The fifth day of the beautiful adventure called the Dolomites has dawned.
Let me do a little retrospective.
On the first day, we visited a few beautiful places, to end the day at the stunning Passo Giau.
On the second day, we got a little more serious and did a very difficult hike to the ridge of Mount Saceda, where we were greeted by a million-dollar view.
On the third day, I slowed down a bit, just enough so that the Dolomites wouldn't chew us up in a blink of an eye. We hiked the perfect Adolf Munkel Weg and enjoyed every step on it.
Day 4 was a little stronger for my taste as we ride eMTBs on a very strenuous but beautiful circuit around the summit of Sasso Lungo and through the picturesque Val Duron.
That fifth day came... and I was completely crushed...
Over breakfast I announced to my friends that I just wasn't feeling strong enough to do anything worth mentioning. In addition, I was accompanied on this trip by my girlfriend, whose hiking skills were simply not up to the challenges of the rocky Dolomites. That's why I suggested to my friends that they do whatever they want, and Maja and I will take a leisurely walk around the city, drink coffee and buy souvenirs.
In the end, we decided to do it all together, because the others didn't feel like they had the energy to throw either. Plus, the weather forecast was calling for plenty of rain for the day, so all the dice fell into place nicely.
Val Gardena is a valley that stretches along the Alpine river Derjon. Three charming towns-villages are located in the valley: Santa Cristina, Ortisei and Selva.
The valley is surrounded by some of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites covered with a rich coniferous forest. The slopes of Val Gardena are one of the most famous ski resorts in the world in winter, and at the time we visited this beautiful valley, it was densely studded with hikers, mountaineers and, of course, cyclists. For cyclists of all kinds...
Of course, there are roadies, since the ascent to the famous Sellaronda and the Alpe de Suisse starts practically from Val Gardena. There are also those with less strength in their legs who go around these beautiful roads with the help of electric bicycles. Then, of course, those all-mountain enthusiasts who seek out forest trails and tour mountain slopes, peaks and valleys. Last but not least, there are also the bravest ones who ride jaw-dropping descents on downhill beasts. Val Gardena is another cycling paradise of the Alps.
We were accommodated in the village of Selva in a beautiful alpine wooden house with all the comforts we could imagine. Just a few meters from the house, several hiking trails started, leading in various directions. One, which particularly caught my eye, led right into the center of the village, so we were very happy to use it to take a leisurely walk. Selva is located at 1500 meters above sea level. The wide path is surrounded by tall pine trees, everything smells of conifers, and squirrels, which are the trademark of the entire valley, can be found at every step. Apart from the squirrels, we happened to have dinner in the clearing in front of our cabin while the roe deer grazed just a few tens of meters from us... I really had the impression that I had wandered into a fairy tale.
The town of Selva itself is not as small as it seems at first glance. We worked up a good sweat while exploring its streets and passages, because of course, like any Alpine place, it is full of hills and steep streets. All the buildings are in the well-known Alpine style with lots of wooden details. After all, this area is known for wood production. Town is charming with a lot of places to see. Be sure to visit the beautiful Maria Hilf Parish Church, which will leave you breathless with its stained glass windows and unusual octagonal base.
We visited several art galleries where skilled artisan-artists work wood into incredible beautiful sculptures. If you want one of these works of art to decorate your home, be prepared for the prices to be really high. In the end, we were satisfied with just watching and talking with local artists.
Selva is studded with sports equipment shops, so we spent a lot of time trying on new models of hiking shoes, rain jackets, feathered sweaters and other necessary little things for comfortable hiking. Here too, unfortunately, we had to notice that the prices are not more affordable than in online stores, but at least we came away with the knowledge of which sizes of well-known brands suit us the best.
The center of the village is decorated with one of the typical amphitheater - squares for these Alpine towns. Some of the most expensive accommodations and the best restaurants in Selva have found their home here. The rain hit us a couple of times while we were walking around the city, so we spent some time sitting in numerous cafes and restaurants trying local coffees and, of course, Aperol Spritz and local vines.
Selva is full of works of art, small and large. There, on one corner of the village's main square, nestles a beautiful fountain with motifs of Noah's Ark. Apart from enjoying her usual charm, antique look, of course we made a wish and put a coin in the fountain.
My wish was to spend all my remaining days in such beautiful places with the people I love and who are dear to me. Is there anything better?!
