Val di Funes

Photograph by Anas Morsali, taken during his own trip

Val di Funes (Villnösstal) is a narrow valley in South Tyrol that epitomises the romantic image of the Dolomites. The valley is most famous for the Church of St. Johann in Ranui, a small baroque church set against the dramatic backdrop of the Odle mountain range. This scene has graced countless postcards and travel magazines. The valley stretches from the village of Funes up to the Puez-Odle Nature Park, offering pristine alpine pastures, traditional wooden farmhouses, and world-class hiking. The Adolf Munkel Trail is a highlight, winding beneath the towering Odle spires through larch forests and wildflower meadows. The valley also produces excellent local cheeses and speck (smoked ham), which can be sampled at traditional mountain huts along the trails.

Planning the wider trip? The Dolomites planning guide covers how to get there, how to move around, where to stay, realistic costs and a day-by-day itinerary that includes Val di Funes.