Fabulous Hike to Rifugio Genova in Val di Funes, Dolomites (original) (raw)

Val di Funes (Villnösstal in German) is one of the most exciting gateways to Puez-Odle/Geisler Nature Park in the Italian Dolomites.

Like many, our first visit to Val di Funes was rushed and way too short. We hiked the Adolf Munkel Trail, before shuffling off to our next destination.

During a subsequent visit to this adored South Tyrolean valley, we ventured to the lesser-known alpine pastures and huts in Val di Funes including Munt de Furcia/Medalges Alm (2293 m), Rifugio Genova/Schlüterhütte (2297 m), and Malga Gampen/Gampenalm (2062 m).

This loop hike was so much fun, and we’re thrilled to share it with you.

Rifugio Genova hike, Dolomites

Rifugio Genova Hiking Map

When to Hike to Rifugio Genova

June until mid-October, weather-depending

While most huts close by late September, Rifugio Genova, fortunately, stays open until mid-October, as do most of the alpine pasture huts in Val di Funes. So, if you’re traveling to the Dolomites in early Fall, this is a great hike to add to your itinerary. Also check out:

We hiked to Rifugio Genova in early October. There was quite a bit of snow on the trail, starting at about 2000 meters.

Zannes / Zans Trailhead

There are several paid car parks at the Zannes/Zans car park (1680 m), located at the end of the Val di Funes road.

Though likely not a necessity, you can pre-book your parking on villnoess.com.

Zannes Car Park Location | Google Maps

Zannes Car Park Parking Fees |

Zannes Car Park Payment | Cash only

Rifugio Genova Circuit Trail Description

Zannes/Zans to Furcella de Furcia/Kreuzjoch (2 hours)

Zannes/Zans to Furcella de Furcia/Kreuzjoch hiking trail, Val di Funes, Dolomites

To find the Rifugio Genova trailhead, head to the Sas Rigais bar/restaurant/pension (middle parking lot) at Zannes/Zans.

Follow trail 6 in the direction of Kreuzjoch, signed 2 hours.

From the very beginning, the vertical Odle/Geisler spires stun with their striking shapes and stature.

The wide gravel track continues towards these iconic peaks through spruce forest and along the Rio San Zennon/Sankt Zennon Bach stream.

After ascending for about 25-30 minutes, trail 6 intersects with a gravel road. Turn left onto the road, following signs to Tschantschenon (10 min) and Kreuzjoch (1:10 hours). Shortly thereafter, trail 6 heads right at the bend, leaving the road behind.

You’ll soon reach the Tschantschenon Alm (1928 m, private). Hike up the alpine pasture to the pasture gate. From here, there are two tracks. We took the upper left track, following the wooden pasture fence. The trail narrows and ascends more steeply now.

Soon, trail 6 crosses a gorgeous meadow dotted with larch and stone pine trees, before slowly snaking its way up to the Furcella de Furcia/Kreuzjoch saddle (2293 m).

Hiking up to Furcella de Furcia/Kreuzjoch saddle, Val di Funes, Dolomites

As you gain elevation, the views of the Odle/Geisler group are wondrous. From this vantage point, these famous peaks are almost unrecognizable.

You’ll also see Resciesa Plateau and the high alpine pastures of Val di Funes like Malga Brogles and Malga Casnago/Gschnagenhardt-Alm.

Furcella de Furcia/Kreuzjoch to Rifugio Genova/Schlüterhütte (50 minutes)

Medalges Alm, Puez-Odle, Dolomites

From the Kreuzjoch saddle, turn left and follow trail 5 to Medalges Alm, which is also signed trail 3 to Rifugio Genova (50 minutes).

When you reach the two huts of Medalges Alm (2293 m), turn left. Trail 3 soon turns into a lovely balcony path, horizontally crossing the tussock slope of Medalges and Sobutsch. Directly ahead, you’ll see Mount Fanes, which looks like a beached steamship, rising above Val Badia.

