Overview
The Val di Funes (Villnöss) is a side valley near Bressanone in South Tyrol. Green meadows, farmhouses and two small village churches sit in front of the jagged Odle (Geisler) peaks, whose tallest summit, Sass Rigais, is about 3,025 m. The scene has become a classic Dolomites image.
The valley lies within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, and easy paths link the villages of Santa Maddalena and San Pietro, with hut-to-hut routes climbing higher. The tiny church of San Giovanni in Ranui, set on a meadow, is among the most photographed spots in the region. The valley is quiet and traditional, with small guesthouses and farm stays.
Highlights
- The view of the Odle peaks from Santa Maddalena
- The small chapel of San Giovanni in Ranui
- Walks through meadows and forest in the Puez-Odle Nature Park
- Local farms, cheese and speck
Best time to visit
May to October is the main season. Spring brings flowers and fresh green, summer is warm with long days, and autumn has golden larches and clear air. Winter is quiet, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and some guesthouses closed.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Verona (VRN) or Innsbruck (INN), then drive about 1.5 to 2 hours to Bressanone and on to the valley, or take the train to Bressanone and a local bus. Buses connect Bressanone with Funes. A car makes it easier to reach the trailheads.
What to expect
Easy. Most walks are short and gentle. Higher routes in the Puez-Odle park are steeper and need good shoes. Facilities are simple, and mobile coverage can be patchy.
Practical tips
- Park only in marked places and respect private farmland.
- Avoid walking on the meadows, which are farmed for hay.
- Go early or late for calm light on the Odle peaks.
- Book farm stays and guesthouses ahead for July, August and September.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the famous church in Val di Funes?
The chapel of San Giovanni in Ranui, near Santa Maddalena, in front of the Odle peaks.
How far is Val di Funes from Bressanone?
About 20 to 30 minutes by road.
Is it good for families?
Yes. The walks are gentle, and farms offer simple, relaxed stays.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Chensiyuan (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
