Where the peaks and pines stick out like needles
Located in Val di Funes, a fairytale valley in the heart of South Tyrol, the Adolf Munkel Trail is a delightful point-to-point hike that runs along the Odle (or Geisler) mountain group. Although occasionally rocky, this family-friendly route is very well marked and maintained, with four rifugios where weary travelers can stop for lunch or spend the night.
Starting from the Zanser Alm mountain hut, a short walk on Trail #6 takes you to a bridge where the Adolf Munkel Trail starts. Named after the first president of the Dresden Alpine Club Section, this simple narrow trail winds its way through lush meadows, dwarf shrub heaths, and larch forests spreading under the imposing north face of the Odle group. The word Odle means needle in Ladin, referring to the distinctive shape of these dramatic peaks.
The route takes you to the lovely Brogles Alm mountain hut, located at 2,045 m (6,700 ft) before descending towards the ending point in the small village of Ranui. If you’re short on time, you can turn this into a shorter loop hike. This variant will have you take Trail #35 at the Geisler Alm hut, then circle back down to the starting point.