How To Visit the Idyllic Val di Funes, South Tyrol
Idyllic Val di Funes is one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites - a place to enjoy a slower, more authentic experience. Enjoy our guide to Val di Funes, which includes what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
UPDATED - April 2024
Val di Funes (Villnöß is German) - a little pocket of heaven in the Dolomites, northern Italy that needs to be seen to be believed.
A mystical place where it feels, long-ago, a story-book character shook out a woven blanket of green and laid it down over the sloping hills, threw giant shark teeth into the earth to form jagged mountain peaks, and sprinkled fairy dust over the towns filled with character and charm; in the valley of Funes, the echoes of myths and worlds gone by still reverb amongst the hills in this breathtaking pocket of the Dolomites.
Nowhere we’ve been before has measured up to the serenity and beauty on offer in this valley.
Everywhere you look is fairytale-esque, from its two biggest drawcards, the onion-domed churches of St Maddalena and St Johann in Ranui, to the towering peaks of the famed Puez-Odle National Park, Val di Funes is serene, seemingly untouched by the advances of the modern world. Furthermore, the hikes are wonderful, the food exquisite, and the villages charming.
Located close to all the major Dolomites entry points, Val di Funes has become increasingly popular amongst visitors to the Dolomites due to Instagram fame, yet has somehow managed to remain peaceful, quiet, and removed from the hubris.
That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do - there’s plenty to keep you busy, but a visit here is more about taking it slow and healing the head and heart.
So come here to take that Instagram photo, stay to hike, bike or simply stare in awe of these mountains. You won’t be disappointed.
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VAL DI
FUNES
SNAPSHOT
MAIN ATTRACTIONS | Santa Maddalena sunset, St. Johann in Ranui church, walk the picturesque town, Passo delle Erbe
BEST DAY HIKES | Adolf Munkel trail, Panoramaweg trail, Ranui to Rifugio delle Odle
WHERE TO STAY | Forestis Dolomites, Hotel Fines, Apartment Furca
HOW TO GET THERE | Car rental or public bus
VAL DI FUNES FAQS + TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS VAL DI FUNES/VILLNÖß | VAL DI FUNES MAP
The scenic valley of Val di Funes/Villnöß is located in the region of South Tyrol in Northern Italy.
As part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Funes runs from Valle Isarco to the Puez-Odle Nature Park and is punctuated by long, verdant meadows, quaint hamlets and jagged peaks.
WHEN TO VISIT VAL DI FUNES & SANTA MADDALENA
We recommend visiting Val di Funes during the shoulder seasons of June/early July, and September/October. While most accommodation, lifts and attractions are still open during these periods, there's a sense of calm that exists in the region.
Wildflowers will be in abundance during June and July, while the sunsets during late September - mid-October are incredible. Try avoid visiting during the busy and expensive summer months (between July - early September).
If you must visit during the summer months, try to avoid the crowds by arriving as early as possible, or later in the day when the day crowds have vanished. This will not only provide a better experience for you but also help reduce overtourism in the area.
VAL DI FUNES HOTELS | WHERE TO STAY
Due to its popularity, it can be hard to find accommodation in Val di Funes, so we recommend searching on Booking.com to find your perfect place to stay.
Below, we’ve listed the top options in the region, for all budget types:
FORESTIS DOLOMITES | Ok, so it’s not quite in the Val di Funes valley, but Forestis is one of the most special hotels in all of the area, so we had to recommend it. 5* luxury with views to match, Forestis is modern and sleek, boasting stunning rooms, an infinity pool, a wellness centre and a restaurant. But, it’s all about that view, overlooking the Odle-Geisler peaks.
HOTEL FINES | Located right in the heart of Val di Funes, Hotel Fines was renovated in late 2019 by two young local men, and now offers comfortable rooms within walking distance from just about every attraction. It also is home to the best restaurant in the valley.
APARTMENT FURCA | Minimalist apartment with large kitchens to cook your own meals, the recently opened Apartment Furca offers a delightful base for the region, and also a good option for those wanting to spend less on food, and more on comfort
FALLERHOF | Affordable accommodation right in the heart of the valley, Fallerhof is a simple, comfortable place to rest in between hikes
READ | Where to stay in the Dolomites - Accommodation for every budget
THINGS TO DO IN VAL DI FUNES/VILLNÖß
WATCH SUNSET OVER SANTA MADDALENA, AND PUEZ ODLE PEAKS
For anyone who has followed us over the years, you’ll know the Dolomites are one of our favourite places on earth, a place we’ve returned to time and time again, such is the splendour and beauty.
