Malga Fane is a beautiful and truly unique alpine village located at 1,740 meters above sea level in Valles, in the Isarco Valley. It consists of a charming cluster of around 35 medieval huts and barns, surrounded by pristine nature and absolute silence. In addition to the huts and barns, the village also includes three mountain inns and a small chapel.
Founded in the Middle Ages as a quarantine settlement for victims of plague and cholera, it is now one of the most beloved destinations in South Tyrol, especially for families with children. It is also the starting point for several hiking routes in the area, such as the trail to Picco della Croce, the highest peak in the region.
Malga Fane is also known for the Wurmmaul ski mountaineering race, held every year in April. This small alpine village is not only enchanting in summer but also in winter, when exciting and lively sledding descents await both adults and children.
The most important event in the area is the Milk Festival, celebrated every two years. As the name suggests, everything revolves around milk and its production. Farmers demonstrate how cows are milked and how butter, cheese, and cream are made, while the mountain inns offer delicious milk‑based specialties. The festival also includes milk‑themed fairy tales, hay jumping, and the traditional milking competition.
Hiking to Malga Fane: the Milk Trail
From the Berg am Boden car park in Valles, located a few kilometers from the village and the Jochtal valley station, follow trail no. 17 leading to the Kurzkofel Hut. After crossing the bridge on the opposite side of the stream, take the Milk Trail (signposted). This themed path, marked by stations featuring a goat, a cow, or hay bales, provides plenty of information about milk processing in South Tyrol. For about 700 meters, the route follows the forest road uphill along the stream, then crosses back to the opposite side via another bridge. The trail continues parallel to the road until the rocky step of the valley, bypassing the six hairpin bends of the paved road. Continue along the road to the Fane car park and then onward to the alpine village of Malga Fane. The hike takes about an hour and a half. Return along the same route. This itinerary is ideal for families with children.
How to reach Malga Fane
The alpine village can be reached by car from Valles via a narrow road (5 km from the village to the malga) or by shuttle bus (for a fee) from the Berg am Boden car park when the road is closed to traffic. For those who enjoy hiking, several options are available.
By car:
From the Brenner A22 motorway: exit at Bressanone Nord and continue towards Val Pusteria/Brunico. After about 5 km, turn right before the tunnel towards Rio di Pusteria/Maranza/Valles. In Rio di Pusteria (after the Rogen furniture store), turn left towards Maranza/Valles. After about 3 km, turn left again and follow the road to Valles.
From the east via Lienz – San Candido or from the Stalle Pass: reach the Pusteria Road in Brunico (17 km). Continue along the main road until the signs for Rio di Pusteria/Maranza/Valles. In Rio di Pusteria (before the Rogen furniture store), turn right towards Maranza/Valles. After about 3 km, turn left and follow the road to Valles.
On foot:
From the Jochtal cable car: follow trail no. 9 across the “Valler Jöchl” to reach Malga Fane in about 3 hours. From Maranza through the Altafossa Valley (Altfaßtal) along trail no. 15 (approx. 6 hours). Along the Milk Trail starting from the Berg am Boden car park (about 1.5 hours).
