Home Region S. Cristina

Santa Cristina in Val Gardena

The sun-kissed village at the foot of the Sassolungo

A place to find your inner peace, while the time away, and one village which will keep you coming back: these qualities – or similar ones – always crop up when talking about the sun-kissed village of Santa Cristina in Dolomites Val Gardena. The village is surrounded by verdant, blossoming meadows and interesting rocky shapes and forms, making this beautiful village a location where hospitality and traditions go hand-in-hand. S. Christina has fewer than 2,000 inhabitants and most of them work in tourism and are always delighted to welcome the countless hikers, cyclists, skiers and families that spend their holiday in this magical location.

Culture and associations in S. Cristina

Cultural events and associations are a very important part in S. Cristina, yet another proof that locals of Dolomites Val Gardena live up to the sense of duty they feel towards their home. The village band has been around since 1856 and the choir since 1972. Moreover, folk music is performed and kept alive in countless other musical associations.
The majority of the associations take care of shaping the cultural life in S. Cristina. They organise celebrations where locals and guests alike mingle and celebrate many times a year.

Sightseeing: What you shouldn’t miss out on in S. Cristina

We could stay here until the cows come home listing the sightseeing opportunities in S. Cristina. You should absolutely walk around the quiet and peaceful roads of the village centre and take in the beautiful buildings. When having a gander around, you should make the most of this opportunity to visit the parish church of Santa Cristina. Here you’ll find some works of art made by renowned sculptures of the region. The Fischburg castle is located between S. Cristina and Selva Val Gardena. In the 17th century it was built by Engelhard Dietrich von Wolkenstein-Trostburg, and the Renaissance summer and hunting castle is a true treat for the eyes. You cannot visit the castle as it’s a private residence but you can enjoy the view of the building. You can also visit the spherical sundial on the Monte Pana. If you’re interested in the history of the railway then you should walk along the Dolomites Val Gardena rail tracks where you’ll find more information about the history of our train on 14 informative wooden boards. Even the Tervela waterfall is worth a visit. It’s located directly opposite the village centre and is a perfect place to while the hours away. Another waterfall can be found in Soplajes, a fraction of S. Cristina.

Sports in S. Cristina

S. Cristina offers sport opportunities for the whole year. Countless walking paths and vie ferrate start here and lead active holiday-goers into the Dolomites. Even tennis courts, a swimming pool and a multifunctional sports ground provide for a lot of diversity and fun. S. Cristina is a favourite especially among winter sport lovers. The cross-country ski centre on Monte Pana is just as famous as the Sellaronda, which skiers in S. Cristina can directly access. Dolomiti Superski is a skiing carousel at the heart of the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and offers pure skiing bliss to every guest. If you’re also interested in watching professionals do what they do best, you can watch on as they compete in two races of the Alpine ski cup in Dolomites Val Gardena. The downhill races on the Saslong slope are also an absolute thrill-seeker’s delight. Moreover, a super slalom race also takes place.

Highlights in S. Cristina

  • Savour the taste of the mountains in our typical farms
  • Discover cultural and artistic treasures
  • Direct access to the Nature Park Puez-Odle
  • Famous slopes and spectacular views around the Sellaronda
  • Reach world championship slopes with the Saslong cablecar
  • Rustic mountain huts and all kinds of South Tyrolean delicacies
  • Splendid sceneries invite for peaceful walks

Tradition is alive and well: Santa Cristina’s history

The mountainous surroundings in Santa Cristina are geological witnesses of a time long gone. Rocky samples from the Dolomites have revealed the dramatic changes which have been taking place over the course of millions of years on the planet.

Santa Cristina’s history itself goes as far back as the 13th century, when the village was mentioned in written documents for the first time. The region’s farmers were extremely poor for many centuries and diseases and natural catastrophes always caused victims as well personal strife and losses among the local population.

In the 20th century both world wars left their mark on the region. Numerous local men lost their lives during the conflicts, yet the events also provided S. Cristina with its first railway tracks after World War I. These would represent a boon for the local area as they became the beating heart of the industry. As the fascist regime took over, the new government tried to rid South Tyrol and Dolomites Val Gardena of their Austrian influence, an attempt which clearly failed due to the local’s resistance.

Many people in S. Cristina speak Italian as well as other languages, but they also speak Ladin and consider themselves part of the Ladin culture. The ‘Grödener Tracht’, folks songs and the widespread use of woodcarving represent one of the clearest signs of territorial cohesion and speak to the locals’ joy in maintaining their traditions alive.

Tourist association S. Cristina

Str. Chemun, 9
I-39047 S. Cristina Val Gardena (BZ)
E-Mail: s.cristina@valgardena.it
Tel.: +39-0471-777800

Opening hours Tourist association S. Cristina

Winter - spring - autumn

Monday – Saturday: 08.00 – 12.00 & 14.30 – 18.00
Sunday: 09.30 – 12.00

08.12.2023: 09.30 – 12.00
24.12.2023: 09.30 – 12.00
25.12.2023: CLOSED
26.12.2023: 09.30 – 12.00
31.12.2023: 09.30 – 12.00
01.01.2024: CLOSED
06.01.2024: 09.30 – 12.00
31.03.2024 CLOSED
01.04.2024 CLOSED


Summer

Until 22.06.2024 and from 23.09.2024: Monday – Saturday: 08.00 – 12.00 & 14.30 – 18.00
From 24.06.2024 until 21.09.2024: Monday – Saturday: 08.00 – 12.00 & 15.00 – 18.30
Sunday: 09.00 – 12.00

In April, May, October and November the office is closed on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday.

02.06.2024: CLOSED

From 09.06.2024 open also on Sunday.