But we’d never visited here, and seen this view, one of the most emblematic scenes in all of the Dolomites - the sunset over Santa Maddalena church, rolling meadows in the foreground, and the jagged peaks of the Puez Odle Geisler mountains in the background. That view.
We drove into the Val di Funes valley as golden light illuminated the fields in a glorious marmalade, and the mountain peaks dazzled in a vibrant glow; we looked at each other and nodded in glee - after four previous visits to the Dolomites, we’d finally made it.
We parked, grabbed our camera gear, and set off on our short walk to the famous viewpoint.
Our glee quickly turned to frustration when we realised we’d made a big mistake - we’d arrived too late, and the golden sun was quickly setting. We ran uphill, 15 kgs of camera gear on our backs, to make it before the last of the light disappeared, but it was all in vain - we’d missed that sunset view.
Undeterred, we took it all in and made the most of the blue hourlight, happily snapping away until the valley turned dark. But our hearts and eyes weren’t fulfilled. We needed to come back.
Two days later, our trip to the region was extended, we did make it back and we did see that famous sunset. And it was perfect.
A silence fell across the valley as we made our way to the viewpoint. Wildflowers swayed in the gentle breeze. Cowbells tolled in the paddocks. Alpenglow shrouded the peaks in a special mix of pastel Pantone colours. It felt surreal, like a Monet painting playing out in real life.
Photos don’t do this place justice - it’s a sunset, a moment, that needs to be enjoyed in real life.
So whatever you do, make your way to Santa Maddalena and watch the sunset - it’ll become a core memory forever.
NOTE | Although Google Maps would have you believe otherwise, you can't drive to Santa Maddalena Church's viewpoint. As we found out when Google tried to send us up a closed road — where a not-so-happy-to-see-us lady gestured wildly from her balcony for us to turn around. Turns out, the road we were trying to access is for residents only (and with good reason). Instead, we parked at the Parkplatz Naturparkhaus Puez-Geisler in town and walked 15 minutes to the viewpoint (follow this map).
THE DETAILS
Where | Santa Maddalena Viewpoint
Tips | Arrive at least an hour before sunset
CHURCH OF ST JOHANN IN RANUI (SAN GIOVANNI IN RANUI)
On the first view, it doesn’t seem real, so perfect it is.
On the second view, as your eyes focus and senses sharpen, it becomes apparent that St. Johann in Ranui is real, it is beautiful, and it does need to be admired within an inch of its life.
Set amongst a grazing paddock, with a deep green pine forest and the jagged peaks of the Puez-Odle mountain group searing up from behind, the onion-steepled church of St. Johann in Ranui stands. The scene belies reality and one that lures travellers and photographers from all over.
Commissioned in 1744, the petite Baroque chapel was built to commemorate the local Jenner family, owners and descendants of Ranui, and is dedicated to San Giovanni. The three-sided interior features frescoes depicting the life of St. John (or the Italian San Giovanni), while the white-stone exterior features include a singular bell tower and copper onion dome adorned by a star.
But really, it’s all about the famous view.
Despite what Instagram fame might lead to you believe, you cannot roam freely amongst the surrounding paddocks, getting the perfect shot. Nope, this is private land, owned as part of the larger Ranui estate, so if you want to enter to peruse the church from a closer angle, you’ll need to pay a €4 per person entrance fee (this needs to be cash-only, preferably coins).
We’re not going to discuss semantics, other than to say it is extremely pricey for what essentially is a 50m walk into a meadow, and an external view of the church - but it does prevent over-tourism and dodgy behaviour, and that’s probably a good thing. Drones are also not permitted in the valley.
For those who don’t wish to pay, there’s a viewing platform that provides a nice vista of the church and surrounding landscapes. We recommend using a zoom lens to best photograph the church - anything over 85mm is perfect.
There’s parking available both near the farm and just before the viewing platform (see here), which costs €2.
THE DETAILS
Where | St. Johanns in Ranui, Val di Funes
Entry fee | €4 per person, payable at the entrance gate, coins only
Tips | Stick to the paths, don't ruin the meadow for others. Drones are not permitted
STEP INSIDE SANTA MADDALENA CHURCH
It would be remiss to visit Val di Funes, watch the sunset over Santa Maddalena, and leave without exploring the interior of this famous church, would it not? Perhaps no, as while the church is picturesque from afar, there’s not a whole lot more to it.
