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Apartment ideas for Dolomites in July
Has anyone stayed in an apartment in Selva Gardena or other village in the Val Gardena? Prefer not right in the town, want a country setting and good views.Our family of 4 is spending a week in the Dolomites in late July. From other threads it would seem this area is very pretty. We want to feel right "in" the mountains/dolomites, not right in the village but near a village and able to do some walks on the green mountainsides. Open to all suggestions. The "garni" seem to vary enormously, so a recommendation would be greatly valued, price in region of 100 euros/night. Also, would the Siusi area be as scenic/well into the mountains or is Selva better
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Hi Sue - Selva or Siusi? Hard choice! Both areas are extremely scenic.
Which to choose? It really depends on how you want to spend your time ... The Saltria area of the Alpe di Siusi (- my favourite part) is idyllic - a lovely area for hiking. BUT it's remote, and there's no village. I love it for a day (- don't miss the Florian chairlift ride) - but personally I wouldn't choose to base there for a week. Selva IMO is a better choice if you wish to see other parts of the Dolomites as well. It's a pleasant village in a delightful setting, is a more central base for touring - and for views it's hard to beat. There are 2 superb lifts from Selva (- Ciampinoi and Dantercepies) - so you have easy access to some great hiking and breathtaking views. There are other lifts throughout the Val Gardena, and you can easily access the Alpe di Siusi and other spectacular hiking areas from Ortisei and Santa Cristina. Unfortunately I can't recommend a specific apartment as I always stay in B&B's. Hopefully someone else can help ... This website has a directory for accm in Selva - and throughout the Val Gardena: http://www.valgardena.it/en/val-gardena/page28.html Let me know if I can be of more help ... Steve |
Thanks Steve, very useful info. Thinking of going with Selva. As like to be slightly out of village in quiet surrounds we are looking at a "garni" on what looks like almost the end of Strada Daunei which looks to be a good position. IF you have time could you click on their site and the location icon and check the map/position out for me: www.soleiga.com - your comments would be greatly appreciated. Also, some advice on hiking trails in the Val Gardena/Selva area. We aren't super serious hikers, but enjoy a good long walk/hike and want to enjoy good scenery and don't mind some uphill. Should we be able to find some of that at Selva? Is it worth hiking at Ortosei/St Cristina or is Selva the best of these. Will obviously visit the other 2 but should we plan a hike there? Also, tho we don't want to do too much driving as will have been travelling for 3 weeks in Europe (Paris, Valbonne in S.of France, Stresa on Lago Maggiore from where will do trips to Seitzerland/Matterhorn,etc)and want a rest in the Dolomites before coming back to Australia, we thought we would allow a max.of 3 days of driving to/visiting other scenic spots, in the Dolomites,so:
- is it a long drive from Selva to Siusi? -is it worth driving across to the Cortina d'Ampezza area- if so, where particularly? -Have you ever driven to Innsbruck from the Dolomites - how arduous & how worthwhile is the drive? - Finally,where did you B&B both in Selva and in Siusi? We might do an extra night at Siusi after our week in Selva before driving back to Milan. Anywhere else you'd advise worth visiting/staying after Selva? Even at/near Lake Garda? We have 2 nights spare after the week in Dolomites before flying out of Milan. Open to suggestions.Many thanks. |
Sue - I can't comment on the garni itself but the location looks excellent. You are guaranteed magnificent views up there, rest assured :)