The valley below is Longiarú, flanked by the Puez Group and it’s attractive peaks: Piz Duleda, Antersasc, and Crep dales Dodesc.

After 1.3 km of gentle walking, the path makes a sharp left turn and descends. The southern face of Sass de Putia/Peitlerkofel is clearly visible to the North. Before starting your descent, you can continue straight for a few meters to a viewpoint.

Rifugio Genova hike, Puez-Odle Nature Park, Dolomites

This downhill stretch was a bit tricky, but mostly because of the frozen snow. Hopefully, your conditions will be less wintery.

After about 20 minutes, you’ll reach a trail junction. Continue on trail 3, straight to the green-roofed Rifugio Genova (2297 m, 10 minutes).

This cozy hut dates back to 1898 and is a hospitable place for lunch. When we arrived, the hut was brimming with visitors, all eager to eat a warm South Tyrolean meal on a cold autumn day.

Rifugio Genova/Schlüterhütte to Malga Gampen/Gampenalm (30 minutes)

Rifugio Genova, Val di Funes, Dolomites

You can hike to Malga Gampen/Gampenalm (2062 m) on trail 33 or trail 35. We opted for trail 35 (the road) because of the snow conditions.

Simply follow either trail to the Gampen alpine pasture. This alpine pasture hut is open daily in summer and also serves South Tyrolean specialities.

Malga Gampen/Gampenalm to Zans/Zannes (50 minutes)

There are two ways to hike to Zans: trail 31A via Kaserill Alm or trail 33.

We hiked along trail 33, which we highly recommend. The fenced-in path descends across wide-open pastures, yielding more spectacular views of the Odle/Geisler group.

You’ll hike along a cobbled path before reaching the Rio Caserill/Kaserill Bach stream. Cross the bridge and continue 20 minutes along the gravel road to Zans.

Where to Stay in Val di Funes

We recommend staying in the village of Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes. From this village, you can reach the Zannes/Zans car park (trailhead) by car in 10 minutes, or by bus. If you stay in Val di Funes, you’ll also have time to hike the Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail, the Adolf Munkel Trail, and our personal favorite Monte Tullen.

Budget | Appartements Pension Sonia is a no-frills, budget-friendly guesthouse in Santa Maddalena. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

Budget | Fallerhof is an active farm and a great-value apartment-style accommodation with stunning views of the Geisler Group. It’s a short walk to the Santa Maddalena Church (5 minutes) and the famous Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui (15 minutes). Breakfast is available upon request.

Midrange | Hotel Fines is a welcoming, 3-star hotel in Santa Maddalena, owned by a young and enthusiastic team. Guests love the rich breakfast buffet, central location, and hotel restaurant. Definitely book half board (breakfast and dinner) here. The DolomitiMobil Card is free for all guests.

Midrange | Proihof is a happily-situated farm stay in Santa Maddalena offering charming alpine rooms and apartments as well as stellar views of the Odle/Geisler Group. Stay here for the dreaming surroundings, farm animals, and down-to-earth atmosphere.

Luxury | Hotel Tyrol Dolomites is a family-run hotel in Santa Maddalena. This is the best place to stay when you want to combine outdoor exploration with wellness and relaxation. Their wellness area encompasses a Finnish sauna, steam bath, outdoor pool, whirlpool, and a garden with sun loungers and parasols. However, the main reason to stay here is their South Tyrolean cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients. The DolomitiMobil Card is provided. Tip: book half board and book a room with a Dolomites view (“Geisler Blick”).

Look for accommodation in Val di Funes.

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Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials

Use our Dolomites Travel Guide to plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Italy.

When to Hike in the Dolomites

The best time to hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. If the weather is stable, the hiking season can extend until late October.

How to Get to the Dolomites

Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car.

Car Rental

The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Best Places to Stay

Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:

We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.

What to See & Do

During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.

Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.

In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites, we’ve outlined the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, and Lago di Sorapis.

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Dolomites Hiking Guides

Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.

For region-specific hiking trails, check out:

Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites (Cicerone Guide)

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