Questo comune possiede un'antica, solida tradizione mercantile e una ricca storia caratterizza per l'ariosità del suo assetto urbanistico, che si fonde armoniosamente nel paesaggio. Il centro, con la sua vivace zona pedonale, è luogo d'incontro, di chiacchiere e di compere. Da qui si può passeggiare per i boschi e scovare qualche vecchio maso.

This town, with its old and solid mercantile tradition and rich history, has a particular urban plan that blends harmoniously with the landscape. The centre and its pedestrian only area are a wonderful meeting place but are also ideal for shopping. From here one may easily wander off into the woods in search of some old farm.

There is a lively historic center, but Ortisei also offers the visitor relaxation in the quiet districts of San Giacomo and Bulla. Ortisei is a modern town which also represents the traditional heart of the ladina culture: in fact ladina is the mother tongue of roughly eighty percent of the population.
Ortisei is known principally as an ideal destination for winter tourism with ski slopes which are easily reached thanks to a number of cableways. For those interested in the traditions of the area, as well as the ladina culture, Ortisei has a number of craft shops linked to an age old tradition of wood sculpture. A walk along the old tracks of the Chiusa-Val Gardena railway line which links Ortisei with Santa Cristina Val Gardena is captivating. The wonderful and astonishing Dolomites and the uncontaminated nature are always a touristic attraction.