How to Visit Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes (Everything You Need to Know!)

DolomitesItalyEuropeDestinationsInternational Travel
Written By Juliana Summers

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Tucked away in the stunning Val di Funes in the Dolomites, Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalena) is so lovely that it almost feels otherworldly. The only way I can describe it is like walking into a fairytale village, or maybe even stepping onto a movie set. You can’t quite believe a place so beautiful is real until you’re actually standing there.

Good to know: When you see "Val di Funes" on social media or Google searches, I would venture to guess that 9 times out of 10, it will be a photo from the village of Santa Maddalena!

From its iconic panoramic viewpoints to its hiking trails and landmarks, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the village of Santa Maddalena (and the surrounding area) in Val di Funes. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, you’ll find all the essential details right here: how to get to Santa Maddalena, what to see and do once you’re there, where to stay in and around Val di Funes, and much more. Let's go!

Table of Contents

Introduction
A Cultural Glimpse into Val di Funes
Where Is Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes?
What to See and Do in Santa Maddalena
Where to Park in Santa Maddalena
Where to Stay in Val di Funes and Nearby
Santa Maddalena Webcam
Important Reminders
FAQ
Final Thoughts

A Cultural Glimpse into Val di Funes

Before diving into the magic of Santa Maddalena, I want to take a moment to appreciate the incredible layers of Val di Funes as a whole (also known as Villnöß or Villnöss). This region is filled to the brim with history and its own unique culture. Positioned in South Tyrol, this is a special area of Italy where three languages (Italian, German, and Ladin) coexist seamlessly.

You’ll spot everything from bilingual signage to the mix of food and architecture, all showing off this cultural blend. Val di Funes is tucked in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - so of course, it’s just as stunning as it is special.

Santa Maddalena Panorama Viewpoint, captured on 35mm film

Where Is Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes?

Santa Maddalena is a charming little village of roughly 370 people, nestled at the far east end of Val di Funes. Its location makes it the ideal starting point for exploring the best parts of the valley, tackling hiking trails, and enjoying breathtaking (and very famous!) viewpoints.

Santa Maddalena's location near the Puez-Odle Nature Park makes it a haven for outdoorsy travelers. Sitting on the park's western edge, the village has easy access to those alpine landscapes and countless hiking trails that wind their way into the Dolomites.

How to Get to Santa Maddalena

  • By Car

The most convenient way to reach Santa Maddalena is by car. From Bolzano, the drive takes about an hour, and from Bressanone (Brixen), just 30 minutes. The roads are well-maintained and offer stunning views as you mosey your way into the valley.

  • By Bus

If you prefer public transportation, buses run from Bressanone (Brixen) to Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalena) roughly every hour. Look for Bus Line 330 from "Bressanone - Mileins - Val di Funes" which takes about 35-40 minutes for the journey. Click here for the full timetable.

  • By Tour

Another option is to join a guided tour that includes stops at Santa Maddalena and other surrounding highlights. This is perfect for hassle-free travel if you’re short on time. This tour via GetYourGuide (availability calendar below) gets right to the point and brings you directly to Val di Funes!

Powered by GetYourGuide

Val di Funes Map

Here's a detailed map of all the locations I'll mention in this guide, so you can easily follow along and plan your visit. Each spot is marked clearly to help you navigate without any hassle.

What to See and Do in Santa Maddalena

Once you’ve arrived in the Santa Maddalena area of Val di Funes, there are plenty of incredible sights and trails to explore - whether you want to do a lengthy hike or just a short and leisurely walk. Here are the highlights you definitely shouldn’t miss.

1. Visit the Santa Maddalena Panorama Viewpoint

This is the iconic spot you’ve likely seen in countless photos of Val di Funes. With the majestic Puez-Odle peaks in the background, the lovely Santa Maddalena Church (Chiesa di Santa Maddalena) sitting amid green meadows looks like a postcard come to life.

It’s a short walk on mostly pavement from the village to reach this viewpoint, making it accessible for almost everyone. The walk will take about 20 minutes, and it is a very gentle uphill slope the whole way. Full "official" trail details can be found on AllTrails, which weaves up the hillside, past the church, and up to the panorama spot.

