Ladin-speaking village in the Dolomites, known for skiing, hiking, and Alpine cuisine. Home to Santa Croce Sanctuary and gateway to Puez-Geisler Nature Park.
Badia - Abtei, a village in the heart of the Dolomites, sits at an elevation of 1,315 meters, surrounded by limestone peaks and meadows. In this Ladin-speaking community, you can climb to the Santa Croce Sanctuary, spot rare flora in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, or ski the Sella Ronda circuit. Badia serves as a starting point for exploring the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the Alta Badia region.
Location and Landscape
Badia is situated in the southern part of Val Badia, a valley in South Tyrol, northern Italy. The village lies between two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Puez-Geisler Nature Park to the west and the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park to the east. Dolomite peaks encircle Badia, including the Lagazuoi (2,778 m), Conturines (3,064 m), and the distinctive Sas dla Crusc (2,907 m). This mountainous terrain creates a striking setting for year-round activities.
Ladin Culture and Language
Badia is one of the five Ladin-speaking communities in Val Badia. The Ladin language, a Romance language distinct from Italian, has persisted in this area for centuries. You can experience Ladin culture through local festivals, traditional architecture, and cuisine. The Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus in nearby San Cassiano showcases the region's history and the discovery of prehistoric cave bear remains. A visit to Badia allows you to engage with this unique Alpine culture that has maintained its identity despite centuries of external influences.
Winter
In winter, Badia becomes a center for snow sports. The village gives you access to the Alta Badia ski area, part of the larger Dolomiti Superski network. You can ski or snowboard on 130 km of slopes, ranging from beginner-friendly runs to challenging black diamond pistes. The well-known Sella Ronda circuit, a 40 km ski route around the Sella massif, is easily accessible from Badia. If you prefer a slower pace, you can explore the winter landscape on numerous trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Summer Outdoor Pursuits
When the snow melts, Badia reveals a network of hiking and mountain biking trails. You can reach the Armentara Meadows via a cable car from Badia, where you'll find an easy yet scenic hiking experience with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. More adventurous hikers can take on the trails in the nearby nature parks, leading to high-altitude lakes and rock formations. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. The annual Maratona dles Dolomites, a challenging road cycling race, starts in nearby La Villa, attracting cyclists from around the world.
Local Cuisine and Dining
Badia's culinary scene combines traditional Ladin recipes with modern Alpine cuisine. You can taste local specialties such as canederli (bread dumplings), tutres (fried pastries filled with spinach or sauerkraut), and barley soup. Local restaurants serve high-quality mountain cheeses and cured meats. Several Michelin-starred restaurants in the Alta Badia region prepare gourmet interpretations of local ingredients. For a more rustic experience, mountain huts (rifugi) serve hearty meals with spectacular views. You can also try local wines and grappa, often made from native grape varieties.
Getting There and Around
Reaching Badia requires some planning, as the village is not directly connected to major transport hubs. The nearest airports are Innsbruck (130 km), Venice (170 km), and Munich (300 km). From these cities, you can take a combination of trains and buses to reach Badia. The closest train station is in Brunico, about 30 km away, from where regular bus services connect to Badia. Once in the village, a free shuttle bus system operates during both winter and summer seasons.