As regards hiking, I'm more of a stroller than a serious hiker - but every lift in Val Gardena takes you up to superb hiking country. http://www.valgardena.it/download/ga...wps06_1024.jpg From Selva, Ciampinoi and Dantercepies are great - but yes, you should definitely try the Ortisei (- Alpe di Siusi and Seceda) and Santa Cristina (Col Raiser and Sass Lung) lifts. You will find lots of ideas on: http://www.valgardena.it/en/walking-...ng/page50.html As regards the Alpe di Siusi, you can easily access it from Val Gardena (Ortisei cable-car or S. Cristina chairlift). Head for Saltria - a little piece of paradise :) There is a road (- via Castelrotto) to the Alpe di Siusi - but N.B. car access in summer is restricted. Much better to use the lifts ... The drive to Cortina is very scenic and includes some spectacular passes. You could plan a superb day to include the Lagazuoi cable-car (- awesome) and my favourite lake in Italy - Lake Braies. http://www.hotel-carnia.com/img/ferrate/braies.jpg Is it worth driving to Innsbruck? No. You can plan much better days in the Dolomites ... I have some driving tours which I've recommended before - I can post them if you're interested ... I always stay further down the valley in Ortisei - usually at: http://www.hotelvillapark.com/eng/index.html I've never actually stayed up on the Alpe di Siusi as I prefer to be in a village. I base at Castelrotto: http://www.hotelwolf.it/eng/index.html As you are there in high season you may find it difficult to find a place for a one-night stop. Certainly an apartment will be problematic. You might be lucky with a B&B, but many places have a 3-night minimum. There are certainly lovely options between Selva and Milan. Lake Garda (- Riva, Limone, Malcesine...), Trento, Caldaro (- wine route), Brenta Dolomites, Lake Como ... you're spolit for choice :) Hope this helps ... Steve |
Steve, what fantastic information, you're a fountain of knowledge and just the kind of information we needed and wanted.. many thanks, will do the research and if stuck on anything will come back to you.
If stayed on Lake Garda, any specific ideas to share re specifically where plus B&B or hotel first hand experience? Would we be pushing it to get to a flight early afternoon from Malpensa Milan from there? What's in Bergamo?Is it worth trying to fit in? |
Steve, forgot to mention would really appreciate you posting your drive tours for the Dolomites,
Thanks so much, Sue |
Here's a link to my trip report of the Dolomites:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2 |
Sue - Scenic drives/excursions from Selva:
TOUR 1 - SELLA & 4 PASSES TOUR If you only do one tour, THIS is the one! Route:- Selva Gardena-SELLA PASS-Pordoi Pass-(SASS PORDOI* cable car)-Arabba-Campolongo Pass-Corvara-Colfosco-GARDENA PASS-Selva The SELLA and GARDENA Passes are 2 of the most spectacular in the Dolomites. * Don't miss the SASS PORDOI cable car ride (- from Pordoi Pass) for awesome views. There is a cafe/restaurant at the top. The Forcella lift (- Sella Pass) is also on this route. The villages en route also make nice stops - especially Corvara/ Colfosco. |
Steve - thanks so much, will make sure we do this one, really appreciate your response.
Schuler- when I click on that thread it just gives me hundreds of posts, not sure if you've given me the right info or i am doing something wrong.. am fairly new on Fodors, don't know how to check threads like this if it isn't just to click on it and arrive there! Sue |
TOUR 2- LAKE BRAIES & CORTINA
Allow plenty of time for Lake Braies (- the most beautiful lake in Italy IMO :) ) Route: Selva-GARDENA PASS-Corvara-La Villa in Badia-SAN CASSIANO-Valparola Pass-LAGAZUOI*-Cortina *Don't miss LAGAZUOI cable-car ride (- Valparola/Falzarego Pass) for fabulous views. From Cortina follow signs for Brunico. West of Dobbiaco (- after Villabassa) - turn left and follow signs for LAGO di BRAIES. Idyllic spot for boating, walking, picnic, swimming (if you're brave!). The walk around the lake takes about 1 hr. Cafe & restaurant. http://www.hotel-carnia.com/img/ferrate/braies.jpg IF you have time afterwards, drive up to nearby PRATO PIAZZA for more lovely Dolomite views before returning to the main Val Pusteria road (S49). Turn left signposted Brunico. From Brunico you have basically have 2 options for the return to Selva: 1. Val Badia route (- turnoff south of Brunico signposted Val Badia/Corvara) - via Corvara and Gardena Pass OR 2. main road via Bressanone, then follow signs for Val Gardena/Ortisei. ..... (- more to follow) |