Alternatively, see my custom map below for a slightly simpler route to the panorama viewpoint.

On the way up or back down, you can choose to visit the Santa Maddalena Church and walk inside - entry is free.

Important Note: Do NOT wander off of the trail into the grass before reaching the very top viewpoint! Staying on the designated path ensures that you respect the local property owners and preserve the natural environment for everyone to enjoy.

View from the top of the Santa Maddalena Panorama Viewpoint trail

2. Hike the Panoramaweg Trail

If you’re up for a longer adventure, hike the Panoramaweg, which is essentially an extension of the trail outlined above! This (roughly) 6 mile loop trail takes you through vast alpine meadows, forests and local farms with higher elevation views of the jagged Puez-Odle peaks. Full trail information can be found on AllTrails.

3. See the San Giovanni Church

Yes, there are two stunning churches to see in this small village!

Known for its unique Baroque design and dramatic setting, the San Giovanni Church (Church of St. John) is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Dolomites. Technically the church is located in the small village of Ranui, which is directly next to Santa Maddalena. And by directly, I mean you can drive between the two in approximately 2 minutes!

Visitors can enter the property grounds for a €4 entrance fee to appreciate the church up close. To find the entrance, walk towards Hotel Ranuimüllerhof. There will be a fork in the road, so follow the main road up to the right (not left into their parking lot). Once you reach the front of the hotel, look right towards the church - you will spot a small sign that directs you to the ticket booth.

(Google Street View)

Payment at the property’s gate can be done with either cash or card via a digital pay station. Your ticket will be automatically dispensed after payment, and then simply scan your ticket at the turnstile gate to enter.

With its vibrant, colorful exterior designs, this is definitely worth a visit! However, it’s just as stunning when admired from the surrounding meadows. The official free viewpoint can be found here.

Pro tip: park your car in this parking lot, and take a few minutes to walk up the road "Via Zanser" - just a short distance - for a great photo-op of the church from above. Just be super careful, since this road does not have a sidewalk or curb.

San Giovanni Church (Church of St. John)

View from "Via Zanser"

4. Explore the Adolf Munkel Trail and Rifugio delle Odle

One of the most stunning hikes in the area, the Adolf Munkel Trail (Adolf Munkel Weg), is located right outside of St. Magdalena. This trail leads you through both dense forests and wide open alpine fields before arriving at the Rifugio delle Odle (Malga Geisler / Geisler Alm).

Park at the Zanser Alm parking lot (Parkplatz Zanser Alm) and follow this loop trail (start on Trail No. 6) to reach the now-famous rifugio.

Once you arrive at Geisler Alm, this is the perfect setting to grab a traditional South Tyrolean lunch. Relax and eat while enjoying jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding Geisler Peaks, or “Cinema delle Odle.” And don't forget to grab a photo in one of the iconic wooden loungers!

5. Drive the Passo delle Erbe

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, a drive along the nearby Passo delle Erbe is a must. This scenic mountain pass offers dramatic views, hairpin turns, and plenty of spots to pull over and marvel at the stunning surroundings.

Have plenty of extra time? Be sure to check out the Sass de Putia hike, which starts and end directly across from Ütia de Börz.

Where to Park in Santa Maddalena

Parking is relatively simple in Santa Maddalena, with several pay-and-display parking areas. Unless otherwise noted, all of the parking lots are €4 for a full day.

These are the closest parking lots to the main panorama trail:

These parking areas are closer to the San Giovanni Church:

And this parking area is where you'll begin the Adolf Munkel Trail:

Parkplatz Bergerplatz in the center of Santa Maddalena

Where to Stay in Val di Funes and Nearby

Whether you're after a little luxury or something simple and cozy, be sure to check out these top picks located right in Val di Funes, as well as the surrounding area.

Luxury (5 ⭐)

  • Forestis – A secluded luxury retreat with unparalleled mountain views, a serene wellness center, and fine dining. Located just a 25-30 minute scenic drive from Val di Funes.

