Val Di Funes Day Trip from Trento or Bolzano

Val di Funes day trip from Trento or Bolzano with a full itinerary, photo spots, and easy hikes—perfect for a first glimpse of the Dolomites.

italy summer travel guide best places to visit — Val Di Funes best view with Church of St. Magdalena and Odle Geisler peaks

I visited Val di Funes for the first time during a trip to Trento, almost by chance. While searching for a scenic day trip from the city, Val di Funes kept appearing in photos—and it didn’t take long to understand why. Those dramatic jagged peaks, quiet alpine villages, and tiny churches set against endless green meadows completely stole my heart.

Getting there from Trento takes around two hours, but trust me, it’s absolutely doable. And once I arrived, I knew it was worth every minute of the journey. Val di Funes felt like the perfect first glimpse of the Dolomites: peaceful, breathtaking, and not overwhelming at all. It ended up being one of the highlights of my entire Trento trip.

In this guide, I’ll share my full Val di Funes day trip itinerary from Trento, including the must-see viewpoints, charming villages, and a few optional hiking trails you can add if you want to spend more time outdoors. Whether you’re short on time or just want a gentle introduction to the Dolomites, Val di Funes makes an unforgettable day trip.

val di funes day trip from trento or bolzano

Where Is Val di Funes & Why It’s Special

Val di Funes (also known as Villnöss in German – this Italian region speaks German) is a small alpine valley in South Tyrol, in northern Italy, located about 110 km from Trento and around 45 km from Bolzano. It sits between Bressanone and Val Gardena, right on the edge of the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Although it’s part of the Dolomites, Val di Funes feels quieter and more intimate than many famous mountain destinations.

What makes the valley special is the contrast. Soft green meadows and traditional farmhouses stretch across the valley floor, while the sharp spires of the Odle Geisler peaks rise dramatically in the background. It’s a landscape that looks almost unreal in photos and somehow even better in real life.

Val di Funes is made up of a few small villages, with Santa Maddalena and San Pietro being the most well known. Santa Maddalena is home to the iconic Church of St. Magdalena, one of the most photographed churches in the Dolomites. Nearby Ranui is where you’ll find the Church of St. John, standing alone in an open meadow with the Odle peaks behind it.

Unlike high mountain passes or lift-based viewpoints, Val di Funes is easy to explore at a slow pace. You don’t need advanced hiking skills or a packed schedule. A few hours (it took me 5 hours to be exact), comfortable shoes, and some time to wander are enough. That’s exactly why it works so well as a day trip from Trento or Bolzano.

If you’re looking for postcard views, peaceful villages, and a gentle introduction to the Dolomites, Val di Funes delivers quietly, beautifully, and without trying too hard.

How to Get to Val di Funes from Trento or Bolzano

Reaching Val di Funes is straightforward, whether you travel by car or public transport. Even though the valley feels remote, it’s well connected and works surprisingly well for a day trip.

From Trento

Traveling from Trento to Val di Funes takes a bit more time, but it’s still completely doable for a full day out.

By car, the drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. You’ll head north through the Adige Valley, pass Bolzano, and continue toward Bressanone (Italian) / Brixen (German) before turning into Val di Funes. The route is scenic and easy to follow, especially once you leave the highway and enter the smaller mountain roads.

By public transport, take a train from Trento to Bressanone. When you exit the train station, turn left to reach the bus station. From there, take bus 330 and get off at the stop S. Pietro if you want to do a hiking trip, or directly to the iconic Santa Maddalena Church if you want to save more walking time.

Google Maps is accurate here, so you can simply follow it step by step. When I did this trip, the total travel time was about 2 hours and 15 minutes, from Trento train station to S. Pietro, Paese, including the transfer. It requires an early start, but it’s very manageable for a day trip.

This was exactly how Val di Funes fit into my Trento itinerary. It took a bit of planning, but the reward was a peaceful and unforgettable glimpse of the Dolomites.

From Bolzano

Coming from Bolzano is easier and faster, which makes Val di Funes one of the best day trips from the city.

By car, the journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. You can either take the highway toward Chiusa/Klausen or use slower scenic roads. Both options are straightforward, and parking is available near the main villages and viewpoints.

By public transport, take a train from Bolzano to Bressanone/Brixen. When you exit the station, walk to the bus terminal and take bus 330 into Val di Funes. The total travel time to station S. Pietro, Paese is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making this a very comfortable option even without a car.

Car or Public Transport?

If you want full flexibility and plan to visit several viewpoints in one day, driving is the most convenient option. Public transport works well too, especially if you focus on S. Pietro, Santa Maddalena, and nearby walking paths.

Update: According to recent reporting by Euronews, local authorities in Val di Funes have introduced new traffic restrictions starting in May 2026 to curb overtourism and protect the landscape. Access by private car to some popular viewpoints and roads, including areas near the iconic Santa Maddalena church, is limited during peak periods. Only residents, authorized vehicles, and some hotel guests are allowed to drive up, while other visitors must park in designated areas and continue on foot or by public transport. These measures are expected to remain in place through the main tourist season.

