Val de Chedul and Vallunga Hike, Val Gardena, Dolomites

Val de Chedul and Vallunga (Langental) are two valleys extending into Puez-Odle Nature Park from Selva di Val Gardena.

A rewarding trail links the two valleys via the Crespëina High Plateau, part of the vast Puez-Odle plateau. The Val de Chedul-Vallunga loop is an excellent way to explore a quieter side of Val Gardena. Val de Chedul is remarkably peaceful, and you’re unlikely to encounter anyone until Forcella de Crespeina. Vallunga sees more visitors, but by late afternoon you’ll likely have much of the valley to yourself.

This trail guide describes the complete Val de Chedul-Vallunga circuit, a 16.1 km hike that takes approximately 6 hours to complete.

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Vallunga and Val de Chedul Hiking Map

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Essential Trail Info

Trailhead | The hikes starts at the Vallunga car park (Parcheggio Vallunga / Parkplatz Langental) in Selva di Val Gardena. You can drive all the way to the entrance of the valley. There’s a large pay-and-display car park at the trailhead, near the La Cajota snack bar/hut. Exact Location: Google Maps

How to Get to Vallunga by Bus | Take the bus to the “Vallunga” bus stop (Google Maps) and walk 15 minutes (856 meters) to the trailhead.

Hiking Season | To hike the complete circuit, aim for mid/late June to mid/late October depending on snow conditions. Vallunga Valley is accessible all-year-round. It’s a popular starting point for winter hiking as well as spring hiking, since the valley is usually snow-free by May. 

Trail Direction | I recommend ascending Val de Chedul first. By doing so, you’ll end the hike with an easy, well-graded descent through Vallunga.

Difficulty | This hike is moderately difficult to the length and at times rugged terrain.

Trail Variations | Vallunga is an ideal destination for leisurely walking and hiking with small children. It’s possible to walk the entire length of Vallunga Valley, which is about 4.5 km long. The elevation difference between the lower part of the valley and the upper part of the valley is only 260 meters. 

Where to Eat | Rifugio Puez

Responsible Hiking | This hike is located in Puez-Odle Nature Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flying drones, camping, lighting fires, picking flowers is strictly prohibited.

Hiking with Dogs | Dogs must be leashed in Vallunga, because it’s a grazing area in summer.

Good to Know | These gorgeous valleys have a few different names, because Val Gardena is a historically Ladin valley and, prior to the First World War, it was part of the Austrian Empire.

• Val (Ladin), Langental (German), Vallunga (Italian)
• Val de Chedul (Ladin), Chedultal (German), Valle Chedul (Italian)

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Val de Chedul and Vallunga Trail Description 

Vallunga Car Park – Val de Chedul –  Forcella Crespëina (2:30 – 2:50 hours)

The hike begins at the entrance of Vallunga Valley in Selva di Val Gardena.

Follow trail 14 across the meadow to the St. Silvester chapel (5 minutes). At the chapel, turn right onto trail 12, in the direction of Val de Chedul/Chedultal/Valle Chedul. 

Trail 12 steeply ascends a thick forest of spruce and larch and later dwarf pine and Swiss pine. 

As the forest thins out, views open up to the Cir Group on the right side and the Chedul mountains on the left side. 

The jagged Cir mountains, including Gran Cir, look like a giant procession of arrowheads. 

When we hiked here in early October, the only sound we heard was that of our own footsteps and a few tumbling rocks, thanks to a family of galloping chamois.

After cruising across a boulder slope and later a meadow, the trail steepens again. 

As you move into the upper reaches of the valley, the trail gets more barren. Boulders punctuate the crumbling slopes which flank this spectacular rockscape. 

With this  elevation gain, views open up to Alpe di Siusi and the Sciliar/Schlern massif (behind you).

When you arrive at a signed trail junction, bear left and continue up Val de Chedul in the direction of Furcela de Crespëina/Crespëina Joch (signed 30 minutes). 

At the head of Val de Chedul, the trail merges with the path coming from Passo Cir (and Passo Gardena). Zigzag up the timber-reinforced trail to reach Forcella Crespëina/Crespëina Joch (2527 m).

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Forcella Crespëina – Crespëina High Plateau – Rifugio Puez (1:20 hours)

Forcella Crespëina is marked with a fence and a wooden crucifix. Pass through the gate and follow trail 2 to Rifugio Puez (Ütia de Puez, Puez Hütte). This stretch of the hike follows the Alta Via 2 long distance trail. 

Descend to the karst Crespëina plateau, which is part of the Puez-Odle Altopiano. With no difficulty, the path crosses this moonscape, passing by Crespëina Lake.

Many peaks of the Puez-Odle Group are visible ahead, including Sass Rigais (3025 m), Piz Duleda (2909 m), Piz de Puez, and the cone-shaped Col de la Sone (2633 m) among many others. 

Follow signs to Forcella Ciampëi/Furcela de Ciampëi/Ciampëi Scharte (2366 m). From the Ciampëi saddle, continue on trail 2 in the direction of Rifugio Puez (signed 40 minutes). At this junction, trail 4 descends to Colfosco and Corvara, two villages in Alta Badia. Look towards Alta Badia and you will see the unmistakable Mount Pelmo and Mount Civetta. 

Ascend the rugged, timber-bolstered path through the rock corridor. 

The trail quickly levels and leads north across the plateau. As you near the hut, there are striking bird’s-eye views of the U-shaped Vallunga Valley. 

Rifugio Puez (2475 m) is usually open from late June until mid/late September. It sits on a major junction, so it’s always buzzing with hikers. 

This was our third visit to Rifugio Puez. We’ve also hiked to this hut from La Villa, Alta Badia, via the Gherdenacia Plateau and from Passo Gardena via Sass da Ciampac.