Boutique (4 ⭐)

  • Hotel Tyrol – Located right in the heart of Santa Maddalena, this beautiful hotel offers spacious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa with indoor and outdoor pools.

  • Hotel Gnollhof – A boutique hotel perched on a hillside about 25 minutes from Santa Maddalena, with alpine-style rooms, a wellness area, and a heated infinity pool.

Mid-Range (3 ⭐)

  • Ütia de Börz – Nestled within Passo delle Erbe, this alpine lodge features cozy rooms, stunning Dolomites views, and hearty local cuisine in their on-site restaurant.

  • Hotel Ranuimüllerhof – This family-run hotel in Val di Funes has comfortable rooms, a wellness area, and easy access to hiking trails. Located directly next to the San Giovanni Church!

Hotel Tyrol (image via Booking.com)

Ütia de Börz (image via Booking.com)

Santa Maddalena Webcam

Want to see the current weather before your trip? Many locations throughout the Dolomites, including Santa Maddalena, have live webcam feeds. This is a great way to check the conditions and visibility before heading out.

Important Reminders

Before you head out to explore the vastly popular Val di Funes, here are a few quick tips to keep your visit Leave No Trace-friendly and respectful of not only the landscape, but also the locals:

  • No Drones Allowed: For the protection of wildlife and to maintain the serene atmosphere, the use of drones is strictly prohibited in this area.

  • Stay on Marked Trails: Many areas are on private land, and wandering off the designated paths can lead to trespassing. Please respect property boundaries and stick to the marked trails.

  • Leave It Better Than You Found It: Take all your trash with you and avoid disturbing the natural environment. Help preserve the beauty of the region for future visitors!

  • Be Weather Prepared: Mountain weather can change rapidly, so always check forecasts and dress appropriately, even for short walks.

View while walking up to the Santa Maddalena Panorama Viewpoint, captured on 35mm film

FAQ

When is the best time of year to visit Val di Funes?

The best time is late spring through early fall, from May to October. This is when the meadows are lush, and the trails are open. August is best avoided due to crowds and heat.

If you're interested in snow sports like snowshoeing (often called "snow trekking") or cross-country skiing, this is also a magical destination in winter, which runs roughly from December through March.

What is the best time of day to visit Santa Maddalena?

This depends on your purpose for visiting! The best times to visit Santa Maddalena for photography will be early morning or late afternoon. At sunrise, the village lights up with a peaceful glow, and the Dolomites look stunning in the soft light. Later in the evening, the setting sun creates warm, rich colors - great for photos or just taking it all in. Sunrise is inevitably going to be the quietest time to visit.

If you're looking to hike a longer trail like Adolf Munkel Weg, or squeeze in multiple stops, start your visit in the morning and time your day around grabbing a bite to eat for lunch at Rifugio delle Odle (Malga Geisler), which is open 10am-5pm every day except Monday.

Do I need hiking experience to visit?

Not at all! While there are more challenging hikes in the area, many viewpoints and trails, like the Santa Maddalena viewpoint, are accessible to all fitness levels.

Is Val di Funes crowded?

It depends on the season. Summer and early fall are the most popular times to visit. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or during shoulder seasons like May or late September.

What should I pack for visiting Val di Funes?

Pack comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, a light jacket for cooler mornings or evenings, a reusable water bottle, and, of course, a compact travel camera to capture the scenery. Don’t forget sunscreen, as the sun can be extremely strong - speaking from (very sunburnt) experience here!

Can I visit Val di Funes without a car?

Absolutely! You can easily get around with public transport in the Dolomites. Buses connect Val di Funes to nearby towns like Brixen - this is the best option if you don't have your own rental car. Alternatively, some accommodations in the area even offer shuttles for guests, when requested.

Final Thoughts

Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes is a destination that really does live up to the hype. Of course the entire region is stunning, but this area in particular feels like stepping into a storybook. Whether you’re coming for the hikes, the scenery, or even the delicious rifugio food, this little village is an essential stop on any Dolomites first-timer’s list!

Buon viaggio!
Have a nice trip!

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How to Visit Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes (Everything You Need to Know!)

Juliana Summers https://www.julianareneephotography.com
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