Either way, once you arrive, Val di Funes is best explored slowly. Short distances, quiet roads, and gentle trails make it easy to enjoy without rushing.

One-Day Val di Funes Hiking Itinerary

This itinerary is designed for a relaxed but full hiking day in Val di Funes, whether you arrive from Trento or Bolzano. It focuses on the valley’s most iconic views, with optional walking and hiking if you want to spend more time outdoors.

Itinerary in Val Di Funes: click here

Total duration: 6 to 10 hours, depending on:

Transportation: 3h (from Bolzano) or 4h30m (from Trento) round trip
Hiking: 3-6 hours, or Travelling with Bus: 1-3 hours

Morning: San Pietro and the first Dolomites views

San Pietro Church (Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Pietro in Funes in Italian, or Pfarrkirche St. Peter in Villnöß in German) is a perfect starting point. The village itself is quiet and local, with traditional houses, small cafés, and your first clear views of the Odle peaks in the distance.

Take a short walk around the village to stretch your legs after the journey. This is also a good moment to grab a coffee or snack if you didn’t eat on the way. From San Pietro, paths and local roads lead gently uphill toward Santa Maddalena, passing meadows and farmhouses along the way.

Late morning: Santa Maddalena and the iconic viewpoint

Next, make your way to Santa Maddalena, the most photographed village in the valley. This is where Val di Funes really starts to feel unreal.

The highlight here is the Church of St. Magdalena (Chiesa di Santa Maddalena or St. Magdalena Kirche), set on a grassy hill with the Odle peaks rising sharply behind it. Spend some time walking around the area and enjoying the views from different angles. The famous panorama viewpoint is only a short walk from the church and offers one of the best postcard views in the Dolomites.

This area is perfect for slow exploration. There’s no need to rush. Just follow the paths, enjoy the scenery, and take breaks whenever you find a view you like.

Lunch break: slow food with a view

After exploring Santa Maddalena, it’s a good time to stop for lunch. There are not many options in Santa Maddalena, so I recommend preparing something in advance for a quick lunch. Even a casual lunch feels special here when the mountains are always in view.

Afternoon: Ranui and Church of St. John

In the afternoon, continue toward Ranui to visit the famous Church of St. John (Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui). This small church stands alone in a wide open meadow, framed perfectly by the Odle peaks.

The area around the church is protected, so access is controlled. Even if you only view it from the designated viewpoints, it’s absolutely worth the stop. The setting is peaceful and feels very different from the busier photo spots in the Dolomites.

Take your time here. This is one of the most serene places in Val di Funes and a beautiful way to end the day before heading back.

Optional: short walks or light hiking

If you still have energy, you can add a short walk near Santa Maddalena or San Pietro. Gentle panoramic paths connect the villages and offer different perspectives of the valley without requiring a full hike.

For those who want something slightly longer, Val di Funes also offers access to trails at the edge of the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Even a short section of these trails gives you a deeper feel for the landscape.

This itinerary gives you a complete and balanced Val di Funes experience in one day, without feeling rushed or overwhelming. You can check this itinerary on Google Map.

Practical Tips for Visiting Val di Funes

A little planning goes a long way in Val di Funes, especially if you’re visiting on a day trip. These practical tips will help you enjoy the valley respectfully and without stress.

Respect private land and local life

Many of the most beautiful views in Val di Funes are surrounded by private meadows and farm land. Always stay on marked paths, respect fences, and avoid walking across fields, even if they look empty. This is especially important around Santa Maddalena and Ranui.

Drones are not allowed in many areas, particularly near the churches and inside protected zones. Signage is clear, and it’s best to follow the rules to help preserve the quiet atmosphere of the valley.

Parking and getting around

If you’re visiting by car, use official parking areas near villages or viewpoints. Parking along narrow roads or on grass is discouraged and often fined. Parking rules are taken seriously here, especially during high season.

Once you’re in the valley, distances between villages are short. Walking between San Pietro, Santa Maddalena, and nearby viewpoints is not only possible but also one of the best ways to experience Val di Funes.

What to wear and bring

Even for short walks, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Paths are mostly easy, but they can be uneven or muddy after rain.

Bring water, especially if you’re visiting in summer. Shops and cafés are limited once you leave the villages. A light jacket is also useful, as weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Best time of day to visit

Morning and late afternoon are the best times to enjoy Val di Funes. Early in the day, the valley feels quieter and more peaceful, especially around Santa Maddalena. Late afternoon and early evening offer warmer light, which is perfect for photography.

Midday tends to be the busiest, particularly in summer. If possible, plan your lunch break during this time and explore viewpoints earlier or later.

If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, iconic alpine views, and a quiet introduction to the Dolomites, Val di Funes delivers all of that in a single day—beautifully and without feeling overwhelming!

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