadows in Europe, while the jagged Sassolungo massif dominates the surrounding skyline. In summer, Ortisei serves as a base for hiking and mountain biking, with well-marked trails leading up to the neighbouring peaks. The pedestrianised old town retains a long tradition of woodcarving, visible in local workshops and at the winter Christmas market. The parish church of San Ulrico and the Val Gardena museum reflect the area's cultural heritage. Local cuisine blends Italian and Tyrolean influences, featuring dishes such as canederli dumplings and polenta. Ortisei remains a convenient base for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dolomites, whether visiting in winter or summer.