St. Christina in Gröden: Trails, Nature and Ladin Culture

Between Sassolungo and Dolomite Trails

St. Christina in Gröden, Santa Cristina, lies at the foot of Sassolungo. Flower-filled meadows and unusual rock formations surround the village and give the landscape a distinctive character. Santa Cristina offers direct access to Puez-Odle Nature Park. Hiking trails also begin right in the village and lead into the Dolomites. Those seeking a combination of mountain landscapes, activity and cultural impressions for their holiday will therefore find various options for planning their days here.

Hiking Trails with Different Focal Points

The traditional farmsteads trail begins at the church square in Santa Cristina and leads to several mountain farms connected with the village’s farming culture. Information panels featuring old photographs explain the history of the individual alpine farms along the route. This trail is therefore aimed not only at hikers but also at visitors who would like to learn more about the agricultural background of the surrounding area.

Several trails start in the area around the parish church. The Legend Trail begins behind the church. The Way of the Cross in Santa Cristina comprises 14 stations with bronze sculptures by local artists, while the Via Crucis circular trail starts at the church square. The Giro del Paese begins at the car park below the sports hall, near the parish church of Santa Cristina. The different starting points help you distinguish short village routes from themed walks.

The Troi UNIKA art and nature trail begins on Monte Pana in Santa Cristina and focuses on art, nature and the woodcarving tradition deeply rooted in Gröden. The Troi UNIKA circular trail begins near Hotel Cendevaves and is also accessible with a pushchair in summer. The PanaRaida adventure trail also starts on Monte Pana; from the village centre, it can be reached by chairlift or on foot in around 40 minutes.

Art, Church and Ladin Identity

The parish church of Santa Cristina preserves the lower section of the Romanesque bell tower of a church mentioned in a papal bull from 1342. The main altar of the parish church was created around 1690 by the Vinazer dynasty of artists. Medieval architectural history and Baroque art from the region therefore come together in one place.

The woodcarving tradition is also part of Santa Cristina’s Ladin cultural identity. The world’s largest nativity scene offers a particularly extensive insight into this craft: it was created by 18 sculptors from Santa Cristina and has been on display at the Centro Sportivo Iman since 2000. Local associations organise numerous festivals throughout the year, contributing to the cultural vitality of the village.

Traces of the Former Gröden Railway

Today’s Gröden Railway trail follows the well-preserved former railway line for 12 kilometres from Roncadizza via Ortisei and Santa Cristina to Selva. Historical panels and pictures along the trail explain the history of this former railway. The restored tunnel of the former Gröden Railway near the parish church of Santa Cristina was opened to history enthusiasts and passers-by in 2017.

Inside the tunnel, interactive panels present historical facts, technical details and stories about the former railway. The trail thus combines physical activity with regional transport history, without requiring you to limit yourself to a purely museum-style experience.

Sellaronda and Cross-Country Skiing

In winter, Santa Cristina offers direct access to the legendary Sellaronda in the Dolomiti Superski area. Another specific option is the 7.5-kilometre Val Scura cross-country skiing course. The two offerings appeal to different interests: while the Sellaronda represents a large-scale ski circuit, Val Scura provides a clearly defined route for cross-country skiing.

Getting to Santa Cristina

For travel by public transport, bus route 350 runs every half hour from Ponte Gardena or Chiusa to Santa Cristina. This connection complements the routes that begin directly in the village or at prominent points such as the church square and Monte Pana, making it easier for you to find your bearings when planning your stay.

More Destinations in the Area

More destinations for planning your trip: Eggen, Völs am Schlern, Wolkenstein in Gröden, Karneid, Klobenstein, St. Ulrich in Gröden, Karersee, Lengstein.

To the overarching travel overview: Salten-Schlern.