The church is located on the site of prehistoric pagan rituals and was first chronicled in the year 1394. Today though, only the church tower remains from this time, with a typically Süd Tirolean church standing it its place, characterised by a wooden roof and stone exterior.
Inside is where the magic lies, with a gold-plated altar and frescoes dedicated to St. Magdalene, as well as sculptures of St. Peter, John the Baptist, John the evangelist, and Jerome. There are also a set of paintings in the choir vaults by local Ladin artist Johann M. Peskoller, which are worth a look.
A walk through the cemetery is also eye-opening, especially in these post-Covid times - there were many fresh graves indicating the valley was not spared during the global pandemic.
Views from the church, down in the valley and up towards the Puez-Odle mountain group are incredible.
As always, remember to respect your surroundings when entering the church - this is a conservative valley, and this church plays an important role in the town’s religious celebrations.
THE DETAILS
Where | Santa Maddalena Church, Val di Funes
Entry fee | Free
EXPLORE THE PRETTY TOWN OF SANTA MADDALENA
As you walk through the small town of Santa Maddalena, one thing you’ll notice is how quiet it is. So quiet, in fact, that you’ll hear cowbells from the meadows of Val di Funes, birdsong floating on the breeze, and the rush of a stream as it makes its way to the Adige.
The next thing you’ll notice is how beautiful it is.
Filled with large alpine chalets, wooden barns, and colourful gardens, the town is picture-perfect in every way. The centrepiece is the newly built Puez-Geisler Nature Park House, which showcases the geology of the Dolomites, an interactive exhibition on the ecology of the valley, and a room dedicated to the alpinist Reinhold Messner, a famous son from Villnöss.
We also recommend taking a quiet stroll through the centre of town, stopping to admire any corners that take your fancy. We found a number of local artists and woodworkers with their wares for sale in their gardens, which, if we weren’t flying back to Australia imminently, we would have purchased.
If you’re in the village come early October, make sure you check out Speckfest, a festival celebrating all things cured meat. You can also enjoy a range of local food and produce, and a programme of entertainment including the crowning of the Speck Queen. It’s kinda a big deal for this region, and the food options alone make it worthwhile.
DRIVE OVER PASSO DELLE ERBE
Just a short drive out of Val di Funes lies one of the best, and most underrated drives in all of the Dolomites - Passo delle Erbe/Würzjoch. Located at the foot of the magnificent Sass de Putia, the 1,987m pass connects the Val Badia (the Alta Badia region) and Valle Isarco / Eisacktal valleys.
Starting in nearby St. Peter/San Pietro, the road slowly makes its way above the valley, offering breathtaking views of Val di Funes and the Puez-Odle mountain range. Passing rolling pastures, lush forests, waterfalls, rockfalls, and picturesque cabins, the road eventually arrives at Börz alpine pass.
From here, there are a number of proper hiking trails around the 2,875 m tall Sass de Putia/Peitlerkofel, the stunning mountain range which looms large over the pass - our pick is the Roda de Pütia, a ring walk around the Sass de Putia that passes through gentle meadows dotted by pretty alpine huts.
As always in the Dolomites, there is a range of very good rifugios and restaurants along the pass, including our suggestion for quality South Tirolean cuisine, Halslhütte.
While the pass might not have the awe-inspiring views of Passo Giau, or the famous vistas of Passa Gardena, its quieter, more gentile surrounds make it a must if visiting Val di Funes.
THE DETAILS
Where | Passo delle Erbe/Würzjoch
HIKING IN VAL DI FUNES
Having now visited Val di Funes many times, we’ve enjoyed a number of popular hikes in the region, and let us assure you, it’s one of the most beautiful places to hike in the Dolomites.
We found the landscapes and views incredible, the hikes manageable, and the paths quiet, which can sometimes be a struggle in the Dolomites. Fortunately, hiking here is less strenuous than in other parts of the region (looking at you, Alta Badia!), so is more suited to day hikes for all fitness types.
Below are our favourite hikes in the valley, including our recommendations on where to stop and eat or enjoy a beer:
GEISLER ALM HIKE TO RIFUGIO DELLE ODLE
One of our favourite day hikes in the Dolomites, this moderate trek follows through forests, over gushing creeks, and past epic views of Val di Funes, before making its way to the famous Geisler Alm, a beautiful alpine meadow that sits just below the jagged peaks of Odle-Geisler (and on the other side, the famous Seceda ridge line).
The 12km round trip is quiet, shaded, and easy, and can be split by a visit to the ever-popular Rifugio Delle Odle.
