How to Hike the Adolf Munkel Trail to Geisler Alm in the Dolomites
The Zanser Alm-Adolf Munkel Trail-Geisler Alm loop is an unmissable hike in Val di Funes, so you can’t miss it on your Dolomites Itinerary. Most people only take a quick visit to Val di Funes to capture the spectacular view of the church of St. Maddalena. But if you stay a little longer, you can do some fantastic hikes in the Puez-Odle Nature Park.
The Adolf Munkel Trail is simple and easy to complete for all ages. At the end of the hike, you can enjoy the breathtaking view from the Geisler Alm mountain hut.
This ultimate guide to the Adolf Munkel Weg includes the best time to visit, how to reach the iconic Geisler Alm photo spot, what to expect on the hike, and practical information.
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Adolf Munkel Hike Details
Hike Distance: 9 km
Duration: 3 hours
Hike Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Hiking Trail: Zanser Alm → Adolf Munkel Trail → Gschnagenhardt Alm → Geisler Alm
Where is the Adolf Munkel Trail Located?
The Adolf Munkel Trail, also known as Adolf Munkel Weg in German and Via delle Odle in Italian, is located in the Puez-Odle Nature Park in Val di Funes, South Tyrol, in the Italian Dolomites. The Puez-Odle Nature Park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time to Visit Adolf Munkel Trail
The best time to hike is from early June to mid-October, depending on snow/trail conditions. July and August are usually the busiest months in the Dolomites. If you want to avoid the crowds and high prices, it’s worth visiting during the off-season.
We visited Val Di Funes in mid-July, and unfortunately we couldn’t capture the iconic photo spot because the landscape was covered in fog and it was raining. We honestly thought the weather would ruin our plans for the whole day. But we ended up enjoying fantastic weather around noon on the Adolf Munkel Weg.
TIP
Plan your hike from May to early July and admire the picturesque meadows filled with wildflowers.
How to Get to Val di Funes
You can easily get to Val di Funes by car or public transport. Val di Funes is located about a 30-minute drive from Bressanone/Brixen, 40 minutes from Bolzano, and 35 minutes from Ortisei. Alternatively, you can take the train from Bolzano to Bressanone and take the No. 330 bus to Val di Funes.
Zanser Alm parking lot
The Zanser Alm parking lot is a 15-minute drive from Val di Funes and a 10-minute drive from St. Magdalena/Santa Maddalena. You can also get to the parking lot by taking the No. 330 bus from Santa Maddalena.
There is a large parking lot at Zanser Alm, but spaces fill up quickly in high season, so we recommend arriving early. Here are the parking rates:
- Car 8 EUR from the whole day or 4 EUR from 2 PM
- Camper 16 EUR
- Motorcycle 4 EUR
The night rate (from 9 PM to 7 AM) costs 40€ for all vehicles.
Good to know
Most guesthouses, campsites, and hotels provide a guest pass. The Südtirol Guest Pass gives you unlimited use of public transport in South Tyrol.
Read our → Dolomites Itinerary
How to Hike the Adolf Munkel Weg to Geisler Alm
Many different hiking trails lead to the Geisler Alm. Before we began the hike, we had to decide whether to take the longer or shorter route. We chose the easier trail as the weather was terrible that day, but luckily, we enjoyed a few hours of sunshine.
Starting point: The parking lot of the Zanser Alm. From there, walk along hiking trail No. 6 towards Tschantschenon until you reach the bridge. Then, turn right and follow the Adolf Munkel Trail No. 35.
TIP
Wear closed hiking shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes.
Keep reading → Best Hikes in the Dolomites
From the parking lot, you can reach the Adolf Munkel Trail in about 1 hour. On the hike, you will see beautiful alpine pastures along the trail. You can stop at one of the mountain huts and taste local specialties or have a refreshing drink.
Don’t forget to get travel insurance! Travel insurance is the best way to avoid extra costs caused by unexpected accidents, cancellations, delays, loss of personal belongings, and emergencies.
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Geisler Alm (Rifugio delle Odle)
Then follow hiking trail No. 35 to the Gschnagenhardt Alm and the Geisler Alm/Rifugio delle Odle hut. Spend more time at the mountain hut, sitting on the wooden deck chairs and taking fantastic photos, or just enjoying the breathtaking landscape.
Then, continue trail No. 36 to the Dusler Alm (Malga Dusler) hut and walk back to the parking lot of the Zanser Alm.
The entire hike is 9 km long and takes 3 hours. The trail was not difficult. This was one of the most beautiful and easiest hikes we did in the Dolomites. We saw many families and older people completing the hike without any effort.
See also → Seceda Ridgeline Hike
Adolf Munkel Trail Map
Where to Stay in the Dolomites
The best place to stay is near the Adolf Munkel Trail in Ortisei/St. Ulrich. From here, you can easily explore Lago di Carezza, Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, and Seceda. However, if you are looking for more affordable accommodations, stay in Bolzano. These are our recommendations.
- Luxury: Alpin Garden Luxury Maison & SPA – Adults Only
- Mid-Range: Hotel Hell or Classic Hotel Am Stetteneck
- Budget: B&B Hotel Bolzano
We hope you found our guide to the Adolf Munkel Trail useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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