TOUR 3 - CASTELROTTO-CAREZZA-VAL di FASSA TOUR
Route: Selva-Ortisei-Pinei Pass-Castelrotto-Siusi-Fie a Sciliar-Presule-Nigra Pass-Carezza-Costalunga Pass-Canazei-Pordoi/Sella Pass-Selva From Ortisei turn left, signposted Passo Pinei/Castelrotto. Castelrotto makes a lovely coffee stop ... The Alpe di Siusi cable car from Siusi (- one of the longest rides in Europe) gives fine views of the Sciliar. Below Fie-allo-Sciliar turn left on lane signposted Presule. After Presule follow signs for Passo Nigra/Carezza. At Carezza a 2km detour right (- dir. Bolzano) takes you to the delightful Carezza Lake http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/4536639.jpg Backtrack up the hill via Carezza towards Costalunga Pass. At Carezza don't miss the Paolina chairlift ride for more fine views of Rosengarten/Latemar. Continue over the Passo Costalunga, descend to Val di Fassa and follow signs for Canazei - another pleasant stop. From Canazei follow signs for Pordoi Pass/Cortina - returning to Selva via SELLA Pass. |
Steve: WOW... this gets better all the time, can't thank you enough.
Viamichelin estimates time Selva Gardena to Limone Lake Garda is 2hrs 20mins and from there to Malpensa 2 hours. Have you found Viamichelin to be reasonably accurate? If we stop for 2 nights in Limone, would you say 2-3 hours is realistic to get us to our flight out of Malpensa? Do you have a specific B&B or hotel to recommend at Limone? |
I've found Michelin sometimes underestimates, Sue.
Limone-Malpensa is certainly NOT 2 hrs unless you're Michael Schumacher. I'd say 3-4hrs. You'd need to make an early start to be on the safe side, I think. I can't recommend a hotel in Limone - I suggest you post a new thread for suggestions. Are you set on staying on Lake Garda? Personally I wouldn't want such a long drive before a flight. Basing at the southern end (- Sirmione?) would give you easy access to the autostrada, so might be a better choice than Limone for you. Steve |
Thanks Steve, agree not a good idea to drive so far and also risk delays along the way before a flight. Not set on L.Garda, so if don't opt to stay L.Garda (South), where else is a good place to spend 2 nights before flight? We will have spent the week before the Dolomites based at Stresa, were in Varenna (and LOVED it) 2 yrs ago. Could go back there but drive to/from there along the east side of the lake could be long slow (didnt have car last time, but bus took forever!) Like to go/try new places, open to suggestions. Is Lake Orta a good spot? Close to Malpensa and may not get to see it whilst at Stresa as won't have a car there as we intend mainly to use ferries/trains to Milan, Switzerland, islands, etc).
By the way, I have quite a few other questions if you can spare me the time to answer them or point me in the right direction: 1) Do you have any input/gems to share on the Stresa/Maggiore sector of our trip? If so,I am all ears! For e.g. how to get from Stresa to Zermatt on a day trip (ferry, train, ?Centovalli train one way, back to Stresa another way?) 2) Do you know if we can "free" train ride on this (Centovalli and/or other trains in Switzerland) to Zermatt if we have a 5 day Eurail train pass for 3 neighbouring countries, being France, Italy and Switzerland? Hope this isn't turning into too much of an ordeal, 1 question has led me to a whole lot more! Thanks, Sue |
Sue - I've only day-tripped to Lake Maggiore from Como - so I don't know it well.
I'm sure others will be able to give you tips re Stresa, Orta etc - I suggest you post a new thread ... Zermatt is certainly doable from Stresa (- via Brig). Not sure if it's logistically viable to combine it with the Centovalli ride, though. Those are 2 full day-trips IMO. Hope this helps ... Steve |
Thanks so much Steve, really so appreciate all you've shared, you've been amazingly helpful and can't wait to see Val Gardena and do the trip to Cortina d'Ampezzo..you've made it come alive for me and saved me endless hours trying to find out where to go and where not to, etc.