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Rifugio Puez to Vallunga (2:10 hours)

Directly from the Puez hut, follow trail 14 to Val/Langental/Vallunga. 

The trail curves down the mountainside and then leads south, beneath the rock wall of the plateau. After a comfortable traverse, the path twists down to the tree line.

The nice path melts away as soon as you reach a gravel-filled gully. Carefully hike down the crumbling path, bolstered with timber reinforcements. 

In Val Culea, our path merges with the closed trail 14a, which used to connect Forcella Ciampëi directly to Vallunga valley. This path is washed-out and hazardous. 

Follow the rugged bed of Val Culea for a bit longer. The trail smooths out when you reach the head of Vallunga/Langental Valley. 

Walk down the valley, enjoying the soft grass underfoot. The path crosses the wide-open Plan dala Ciajeies, a grassy plain flanked by Col Turont (2419 m). Press on to Pra da ri. 

Pra da ri is a large meadow with a few benches, a crucifix, and a private hut. In the summer months, cattle graze here. Keep a respectful distance and do not disturb, or pet the animals. Dogs must be leashed. 

Cross the meadow and then pass through the pasture gate. 

The well-groomed path continues down the valley through pockets of forest and meadows. Towering mountains flank both sides: Mont Stevia and Col dala Pieres on the right and the Chedul Mountains on the left.  

On the way, you’ll pass the limestone kiln in Vallunga, marked with an info board with an English description as well. 

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Where to Stay near Vallunga

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Selva di Gardena

Budget | Hotel Garni Morene is a clean and comfortable family-run guesthouse, set in an idyllic location outside the town center of Selva. Stay here for the unbeatable price, mountain views, and hospitality. Breakfast included.

Budget | Garni Sunela B&B is an immaculate bed and breakfast with spacious rooms, a spa, bar, parking garage, and a phenomenal breakfast, including fresh eggs from the resident chickens. Check-in is only until 7 pm.

Midrange | Garni Hotel Bel Vert is a B&B in Selva, located on the Biancavieve Slope, outside the town center. Rooms are beautiful and spacious. There’s even a small spa. 3 nights minimum stay.

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Freina is a welcoming family-run hotel in Selva with an excellent on-site restaurant (serving vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options), wonderful spa, and free garage parking. 

Luxury | Hotel Tyrol is a traditional alpine hotel centrally located in Selva. The hotel’s restaurant offers creative interpretations of Ladin tradition with a Tuscan twist. Stay here for the cozy ambience, the wellness area (saunas, indoor and outdoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool, salt cave with chromotherapy), and comfortable rooms. Outdoor parking is free and garage parking is an extra charge. 

Luxury | Hotel Sun Valley is a 4-star hotel with a feel-good atmosphere, nice rooms, friendly management and staff, and a great restaurant (half board available). The spa comprises an indoor pool, whirlpool, Tyrolean parlor sauna, Brechel bath with fresh pine branches, and a steam bath, and relaxation areas. 

Luxury | Linder Cycling Hotel stands out with its bold architecture, stylish urban accents, and laid-back atmosphere. Beyond the captivating design, Linder Cycling Hotel boasts excellent facilities, including a rooftop terrace, indoor pool, bar, and the à la carte Luis Eatery restaurant

Boutique Luxury | Boutique Hotel Nives – Luxury & Design is a small 4-star-superior hotel in Selva with two restaurants, a spa (saunas and outdoor whirlpool), and an indoor pool. The 13 rooms of family-run Hotel Nives are equipped with Nespresso coffee machines, tea kettles, bathrobes and slippers. Extra perks: free garage parking, free winter ski shuttle, and bike storage. The à la carte Restaurant Nives is open all-year-long, while the Hotel Restaurant Stevia is only open in winter. 

5-star Luxury | Hotel Granbaita Dolomites is an ode to alpine elegance. This 5-star luxury hotel pampers guests with its lavish rooms, extensive spa area (7 saunas, indoor-outdoor pool, fitness room, spa), and decadent tasting menus. Book half board.

Find an accommodation in Selva di Val Gardena.

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Santa Cristina

Budget | Smart Hotel Saslong is a no-frills hotel in Santa Cristina featuring modern, minimalist interiors decorated in local wood. Guests have access to a self-service bar, free parking (indoor and outdoor), and on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. This is a perfect place to stay if you’re traveling with friends. Book breakfast!

Midrange | Charme Hotel Uridl is a family-run hotel set in a mountain chalet dating back to the 17th century. Stay here for the cozy and quaint atmosphere and delicious breakfast buffets and dinners.

Top Choice – Boutique Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is a 4-star-superior boutique hotel set in a quiet location above the village church. Stay here for the innovative cuisine (half board only), Ladin hospitality, and spacious suites. Complimentary Perks: garage parking, winter shuttle to ski slopes, guided hiking tours, and afternoon snack. Read our Dorfhotel Beludei Hotel Review.

Luxury | Hotel Touring Dolomites is an excellent, family-run hotel with a new spa, rooftop pool, modern rooms, and a fine dining restaurant (half board available). 3-5 nights minimum stay.

Find an accommodation in Santa Cristina.

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Val Gardena Guides

Travel Guides:

• Best Hotels in Val Gardena
• Oritisei Travel Guide

Hiking Trails:

• Best Hikes in Val Gardena
• Resciesa to Seceda
• Seceda Ridgeline Hike
• Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike
• Monte Pic
• Lake Pisciadù Hike
• Piz Duleda Peak Hike
• Sassolungo Group Circuit Trail
• Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail

Via Ferratas:

• Oskar Schuster Via Ferrata to the summit of Sasso Piatto/Plattkofel

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