Villnöß Funes - Green Guide

Villnöß is a special place: first of all because it's one of the 23 Alpine Pearls, then for its unique atmosphere, the clean air you breathe and the boundless landscapes that can be admired everywhere. Here, where the mountaineer Reinhold Messner took his first steps, hikers, snow and mountain lovers, but also gourmets will find a real paradise.

Romantic lakes and enchanted woods: what to see in Villnöß

Villnöß is a charming town in South Tyrol, at the gates of the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Formed by the villages of Koll, St. Jakob, St. Magdalena, St. Peter, St. Valentin and Teis, it offers visitors a wonderful and uncontaminated nature, but also ancient traditions and jewels of Baroque architecture. There are the gentle pastures with the Dolomites in the background, the typical wooden houses, the Visitor Center of the Puez-Odle Natural Park, an interactive museum that allows us to discover the geology of these mountains, the animals that live in them and the history of the mountaineering and of Reinhold Messner who was born and raised here. Then there is the church of San Giovanni, dating back to 1744 and completely surrounded by greenery. Easy to reach even with children, this baroque jewel offers one of the most evocative landscapes in the whole area. Families and all geology lovers can visit the beautiful Teis Mineralogical Museum. If nature offers unique emotions at any time of the day and in every corner of the valley, traditional festivals are no less exceptional. Taking part of the festival that celebrates the return of the cattle from the mountain pastures, discovering the popular dances, tasting the typical products during the Speck Festival are unmissable experiences.

Walk among the mountain paths

Walking along more or less difficult paths, accompanied by the majesty of the Dolomites: in Villnöß it is easy to do it. Families or the less trained people will find easy itineraries just outside the inhabited centers among enchanting pastures, woods and the ever-present landscapes of the Odle. For more trained hikers there is instead the Günther Messner path (dedicated to Reinhold's brother, who died during an expedition on Nanga Parbat) with some aided sections at over 2,600 m. The route revolves around the Odle of Eores, within the Puez-Odle natural park.

Local flavors, from farm to farm

You are welcomed in the warm stube, where the delicious local products are placed on the large wooden table. You are in one of the many farms in the area. The so-called masi are the perfect places to discover the local gastronomy, united virtually by the Route of Flavors. Everything comes from sustainable farming and agriculture processes. The quality is felt immediately, while we taste the goat cheeses, speck, black bread, freshly picked raspberries and again elderberry juice and white wine. Among the recipes, the canederli and the delicious apple strudel are a must.

Sports for an active holiday in Villnöß 

Whether it's summer or winter, it doesn't matter: in Villnöß there is always something to do and try! Sports enthusiasts can in fact pedal along 140 kilometers of mountain bike trails, from pleasant trips to impervious single trails, climb at high altitude or try horse trekking. A snowshoe hike enjoying the fantastic view of the Odle or a descent on one of the wonderful natural toboggan runs are also experiences you can't miss. And then for those looking for an adrenaline boost there is the possibility of trying a paragliding flight.

Car-free holiday in Villnöß

Soft mobility is now a watchword here in Villnöß. The buses or transfer services offered by the accommodation facilities will allow you to reach the location from the nearest railway station, the shuttle will take you to the starting point of each trail and the "DolomitiMobil Card" Guest Card will allow you to use all public transport in South Tyrol for free.

Your green stay in Villnöß

Authenticity, respect for the environment and comfort: these are the key words of the many accommodation facilities in Villnöß. Spread across the various villages and hamlets, you will find sustainable hotels, holiday homes, farms and residences.