Also known as Olang, Valdaora is a picturesque commune backed by the Dolomite Mountains in the northern Italian province of South Tyrol. It is nestled at the base of Kronplatz, a 2,275-metre-high peak that provides a setting for hiking in the summer months and skiing in the snowy winters.
Things to do in Valdaora
If you’re visiting in the winter, you can ride one of the 30+ lifts that ascend the slopes of Kronplatz, which boasts 116 kilometres of downhill ski runs to explore. There’s also an abundance of cross-country skiing trails with magnificent views of the Dolomites. Snowshoes are available for rent, allowing you to access the region’s snow-covered forests and icy lakes.
Located atop Kronplatz is the LUMEN - Museum of Mountain Photography, which showcases a magnificent collection of works from leading landscape photographers. Set across four floors, it tells the history of mountain photography from its earliest years and includes both historic film images and digital innovations. In addition to alpine landscapes, the collection focuses on tourism, politics and spirituality.
Spend a day in the charming town of Brunico, which is watched over by a 13th-century hilltop castle. This impressive fortification is home to the Messner Mountain Museum Ripa, where you can learn about mountain people from around the globe, including Sherpas, Walsers and Hunzukuks. Brunico is famed for its Christmas market, which is an ideal spot to pick up gifts.
Getting around Valdaora
Valdaora is just over an hour's drive from Bolzano and Bolzano Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Olang-Antholz railway station and buses travel throughout the commune. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around Valdaora while chair lifts connect to the surrounding ski slopes.