Woodcarvings from Gröden

Even before Gröden has become a renowned holiday destination in the Dolomites, Gröden Valley was already known for its elaborate woodcarvings.

In the past, Gröden Valley in the Dolomites was largely cut off from the outside world and the majorly rural population used to carve artworks out of wood during the long winters. As well, the woodcarvings ensured an additional income and the tradition was passed from generation to generation.

Woodcarving art from Gröden
Woodcarving art from Gröden

The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.

DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
Traditional Christmas customs
Traditional Christmas customs

Christmas Crib from Gröden

DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
Woodcarving art from Gröden
Woodcarving art from Gröden

The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.

DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
Woodcarving art from Gröden
Woodcarving art from Gröden

The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.

DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
Woodcarving art from Gröden
Woodcarving art from Gröden

The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.

DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
Woodcarving art from Gröden
Woodcarving art from Gröden

The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.

DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner

History

First written evidence of woodcarvers from Gröden date back to the 17th century: Christian Trebinger and Melchior Vinatzer both realized impressive Baroque works for the churches St. Christina and St. Ulrich – from crosses and holy figures to cribs and altars. The woodcarvings had become more and more popular and distribution was organised in a better way. By 1850, half of the inhabitants in the valley, worked as woodcarvers. They realised clerical as well as profane works. For instance, the famous “Grödner Gliederpuppen”, typical jointed dolls, were even exported to America.

ART52 – handicrafts exhibition
ART52 – handicrafts exhibition

52 craftsmen from Gröden Valley, present their works in St. Ulrich during a permanent exhibition.

ART52
ART52 – handicrafts exhibition
ART52 – handicrafts exhibition

Gröden Valley is known for its woodcarvers far beyond the regional boundaries.

ART52
ART52 – handicrafts exhibition
ART52 – handicrafts exhibition

The exhibition in the congress building in St. Ulrich in Gröden is daily open for visitors.

ART52

Museums & exhibitions

An overview of the woodcarving tradition in Gröden during the last centuries, including cribs and many other products, offers Museum Gherdëina in St. Ulrich. However, if you are interested about modern woodcarving art from Gröden, you should visit the congress centre in St. Ulrich: Here, the permanent exhibition ART52 shows the variety of woodcarvers and artisans from Gröden every day. Also, there is the UNIKA group: Many artists and artisans of this association present their works each year on the "UNIKA" Sculpture Fair.

HAPE Sculptures – Woodcarving works from Gröden
HAPE Sculptures – Woodcarving works from Gröden

HAPE Sculptures in Gröden produce traditional figures, cribs, religious motives, gift ideas and designer pieces.

HAPE Sculptures

Tradition and present

Together with Lajen at the entrance of the valley, Gröden has remained a centre of the woodcarving art. However, other regions such as Ahrntal or Sarntal have woodcarvers too. For purely handmade carvings from South Tyrol, there is a seal of approval. As well, there is the brand Gardena Art for products which are 100 % made in Gröden and following the traditional woodworking criteria.

Images

Woodcarving in Gröden
Woodcarving in Gröden

Gröden is famous for its woodcarving art. Already in the 17th century, artistic holy figures were produced for churches. Afterwards, the production also included cribs, various sculptures and the typical Gröden dolls, which were also exported to America.

Demetz Patrick & Co. KG
Woodcarving in Gröden
Woodcarving in Gröden

Gröden is famous for its woodcarving art. Already in the 17th century, artistic holy figures were produced for churches. Afterwards, the production also included cribs, various sculptures and the typical Gröden dolls, which were also exported to America.

Demetz Patrick & Co. KG
Woodcarving in Gröden
Woodcarving in Gröden

Gröden is famous for its woodcarving art. Already in the 17th century, artistic holy figures were produced for churches. Afterwards, the production also included cribs, various sculptures and the typical Gröden dolls, which were also exported to America.

Demetz Patrick & Co. KG
Woodcarving in Gröden
Woodcarving in Gröden

Gröden is famous for its woodcarving art. Already in the 17th century, artistic holy figures were produced for churches. Afterwards, the production also included cribs, various sculptures and the typical Gröden dolls, which were also exported to America.

Demetz Patrick & Co. KG
Woodcarving in Gröden
Woodcarving in Gröden

Gröden is famous for its woodcarving art. Already in the 17th century, artistic holy figures were produced for churches. Afterwards, the production also included cribs, various sculptures and the typical Gröden dolls, which were also exported to America.

Demetz Patrick & Co. KG
Woodcarving in Gröden
Woodcarving in Gröden

Gröden is famous for its woodcarving art. Already in the 17th century, artistic holy figures were produced for churches. Afterwards, the production also included cribs, various sculptures and the typical Gröden dolls, which were also exported to America.

Demetz Patrick & Co. KG

Craft

Selected accommodations in Gröden

Ariola Dolomites Apartments - Wolkenstein in Gröden

Holidays in the middle of a paradise for active vacationers, in comfortable apartments & with wonderful wellness oasis!

from 85 € per day
Memorise
Avita - suites to relax - St. Ulrich in Gröden

Avita - suites to relax

St. Ulrich in Gröden
4.9 Excellent
2 Recommendations
  • Exclusive apartments for an unforgettable holiday
from 57 € per day
Memorise
Hotel Talblick - St. Ulrich in Gröden

Hotel Talblick

St. Ulrich in Gröden
4.6 Excellent
5 Recommendations

Family-run hotel in a sunny location above St. Ulrich, with a homely atmosphere and fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

from 105 € per day
Memorise
Residence Flamingo - Wolkenstein in Gröden

Residence Flamingo

Wolkenstein in Gröden
4.9 Excellent
5 Recommendations
  • In a panoramic position with a view of the Dolomites
  • Well-kept, cosy flats
  • Fresh bread on request
  • Wellness area with sauna, whirlpool and gym
  • Starting point for many activities in every season
from 67 € per day
Memorise
Service