01 – 08 July 2012
The towering craggy peaks of the Dolomite mountains frame Val Gardena, and attractive villages line the river valley where wood-carving and agriculture are traditional occupations. There is good access to upper altitudes and superb scenery in addition to 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 Giorgio Planker and his 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.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – SUNDAY 01 JULY
Flight to Zurich where you are met. Transfer by coach for a most enjoyable journey through the Alps to Innsbruck and then over the Brenner pass to Val Gardena and the Hotel Rodella. Refreshments on arrival. Short talk on the week’s programme before dinner together.DAY TWO – MONDAY 02 JULY
From the hotel we walk to the cable car in nearby 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 seeing 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 after passing through pine and spruce woods.DAY THREE – TUESDAY 03 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 Sassopiatto 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 – WEDNESDAY 04 JULY
From Selva we take the cable car up to Dantercepies at 2300m. A limestone area, we walk the Edelweiss-path, 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 drink at the family’s typical alp-hut we return to our hotel.DAY FIVE – THURSDAY 05 JULY
Travelling by bus we reach the Passo Pordoi, south of the Gruppo del Sella at 2240m. In the morning we 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 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 – FRIDAY 06 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 – SATURDAY 07 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, informative natural history museum and street cafes.DAY EIGHT – SUNDAY 08 JULY
Morning departure by coach to Zurich for the return flights.
Tour Costs
Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1580pp
b&b with private shower/bathroom
Dinner each evening/5 packed lunches
Single room supplement £115
5 days with botanist
Activity Level:
5 walking days, good walking paths, some ascents/descents, no scree.
Additional Information:
Led by Beat Fischer, botanist.