Will put out a thread on Maggiore/ Orta questions. All the best, Sue |
Bookmarking - thanks!
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Adding my thanks to Steve for all of the info in this thread!
Suedee, if you happen to see this, I'm wondering where you ended up staying and what you thought of your week in the Val Gardena? We're considering something similar for the same time next year. Thanks. |
Hi Ms Go - Glad you found it helpful :)
Steve |
Steve, your in-depth knowledge of this area always impresses. Ms Go, I concur wirh Steve that my first choice in this area is Hotel Wolf in Castelroto, but I can also make a case for Ortisei as a base location---more of a real town.
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We're just thinking at this point, but you'll (Steve and Bob) both be hearing from us if we decide to move forward...
Right now we're considering a one-week stay in a self-catering apartment with a heavy emphasis on moderate hikes in the immediate area but easy enough access to other parts. We've been looking at Selva specifically, along with Ortisei and Santa Cristina...but again, still early in the process. This would be the centerpiece of a relatively short trip (given our other summer commitments ;) ) with a day or two on each end in the direction of whichever airport(s) we use. |
Oh yes, those summer commitments. An apt. is a good idea.
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Hey Bob - It's my second home. I go most years (- twice this year :) )
Ms Go - I expect you've already found this. http://hotel.valgardena.it/en/hotelListW/?ResortType=FW Steve P.S. You might enjoy this http://www.valgardena.it/?artid=726&...1&lang=eng |
I thought about Castelrotto, Hotel Wulf, but the thought of the church bell ringing every hour all night put me off. Is is not annoying? Is if so faint that it can barely be heard? Or is it that it rings and it doesn't bother you?
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Hi Jhd - If you're worried about the church bell try Haus Silbernagl instead.
Just as good as Zum Wolf for the price - with small pool, sauna and steam room too :). 3 mins from centre. http://www.garni-silbernagl.com/eng/start_e.html http://tinyurl.com/5autbp Hope this helps ... Steve |
We're considering a trip to the Dolomites in late April to early May next year, how is that time of year -- too cold? Planned on this trip two years ago but I was sidetracked now it's back on our schedule but a month earlier. We'll be starting in Venice and ending in Lake Orta (probably). Just wondering if we'll run into cold and snow in the Dolomites in late April.
Thanks! Mary |
Hi Mary - I was in the Dolomites in March this year - the snow was melting fast in the valleys and the main passes were all open. We had a week of sunshine and blue skies.
So I don't think snow would be an issue in April/May. But there's never a guarantee of good weather in the mountains, of course - it's always the luck of the draw ... Steve |
Well, considering I started this thread, I feel terrible that I have only just got round to looking at it again since my return in August. Steve_James, your advice was invaluable and the Dolomites were truly magnificent - what incredible scenery. Siusi is certainly stunning and my all-out favorite, as was the drive you recommended to Cortina, and Lake Braies.
