Val di Funes, in the shadow of the Odle

Val di Funes is an idyllic valley in the Dolomites in the heart of South Tyrol and is considered one of the most authentic valleys in the region. Surrounded by rolling meadows and the imposing Odle mountains, the valley offers an extraordinary combination of unspoilt nature, living traditions and warm hospitality. The Puez-Odle Nature Park, located at the head of the valley, is a true paradise for hikers, lovers of good living and anyone seeking tranquillity and authenticity.

As a Slow Food Travel destination, here you can enjoy unhurried culinary pleasures: regional, authentic and in close contact with the people behind the products. The valley is also the birthplace of Reinhold Messner and invites you to discover his roots and the alpine world that has marked his life.

Val di Funes is included in the Alpine Pearls, tourist resorts that promote the concept of soft mobility, i.e. tourism where car travel is replaced by efficient use of public transport to ensure that the wonderful natural heritage of this area remains intact.

The valley is also rich in places of historical, cultural, artistic and scientific interest, such as the Mineralogical Museum in Tiso, the Puez-Odle Nature Park Visitor Centre and the beautiful little church of San Giovanni in Ranui.

The villages of Val di Funes

S. Pietro
S. Pietro is the main village in Val di Funes. Its centre, with its characteristic parish church, is located on a sunny hill with breathtaking views of the Odle mountains. Life pulsates around the town hall: the post office, the tourist office, the cultural centre with its library and theatre hall – a place where music resounds and celebrations are held. Reinhold Messner spent his childhood here, surrounded by mountains and legends. S. Pietro is also the ideal starting point for medium-altitude hikes.

S. Maddalena
Affectionately called ‘Berge’ by the locals, S. Maddalena is located at the bottom of the valley and is the gateway to the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Surrounded by manicured meadows and majestic Dolomite peaks, it is considered one of the most beautiful mountain villages in South Tyrol. The Nature Park Visitor Centre opens windows onto the alpine world, while the village festival keeps traditions and community spirit alive. S. Maddalena is known for its mountain farming culture, its church and as a starting point for numerous hikes and climbs.

Tiso/Nave
The village of Tiso, with the hamlet of Nave, marks the entrance to the Val di Funes. Tiso is famous for its sparkling “Tiso Geodes”, geological treasures on display in the local mineralogical museum. Nave, located a little further down, offers peaceful farmsteads, wide meadows and splendid views of the Eisack Valley – an ideal place for nature lovers.

Slow Food Travel Val di Funes

Val di Funes is the new destination of Slow Food Travel, the Slow Food project that aims to promote a travel experience under the banner of preserving food biodiversity while respecting local culture and gastronomy. Val di Funes is home to two Slow Food Presidia: the 'Villnösser Brillenschaf' sheep and the Alpine grey cow.

The area offers various excellent eco-gastronomic experiences throughout the year, such as aperitifs based on Villnösser Brillenschaf sheep, guided visits to wine cellars with wine tasting, foraging experiences and bread-making workshops to learn how to bake black bread.

Val di Funes: what to in summer

The warm months are an invitation to discover the Alpine world with all your senses. It is the time when the mountain pastures are in full bloom and the walls of the Odle mountains shine in the soft light of the summer sun.

These beautiful peaks can be admired up close along the Adolf Munkel Trail, at the northern base of the group, while many of the trails that cross the park start from the Zannes Alpine pasture, such as the Zannes Educational Trail, which is also suitable for disabled people, and the numerous themed itineraries, such as the Lords' Trails. There are also trails suitable for the whole family that lead to the mountain huts of the Alpe di Funes, while for the more experienced who want to tackle climbing passages, there are via ferrata routes such as the one at Sass Rigais. There are also various possibilities for exploring the area on two wheels by following the mountain bike trails.

The village of Tiso, with the hamlet of Nave, marks the entrance to the Val di Funes. Tiso is famous for its sparkling “Tiso Geodes”, geological treasures on display in the local mineralogical museum. Nave, located a little further down, offers peaceful farmsteads, wide meadows and splendid views of the Eisack Valley – an ideal place for nature lovers.

Val di Funes: what to do in winter

When the first snow falls, a delicate blanket settles over the valley. Winter here is not a time for hustle and bustle, but an invitation to linger. Far from the hustle and bustle of the big ski resorts, here you will find a white expanse that belongs to you.

In winter, the valley offers beautiful toboggan runs of varying lengths and difficulties, exciting itineraries for ski touring and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing trails and ice skating. Val di Funes also offers a small ski area called “Filler”, which is particularly popular with families. Here, children can learn to ski in the Snow Fun Park, as well as have fun in the playground and on the toboggan run, while their parents relax in the adjacent mountain hut.

Val di Funes: taste, mountain huts and speck

The pastures of the Puez Odle Nature Park are dotted with numerous mountain huts where you can stop after a walk or hike to enjoy traditional dishes and recipes using local or South Tyrolean products such as speck, cheese, game and apple juice. To sample the specialities offered by the mountain huts, you can follow the Flavour Trail, a challenging hike of about 16 km that connects the various mountain huts.

How to get to Val di Funes

How to get there by train
For all IC and EC trains, the nearest station is Bressanone, while for the Freccia, the last stop is Bolzano. Regional trains depart from Bolzano station and stop at Chiusa.

How to get there by bus
Public buses depart from the train stations in Bressanone and Chiusa. The lines to take are: line 330 (from Bressanone) and line 331 (from Chiusa).

How to get there by car
A22 Brenner motorway, Chiusa/Val Gardena exit. Take the state road to Bressanone and continue for about 2 km, then turn right and follow the signs for Val di Funes.

How to get there by plane
The nearest airports are Verona, Bolzano and Innsbruck. There are shuttle buses from the airports, including Milan and Bergamo, to South Tyrol.