Valdàora

Valdàora (known as Olang in German) is a village in the Val Pusteria valley, in South Tyrol, at the foot of the Plan de Corones (Kronplatz) massif, one of the major ski areas in the Dolomites. The settlement is made up of several hamlets, including Valdàora di Sopra and Valdàora di Sotto, spread across a valley surrounded by forests and alpine meadows. A small natural lake, Lago di Valdàora, is a popular spot for summer swimming and walks, with a path running around its shore. The area is crossed by the Val Pusteria cycle path, a well-used route for cycling between Brunico and Dobbiaco. In winter, the Plan de Corones lift system provides access to an extensive network of alpine ski runs, while the valley floor offers cross-country skiing and winter walking trails. Local cuisine reflects strong Tyrolean traditions, featuring speck, canederli dumplings and mountain cheeses. Its proximity to the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes Valdàora a convenient base for exploring the surrounding nature parks, including the Fanes-Sennes-Braies park.