Outline of our trip: 1) Cable Car rides/expeditions: We didn't manage to do half of what we hoped to but we did go up the Dantercepies Cable car (thenks Steve!)and walked from the top, looking across the Selva Gardena pass (I think!) - it was stunning and we spent several hours up there - that took up 1 day. Another day we drove to Cortina D'ampezzo through the Pordoi Pass (Nearly froze up there - was below zero!)From Cortina we drove to Lake Missurina - very beautiful and then on to Lake Braies - for which thanks again, Steve. Having left Selva at about 9 a.m., we only got home well after 8 pm and that was without doing any extra cable car rides - just driving and stopping to look at endless stunning views and take photos. A third day we drove to Ortisei and took a Gondola ride up to Alpe di Siusi - what a fairytale place to visit - the alpine fields were breathtaking and we had lunch at the Alpine style restaurant at the top, then walked right down the slopes amongst the flowers, the cows and the rolling carpets of green and then caught a chairlift back up to where we'd started in order to get the gondola back down to Ortisei - that day was cloudy but much more protected and cleared up once we got over into Siusi. Another day we drove to Innsbruck because my daughter was desperate to go to Austria - it was an easy enough drive once we got to the main freeway access to Innsbruck and although I would have been quite happy to stay in the mountains for the whole time it was still worth doing! Another day we hiked (leisurely style) up the hill/mountain at the back of our Garni and picnicked on the hillside high up on a path which led from Selva to Santa Cristina. A music festival that week enabled us to see/hear alpine horn blowers playing in the fields amongst the cows near the Dantercepies Gondola lift one evening too. 2) Weather:The weather in late July was extremely cold - very unexpected and it was freezing up on the passes and on the top of the mountains where we went up in cable cars. We were particularly unfortunate but had not expected it to be THAT cold - had rain as well and a tremendous wind/thunderstorm one evening! 3)Accommodation:We stayed just outside Selva Gardena Wolkenstein in a self-catering "appartment" which was in a "garni" which was well located being about a kilometre out of and above the town of Selva Wolkenstein - so no town noise and a lovely view from the bedroom "balcony" BUT the accommodation was very basic and we could hear every movement of fellow guests above and next door to us so had little sleep. Our "appartment" at Garni Soleiga comprised two B&B rooms with a kitchenette along the passageway between the two rooms - NOWHERE to sit down and relax - we would have left if we had not paid the week's rent in advance - it was pot luck choice from hundreds of Garnis on the internet and we WERE trying to keep costs down for that week - it looked and sounded reasonable on the internet but was a huge disappointment. The village is charming but note that the villages are essentially ski and hiking orientated and also that supermarkets/bakeries are closed bar a few morning trading hours on a Sunday (we arrived late Saturday night, didnt know the shops closed midday Sunday and were caught without even a litre of milk or some bread until the Monday morning .. our hosts at the Garni supplied us with NOTHING despite knowing we would arrive late on a Saturday evening!!) 4)Driving: We found the driving very intense and it takes alot longer that one expects to go anywhere because of the ENDLESS hairpin bends and narrow roads (being from Australia, where we drive on the left it is that much more challenging for us driving on the right - a manual car as well - and with heavy traffic, not to mention the cyclists and motorbikes who dominate the road on hairpin bends so you are forced into the middle of the road as you negotiate a bend knowing another car is probably approaching unseen!!) All in all Selva,Ortisei or Sta Cristina are definitely in a wonderful location and well located to do alot. The feeling in the area is that one is Austria, not Italy, and the scenery is more beautiful than anything we had expected. Just choose better accommodation than we did!! Thanks so much Steve for all your help and advice,it was invaluable. |
Thanks, Suedee, for reporting back on your stay. We've now booked air for our week in that area next July (hoping for better weather!) but are still researching accommodations in and around Selva and deciding between in town and out of town, etc.
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Hi Sue - Welcome back!
I've been there in July and it SNOWED at Tre Cime (- 2000m)! The bikers are a pain in the *#*#, aren't they? Glad you enjoyed Lake Braies. I think it's one of the gems of the Dolomites - one which most visitors bypass. But the whole area is incomparable IMO ... I'm sorry to hear your apartment was so bad :(. What a bummer - I hope it didn't spoil your holiday too much ... Steve |
We're going to Castlerotto 10/6-8, staying at Hotel Wolf. We'd like to head up to Alpe di Siusi and take an easy hike. We're mainly interested in the vistas. Any recommendations?
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Hi Biggswv - I thought I posted this earlier :(
For best views on the Alpe di Siusi, head for the SALTRIA (- Sasso Lungo/ Sasso Piatto) area - or the SCILIAR. From Saltria, don't miss the 'Florian' chairlift up to Williamshutte. This whole area is idyllic hiking country. You can reach Saltria from Castelrotto by bus - or by cable-car from nearby Siusi, then bus from the top (- Compatch). Alternatively if you have a car you can drive as far as Compatch, then continue by bus. (This area has restricted car access check at the tourist office for details). Hope this helps ... Steve |
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