One of the most popular rifugio in all of the Dolomites, Rifugio Delle Odle serves a range of South Tirolean meals, including dumplings, schlutzkrapfen, and kaiserschmarrn. And beer. Lots of beer. We recommend stopping here, grabbing a seat on the expansive terrace, and enjoying food and beer in the sun. Expect to pay around €25 per person for food and a drink.
Just behind the rifugio is ‘Cinema delle Odle’, with the incredible mountain range the main actor. If you’ve brought your own food, we recommend settling here to sit on the sun loungers, swivel chairs, and watch the theatre of the mountains before you.
HIKE DETAILS
Distance | 12km Duration | 3.5 hrs Difficulty | Easy
The trailhead starts just passed the famous St. Johann in Ranui church, near Walschenke restaurant. Following trail 28, the wide path slowly ascends through the tall pine forest alongside a gentle stream that descends from above. After about 20 mins of semi-strenuous walking, the path splits in two - take the left path (trail 34A) and follow the signs for Geisler Alm.
From here, the walk gets a little harder, with a 40-minute uphill slog through the dense pine forests. Take your time and enjoy the silence of the forest, stopping to view the vast Val di Funes valley below.
The path takes a sharp right and eventually, you’ll arrive at an intersection - follow the trail right, continuing uphill towards Geisler Alm. From here there are a few switchbacks, which can hurt already weary legs, but the reward is just a short while away - Rifugio Delle Odle.
After you’ve relaxed and enjoyed brunch, lunch, a snack, or even a beer, we recommend heading further into the meadow towards the Odle-Geisler peaks - the views here are stunning, and offer a more imposing view of the sheer rock face of the mountain peaks above. It’s also where you can join the famous Adolf Munkel trail (more on that below) if you’re after a longer, more challenging walk.
To return back to Santa Maddalena, follow the path back the way you came. However, if you’d prefer to change things up a little, as you approach the first fork in the path, keep right on trail 34 towards Zans, before following the signs back to Santa Maddalena.
You can view (and save) the trail here.
VAL DI FUNES PANORAMAWEG
One of the easiest and best hikes in Val di Funes is the Panoramaweg, a gentle path that provides the best views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Starting in the centre of the valley and meandering toward San Pietro, the hike passes Santa Maddalena church, the famous Santa Maddalena viewpoint featuring the Puez-Geisler panorama, past rustic farmhouses, over rolling hills, through forests and of course, over the wildflower-filled meadows.
For anyone visiting Val di Funes, this is the hike we always recommend, so if you’re visiting the valley over the course of a day, and wish to experience its most wonderful views, we suggest taking this hike.
HIKE DETAILS
Distance | 7 - 9 km Duration | 3.5 hrs Difficulty | Easy
The trailhead for the Val di Funes Panoramaweg starts in Santa Maddalena town proper, following the pathway toward Santa Maddalena church. Stop and take a look inside the church and its grounds, before following the paved Magdalenaweg road north-west towards the famous viewpoint.
Keep an eye out for the Panoramaweg sign to your right, which will take you up a small view to the Santa Maddalena viewpoint - you’ll know it when you see it. Take a moment or 10 to take it all in, and snap a few photos before setting off again on your hike.
From here, take the trail further up the hill until you see the Panoramaweg, which then follows west for around an hour, passing meadows and forests, with the serene views of the Puez-Geisler peaks looming large. This is probably the most enjoyable part of the hike, where there’s little else to enjoy but the sounds of the mountains.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at an intersection - you can either continue along the path or join the Sunnseitenweg shortcut back to Santa Maddalena. If you’re short of time or hanging out for lunch, this is a great alternative. Otherwise, continue on your way to San Pietro.
Returning from San Pietro, take the Sunnseitenweg trail back. This path is pretty much the same as the Panoramaweg trail, just slightly lower in the valley.
Follow the All Trails map here
ADOLF MUNKEL TRAIL
Probably the most famous hike in the region, the Adolf Munkel trail is awe-inspiring at every turn. It takes in much of what makes this region famous - the serrated peaks of Odle-Geisler, deep pine forests, expansive meadows and some really, really good rifugio’s to enjoy a meal/beer at.
That being said, it’s not a hike for everyone - it’s a little on the harder side and best suits those who are experienced hikers with a good level of fitness.
HIKE DETAILS
Distance | 13km Duration | 5 hrs Difficulty | Moderate
There are many different trailheads depending on your starting point and your planned route for the walk, however, the official starting point is in the town of Zans, just east of Val di Funes.
