If one trail sums up Val di Funes, it's the Adolf Munkel. It runs along the north side of the Odle Group, right under their vertical walls, inside the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The loop is nine kilometres and three hours of walking, according to South Tyrol's tourist board, with no exposed sections, which is why it's rated medium and open to anyone who hikes a bit. Along the way you cross forests, clearings and wide pastures, with the spires always in sight.
The handiest start is the Zannes car park at the end of the valley, though plenty of people tie the loop in with the huts above Santa Maddalena. On the route you find refuges and alpine dairies for a break, above all the Geisleralm, one of the most liked for its South Tyrolean cooking and the view it opens straight onto the Odle. There's no shortage of lookouts either, including the well-known one nicknamed Geislerkino. Half a day in the mountains that gives back a lot for moderate effort.
Sentiero Adolf Munkel ai piedi delle Odle is one of the routes we gathered by grade and by area: Trekking in the Dolomites: the best trails and how to plan your hike.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Adolf Munkel Trail?
It's medium difficulty with no exposed sections: nine kilometres in a loop and three hours of walking, doable by anyone who hikes with some regularity.
Where does the Adolf Munkel Trail start?
The handiest start is the Zannes car park at the end of Val di Funes. You can also set off on the loop from the farmhouses above Santa Maddalena, at the foot of the Odle.