Val Gardena Professional Carving Set by Pfeil Swiss Made

Val Gardena is a valley in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, Northern Italy. It is best known not only for skiing and rock climbing, but also for its rich history in woodcarving!

Wood carving in Val Gardena boasts a rich tradition and has been flourishing since the 17th century. Until 100 years ago, Val Gardena was an isolated high-altitude valley, which was fairly difficult to access. And as the winter seasons were long and cold, the local people dedicated themselves to the art of wood carving. In summer they sold what they had carefully produced during the long wintertime, and thus a refined art handicraft had developed.

In the 18th century, wood carving had become the main source of income in the Val Gardena valley, with more than 40 established wood carvers. Eventually the carver's school opened and the valley became more accessible. As a result, the products created soon began to reach a wider audience.

In the 19th and 20th century, carving of wooden toys was such a widespread occupation in all Gardenese families that Urtijëi, a town situated in the valley, was nicknamed the "capital of Toyland". One of the valley's best-known products is the peg wooden doll which was popular all over Europe and America in the 19th century.