From here, follow the Adolf Munkel trail signs (no.35) east towards Dusler Alm. This path cuts through the pine forests, before arriving at the Dusler meadow which provides lovely views of the Odle-Geisler peaks above, including the two tallest, Furchetta (3025 m), Sass Rigais (3025 m). You can stop here at the exceptionally pretty rifugio, or continue onwards and upwards towards Geisler Alm (trail 36).
This is the hardest part of the hike, with an elevation gain to get your heart racing. We chose to stop at the pretty Rifugio delle Odle for lunch, which, although expensive, was totally worth it. Alternatively, head further up the path towards the equally pretty Gschnagenhardt Alm. There are also a number of areas to sit and eat your packed lunch.
After a break admiring the towering peaks, head towards them, before following the trail left to start your descent back towards Zannes (trail 35). This part of the trail runs right along the rocky foot of the Geisler-Odle peaks before veering left (no.6 trail) to Zannes.
If you’d prefer to hike from Ranui/Val di Funes proper, you can take the forested no. 28 trail, ascending towards Broges Alm, before heading west on the No. 35 trail until Gschnagenhardt Alm hut and Rifugio delle Odle. Then, follow the 34A trail back down to Ranui.
It’s worth noting that parking in Zannes is €8 between 7 am and 1 pm.
For more details on the Adolf Munkel trail, click here
READ MORE | Our top Dolomites day hikes
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN VAL DI FUNES
As is the case in most of South Tyrol, the food in Val di Funes is incredible, with a number of restaurants, hotels and rifugios serving exceptional local cuisine throughout the valley.
If you’re staying in the region, or just visiting for a day, below are our suggested options for delicious, local food:
RESTAURANT FINES | The best restaurant in the region, serving a modern take on traditional local cuisine. We highly recommend the schlutzkrapfen (local ravioli), any of the meat options (if you’re not vegetarian!), and the Fines-style apple strudel
RIFUGIO DELLE ODLE| Situated in Geisler Alm, Rifugio delle Odle serves a large array of good quality dishes, including local favourites dumpling soup, dumplings with salad, kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancake-like dish served with apple sauce), and goulash with polenta. The views are also amazing
WALDSCHENKE | Located in Ranui, Waldschenke champions local produce, including cheese and speck. We recommend their homemade pasta, the South Tirolean cheeseboard, and their pizzas
PITZOCK | Located in nearby San Pietro, Pitzock is another restaurant with a modern take on local cuisine. The chef runs through the menu personally, which is a lovely touch. We recommend dumplings with salad, any of the pasta options, and the Schuttelbrot tagliatelle with lamb ragu
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING VAL DI FUNES
WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST PHOTOS IN VAL DI FUNES
The likelihood is that most people reading this post will be interested in photography and Instagram, and the best photo locations in Val di Funes - we get it, it’s totally stunning, and with so many different vantage points, you can get a hell of a lot of good content in a day or less.
While we don’t necessarily recommend visiting here just for the photos (it’s too beautiful to visit, then leave), below is our list of top photo locations in the valley and surrounds.
Santa Maddalena sunset viewpoint
View of the Odle Group from near Santa Maddalena Church
The viewpoint of St. Johann in Ranui
Inside the grounds of St. Johann in Ranui
The hill overlooking St. Johann in Ranui
Rifugio delle Odle pond reflection
It’s worth noting that Val di Funes is best photographed at sunset when the mountains and valley are shrouded in a golden glow. Make sure you arrive with heaps of time to get to your chosen sunset location - we arrived too late and missed the show altogether, even though we thought we had heaps of time.
Some of the gear we recommend for getting the best shots include:
iPhone 11 Pro or above (it’s all about Reels now!)
A zoom lens, most preferably a 24-70mm
A wide-angle zoom, such as a 16-35mm if you want to as much of the landscape in the shot
If you shoot prime lenses only, a 35mm and an 85mm should do the trick
YOU’LL NEED COINS FOR PARKING
Just about every parking area in the Val di Funes valley requires payment, but the most frustrating part is most, if not all machines require cash payment.
With this in mind, we recommend having coins handy or risk a parking fine.
RESPECT THE LOCALS AND VAL DI FUNES
With the rise of Instagram, so too have we seen a rise in those willing to break rules, disrupt others and be a general nuisance. And while Val di Funes is nowhere near as bad as Lago di Braies, for instance, there are still people who disrespect the locals by trespassing and disobeying rules.
