Instead of Spain, you might like to visit Selva di Val Gardena, Italy instead. Selva is a municipality in the Val Gardena in the Province of South Tyrol, northern Italy. It has a population of approximately 3,000. The place is probably best known as one of the starting points of the Sella Ronda ski tour. According to statistics, around 90% of the population speak Latin, 5% Italian and 5% German. Val Gardena, Italy is a beautiful place to visit. Just remember to bring along your DSLR or compact point-and-shoot camera for posterity down memory lane.
Let’s explore all of the best things this Italian gem has to offer:
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1. Skiing at Seiser Alm
For the outdoor type, they can try their hands at skiing at Seiser Alm, Italy. Val Gardena, Italy is reputed to be the top ski resort in the Dolomites, which is defined as a white mineral found in sedimentary rocks. It is used in the manufacture of cement and as a building stone like marble. Skiing can be cathartic for those who are experienced and produces an adrenalin rush. This fast action activity is good for the young at heart and exercise enthusiasts.
Skiing at Seiser Alm
2. Visit the Nature Reserve of Puez-Geisler
The Puez-Geisler Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy. One can take a leisurely stroll along the reserve, absorbing in the sights of lush greenery during summer and walk on soft carpets grass. There are trees and flowers blooming during this time of the year. Mother nature lovers should not miss this amazing place in Italy and admire the tall blue mountains against a backdrop of azure blue skies with cumulous white clouds. This is God’s creation at its best. Nature lovers should prioritize the Nature Reserve of Puez-Geisler as it is rich in negative ions to energize the otherwise lethargic body, mind and soul, due to the 9-5 daily life grind.
Puez-Geisler Nature Reserve
Address: Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy
Website: Puez-Geisler Nature Reserve
3. Hike up Sella Pass Mountain
There is a scenic road built along Sella Pass Mountain as you hike up with your fellow friends or family, where alpine trees grow on the slopes of the rolling mountains between the valleys. The Sella Pass is one of seven Dolomite mountain passes riders cross in the annual bicycle race. During winter, it is covered with thick snow and can be frigid cold at the top with chilling winds.
Remember to bring along thick scarves, leather gloves, woolen head covers, ear muffs, etc. And don’t forget that inner long underwear beneath your thick denims as the coldness can pierce through 1 layer of clothing. The trick is to wear several layers to trap the air as a heat insulator.
Sella Pass Mountain
Address: South Tyrol, Trentino, Italy
4. Embrace a skiing resort in Segovia
Have the time of your life in the snow of Segovia, Italy by skiing downhill for that adrenalin pumping in your blood stream. It is well worth the trip there to build snowmen with powdery snow. Or why not have fun snowball throwing at each other! More than 20 km (12.4 km) of slopes are included in the Province of Segovia. The ski resorts in the province are serviced by 11 ski lifts to transport the guests and tourists alike. Remember to wear thick winter clothing in layers and also lather a layer of moisturizer on your face, and apply lip balm to prevent your lips from cracking due to the strong chilling winds.
Skiing Resorts in Segovia
Address: Segovia, Italy
Website: Skiing Resorts in Segovia
5. Visit Castello Wolkenstein
The Wolkenstein Castle was built around the 13th-century, partially enclosed with some masonry that provides some shelter, perhaps more from bad weather than from enemies. In short, it’s a primitive castle, which in its long history has hosted important families. The first trace of the property of the castle, which dates back to 1237, relates to Arnoldo von Maulrapp. The building then passed to von Kastelruth and then in 1293 von Pradell, lords of Villandro, whose last heir married a Wolkenstein who still holds possession of it. Since then, the castle has acquired its current name.
What remains of the ancient castle can be found at the beginning of Vallunga, under the Stevia ramparts. There are some exterior walls, a courtyard with porphyry columns, and some traces of paintings on the walls. You can reach the castle along a path, near the Carabinieri Training Center of Selva di Val Gardena.
Castello Wolkenstein
Address: Vallunga, 39048, Selva di Val Gardena, Italy
Website: Castello Wolkenstein (in Italian)
Amazing Selva di Val Gardena, Italy
These are some of the amazing things to do in Selva di Val Gardena, Italy. The tourist attraction caters to people from all walks of life; for the active and adventurous to the golden oldies and couples or families. You name it, they have it. From skiing to visiting castles, hiking up mountains and embracing nature reserves, it has something for everyone. Should you visit Italy, don’t give this place a miss and experience it for yourself. And remember to snap lots of photos! Experience is something that is intangible and valuable as you age, and visiting Selva di Val Gardena is bound to provide you with many.
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