From whimsical figures and practical everyday objects to sacred works of art: discover the traditional woodcarving of the Val Gardena/Gröden valley.

Bënunì te Gherdëina!
Nestled amidst the majestic mountains of the Dolomites, Val Gardena/Gröden valley is regarded as one of South Tyrol’s most striking valleys. Renowned for its spectacular peaks, vast Alpine meadows, and first-class sporting facilities, the valley captivates nature lovers and active holidaymakers all year round.
Yet the Val Gardena/Gröden valley is not just a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts; it’s also a valley with a deeply rooted culture.

Amidst historic ateliers and small studios, a centuries-old tradition unfolds: the scent of freshly carved wood fills the air, and fine shavings dance in the light. Steady hands guide the tools over the material with practised precision until, step by step, an expressive and characterful figure emerges from an ordinary piece of wood. This art of woodcarving has shaped the region for generations and continues to inspire with its sophistication and natural beauty to this day. Anyone wishing to discover the Val Gardena/Gröden valley from this unique perspective will find the ideal base in the accommodation offered by the holiday specialists at südtirol hosts.

Across generations
For centuries, the Val Gardena/Gröden valley has been a place where small works of art are crafted from wood. What began in the 17th century as a simple pastime during the long winter months developed over time into a vibrant tradition. Initially, small animals and everyday objects were created – with great patience and a keen feel for the material.

In the 18th century, artistic altars, statues of saints, and high-quality wooden toys were added, which found their way into the homes of wealthy families across the German-speaking world. With the establishment of the first distribution companies, these delicate carvings finally began their journey across the world, above all sacred representations and the nativity figures that remain popular to this day.



How wood comes to life
Each carving in the Val Gardena/Gröden valley begins with a piece of wood, a steady hand, and a trained eye. Step by step, the carvers remove material, following the natural grain, and gradually bring shapes to life. First roughly, then increasingly finely, until artistic figures become visible. Often, different artists work together on this: from the sculptor and the carver to the painter, who adds the finishing touches to the works with paint.

Anyone wishing to experience this special art for themselves has the opportunity to do so in Ortisei. In an introductory course, you’ll be immersed directly in the world of woodcarving and, under expert guidance, create your own small relief. The meeting point is the Ortisei Tourist Office, and the session lasts around three hours. The course runs from June to October and from December to April and is also ideal for beginners.

From tradition to reinterpretation
Today, woodcarving can be explored in all its facets in the Val Gardena/Gröden valley, from traditional workshops to modern exhibition spaces. Figures are still being meticulously handcrafted in small studios – shaped by centuries-old knowledge passed down from generation to generation. At the same time, museums and galleries offer insights into the evolution of this unique craft and demonstrate how vibrant and adaptable it has remained.

At the Museum de Gherdëina in Ortisei, you can delve deep into over 400 years of history and encounter not only sacred works but also playful wooden toys and surprisingly humorous sculptures from various eras. The Art 52 exhibition in Ortisei offers a comprehensive overview of the diversity of styles, with numerous artists presenting their hand-carved works.



The Vijion Art Gallery in Pontives demonstrates that woodcarving in the Val Gardena/Gröden valley has long since entered the modern era. Here, traditional techniques meet modern interpretations, and clean forms meet creative experiments. This creates an exciting dialogue between past and present – and the certainty that the woodcarving tradition in the Val Gardena/Gröden valley is being preserved, yet constantly reimagined.