Italian Dolomites – Alpine Flora of Val Gardena
03 – 10 July 2010
Towering craggy peaks of dolomitic
mountains frame Val Gardena and attractive
villages line the river valley where woodcarving
and agriculture are traditional
occupations. Good access to upper altitudes
and superb scenery add to the rich and varied
flora.
We stay in the most comfortable, attractive Hotel Rodella between Selva di Gardena
and Santa Cristina. Owned and run by the very
welcoming Planker family who serve
delicious meals in their restaurant.
One evening we enjoy an aperitivo
at their alp-hut near Passo Gardena
surrounded by carpets of wild
flowers. A highlight of the week is
a day around the Passo Pordoi with
its unique flora. Packed lunches are
supplied each walking day.
Activity Level: 5 walking days, good walking paths, some ascents/descents, no scree.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – SATURDAY 03 JULY
Flight to Innsbruck and transfer by coach over the
Brenner pass to Val Gardena arriving at the Hotel
Rodella. Refreshments on arrival. Short talk on the
week's programme before dinner together.
DAY TWO – SUNDAY 04 JULY
From the hotel we walk to the cable car nearby in
St Cristina to reach Col Raiser at 2100m. We start
with typical alpine limestone flora: edelweiss,
Achillea clavenae and Gentiaina clusii, as well as
G. utriculosa, G. germanica. We slowly descend,
maybe see marmots, passing impressive Arolla pine
forests with nutcracker birds, alpine clematis, and
rich meadows with Horminum pyrenaicum and
Stachys alopecuros. There will be the chance on
an extra trail to find the rare endemic devil's claw
(Physoplexis comosa). We arrive back at the hotel
through pine and spruce woods.
DAY THREE – MONDAY 05 JULY
Taking the local bus to the village of Ortisei we go by
cable car up to Alpe di Siusi at around 2000m. This
high plateau in front of the impressive mountains
of Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto, has acid soil
conditions due to old lava layers. The meadows
and pastures are rich with arnica, Pulsatilla
apiifolia, Nigritella rhellicani (black vanilla
orchid), Laserpitium halleri, Pedicularis rosea
and Dianthus superbus. Return by cable car and
bus to the hotel. Evening wine tasting at the hotel to
discover local Merano wines.
DAY FOUR – TUESDAY 06 JULY
From Selva we take the cable car up to Dantercepies
at 2300m. A limestone area, we walk the Edelweisspath,
which is characterised by a mosaic of rocks,
alpine meadows, marshy areas, mountain pine
shrubs and Arolla pine forests. Endemic plants
Paederota bonarota and Phyteuma sieberi,
grow on the rocks as well as Potentilla nitida
and Saxifraga moschata. Fire lily, Martagon lily,
Bavarian gentian and Centaurea nervosa can be
seen on our walk to the Passo Gardena. After a
well-deserved refreshing drink at the family's typical
alp-hut we return to our hotel.
DAY FIVE – WEDNESDAY 07 JULY
Travelling by bus we reach the Passo Pordoi south
of the Gruppo del Sella at 2240m. In the morning
we will explore the rich blue sesleria steppes on
limestone with Ranunculus thora, Anemone
baldensis, Oxytropis jaquinii, Laserpitium
peucedanoides, Scorzonera aristata and
Saussurea discolor. In the afternoon we walk
with superb views to the impressive Marmolada
mountains with snow-covered peaks and glacier.
On acid soil conditions, we walk through the richly
carpeted fescue grassland with Rhodiola rosea, and
discover Primula halleri and the King of the Alps
(Eritrichium nanum). Return by bus from the pass
to the hotel.
DAY SIX – THURSDAY 08 JULY
From Ortisei we take a cable car to Seceda at
2518m. Our walk in the Parco Naturale Puez-Odle
has excellent views to the magnificent dolomitic
mountains. All day on limestone we walk through
the highest meadow in the alps at 2500m which the
farmers cut every year. We should see Doronicum
austriacum and D. glaciale, Gentiana campestris.
G. germanica and G. nivalis and different orchids
– Gymnadenia conopsea and G. odoratissima. On
the steep stony-slopes the yellow rhaetian poppy
(Papaver aurantiacum) can be found in flower.
Return from Col Raiser by cable car.
DAY SEVEN – FRIDAY 09 JULY
Free day to relax. or for more walks to explore the
flora, or a visit to the lovely town of Ortisei with its
wood-carving shops, an informative natural museum
and street cafes.
DAY EIGHT – SATURDAY 10 JULY
Morning departure by coach to Innsbruck airport for
the return flights.