In isolation, this wouldn’t be a problem, but if this happened day after day, month and month, and year after year, the local environment and community feel the pain.
Instagram doesn’t give you a license to break the law in order to get a ‘banger’ shot, and there are plenty of ways to admire (and photograph) the valley’s beauty and still preserve it so that the generations after your Instagram shot can enjoy it too.
Be part of the solution, not the problem.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Don’t drone | Yeah, it sucks that you can’t drone in Val di Funes, but these are the rules (unless you gain approval from the tourism board or national park). There are signs literally everywhere, so “i didn’t know” is not an excuse
Call out rule-breakers | At some point, we can’t complain at bad behaviour, we have to do something about it, so call people out if you see them breaking the rules
Pick up any trash you see | Thankfully we didn’t encounter too much rubbish in this area, but if you do happen to come across any litter, pick it up to dispose of properly
Don’t litter | This goes without saying, but don’t drop your trash anywhere. Take it out with you
Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. We use The Grayl water filtration and purification bottles
Visit in shoulder season | Over tourism is a huge problem, and the easiest way you can help is to visit out of peak season
DOLOMITES PACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through South Tyrol comes with a unique set of needs. To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
Reusable water bottle | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!).
Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean on hikes without destroying the planet!
Hand sanitiser | not something we’d actually recommend normally, but when hiking it can be a bloody great investment
READ | check out our eco-friendly travel essentials to travel through Italy consciously and comfortably
HOW TO GET TO VAL DI FUNES
Val di Funes might feel worlds away from everything, but it's actually super accessible from most of the main hubs in the South Tyrol region, including Bressanone/Brixen.
We recommend hiring a car and exploring the Dolomites, as it gives you the flexibility and freedom to see what you wish to. That being said, the public transport in the region is second to none, so you’ll be able to get where you need to, even without your own vehicle. Read how to get to the Dolomites here.
CAR
Val di Funes is located close to all the major Dolomites attractions, however, due to its position at the end of the valley, can be quite time-consuming to get to. It’s for this reason we recommend driving there.
To get to Val di Funes from major airports in the region:
Milan | 3.5 hours/318km by car
Venice | 3.5 hours/313km by car
Verona | 2 hours/193km by car
Innsbruck | 1.2 hours/100km by car
Munich | 3.5 hours/296km
If you’re basing yourselves in the Dolomites and exploring the main attractions from there, we suggest making that in Val Gardena or Ortisei as they’re both central enough to a lot of the major things to see in the area. If you do stay in one of these towns, the drive to Val di Funes is easy and takes around 45 mins to 1 hour.
READ MORE | How to get to the Dolomites, Where to stay in the Dolomites
HIRING A CAR IN THE DOLOMITES
We highly recommend hiring a car for the duration of your stay in the Dolomites - it makes reaching all the wonderful natural attractions such as Val di Funes, Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi and elsewhere very easy, and gives you far more freedom than public transport.
We’d recommend hiring a car in Bolzano, which is pretty much the gateway to your Dolomites adventures.
Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities. We use RentalCars.com to book rentals - check prices and availability for Italy here
BOOK | Check prices and dates for car rental here
READ | Our 7-day Dolomites road trip itinerary
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
To get to Val di Funes via public transport, we suggest making your way to Bressanone/Brixen, and then catching the 330 bus to the valley.
The bus departs from the Bressanone bus station in the heart of town (so if you’re arriving via train from the south of Italy, or Austria/Germany, this is where you should disembark), on the hour every single day, and costs between €4 - €6. The trip itself is 35 minutes long.
From other valleys in the region, you’ll need to catch multiple forms of public transport to get to Val di Funes. We recommend catching a bus or train to Bressanone, and then the aforementioned 330 line to Val di Funes.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN THE DOLOMITES
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES SOON?
Check our these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:
DOLOMITES | Our Dolomites Travel Guide, Top things to do in the Dolomites, Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, Where to stay in the Dolomites, How to get to the Dolomites
DOLOMITES DESTINATION GUIDES | A guide to Val di Funes, A complete guide to Alpe di Siusi, How to visit Lago di Carezza, our guide to Lago di Braies,
HIKES TO REMEMBER | 7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites, including the famous Tre Cime De Lavaredo loop, Violet Towers hiking guide, Hiking to Lago di Sorapis, Cadini di Misurina
SOUTH TYROL | 19 amazing things to do in South Tyrol during Summer, plus everything we love about the beautiful South Tyrol region
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Grab the presets we use on every photo here
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE DOLOMITES TRIP
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That, and you're officially a legend.
