Santa Maddalena Wine Trail
Experience the postcard-perfect view of Santa Maddalena church against the majestic Odle Peaks in the Dolomites. A truly magical Alpine escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical 'enrosadira' light
Santa Maddalena Wine Trail
Best Time
Magical 'enrosadira' light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the postcard-perfect view of Santa Maddalena church against the majestic Odle Peaks in the Dolomites. A truly magical Alpine escape.
"The Santa Maddalena viewpoint in Val di Funes is pure magic, truly feels like stepping into a painting."
🚶♀️ Walk for the View
Skip the pricey parking near the church and enjoy a scenic 20-30 min walk from the village for the best views.
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The 'enrosadira' phenomenon at sunset paints the Odle peaks in stunning colors. Don't miss it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Santa Maddalena Church View
Santa Maddalena Village
The postcard-perfect scene of the church with the dramatic Odle peaks as a backdrop. Pure magic!

The Odle (Geisler) Peaks
Val di Funes
Majestic, sharp mountain pinnacles that command the skyline, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Scenic Walk to the Viewpoint
Trail from Santa Maddalena village
An easy, pleasant 1-2 km walk through meadows with stunning valley and mountain vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Light
Parking and Access to the Viewpoint
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk for the View
Skip the pricey parking near the church and enjoy a scenic 20-30 min walk from the village for the best views.
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The 'enrosadira' phenomenon at sunset paints the Odle peaks in stunning colors. Don't miss it!
👟 Easy & Family-Friendly
The paths are well-kept and suitable for families, making it an accessible experience for all.
💰 Skip the Church Fee
The viewpoint offers the iconic scene without the fee to enter the church itself.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk for the View
Skip the pricey parking near the church and enjoy a scenic 20-30 min walk from the village for the best views.
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The 'enrosadira' phenomenon at sunset paints the Odle peaks in stunning colors. Don't miss it!
👟 Easy & Family-Friendly
The paths are well-kept and suitable for families, making it an accessible experience for all.
💰 Skip the Church Fee
The viewpoint offers the iconic scene without the fee to enter the church itself.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit during golden hours for that breathtaking, postcard-perfect shot of the church and mountains.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Santa Maddalena as a 'magical' and 'breathtaking' place, often comparing the view to a postcard. The iconic church set against the dramatic Odle peaks is a major draw, with many praising the easy, scenic walk to the viewpoint. The 'enrosadira' phenomenon at sunset is a highlight, though some find parking fees a bit steep.
"A truly magical place! The church of Santa Magdalena with the stunning Dolomites in the background looks like a postcard. The view is breathtaking at any time of the day, and the whole valley feels peaceful and unique. Definitely worth the visit if you are in South Tyrol..;)"
Ivo Iliev
"The Santa Magdalena viewpoint in Val di Funes is pure magic. Just a short (~1 km) uphill walk from the village brings you face-to-face with that iconic postcard scene: the little chiesetta nestled in green meadows, perfectly framed by the dramatic Odle (Geisler) peaks — it truly feels like stepping into a painting.
Paths are well-kept and family-friendly—many say it’s an “easy, pleasant route” of about 3 km round-trip, taking under 2 hours. Once you’re at the viewpoint, the contrast of the sharp mountain pinnacles and bucolic valley is mesmerizing.
Local visitors often recommend the late afternoon or sunset time for the view—it’s when the famous enrosadira phenomenon lights up the peaks in warm orange and pink hues."
Shreya Gangopadhyay
"A must see place while in the region.
For the famous church “Saint John” there is a fee of 4€ and honestly it is not worth it, I recommend instead to visit this viewpoint place to which you need to walk for about 20min from the parking (not accessible by car)"
Bouchra REKHADDA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santa Maddalena is located in Val di Funes, South Tyrol, Italy. The easiest way to reach it is by car, following signs for Val di Funes and then Santa Maddalena. Public transport options involve buses from nearby towns like Bressanone or Bolzano, but require transfers and can be time-consuming.
Yes, there is parking available in the village of Santa Maddalena. However, some visitors find the parking fees to be a bit high. Many recommend parking a little further out and enjoying a pleasant walk to the viewpoint.
No, you cannot drive directly to the most famous viewpoint of the church. It requires a short walk from the village parking area, which is part of the experience and offers beautiful scenery along the way.
From the Santa Maddalena village, follow the well-marked trails. It's an easy, pleasant walk of about 20-30 minutes uphill to reach the iconic viewpoint.
While possible, public transport can be complex. You'll likely need to take a train to Bressanone or Bolzano and then a bus to Val di Funes, followed by a local bus or a walk to Santa Maddalena. Renting a car is generally more convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no general entrance fee to visit the Santa Maddalena viewpoint or the village itself. However, some reviews mention a fee of around 4€ if you wish to enter the church itself, though many suggest the view from outside is the main attraction.
No, tickets are not required for Santa Maddalena as it's an open natural and village area. You can visit anytime, though planning for specific times like sunset is recommended for the best experience.
Santa Maddalena is an outdoor attraction and village, so it's accessible at all hours. However, for the best photographic opportunities and to experience the 'enrosadira', visiting during daylight hours, especially late afternoon, is ideal.
Yes, there is a parking fee in the village of Santa Maddalena. Some visitors have noted it can be around €10, which they found a bit high, opting instead for a walk from a slightly further parking spot.
Yes, it is possible to visit the interior of the church, but there might be a small fee associated with it. Many visitors find the exterior view and the surrounding landscape to be the primary draw.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photos is during the golden hours, particularly late afternoon leading up to sunset. This is when the Odle peaks are illuminated by the 'enrosadira' phenomenon, casting a warm, magical glow. Early morning also offers beautiful soft light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape and the iconic church with the towering peaks. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the Odle mountains. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions during sunset.
The main, iconic viewpoint is easily accessible via a short walk from the village. There are also various points along the trail offering different perspectives of the church and the Dolomites.
Drone regulations can vary and are often strict in national parks and protected areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance and respect for the environment and other visitors.
The view is iconic due to the perfect composition: a charming, solitary church nestled in a lush green meadow, dramatically framed by the jagged, imposing spires of the Odle (Geisler) mountain range.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The walk from the Santa Maddalena village parking to the main viewpoint is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace. It's a relatively easy and pleasant uphill stroll.
The paths are generally well-kept and family-friendly, making them suitable for strollers. However, some sections might be slightly uneven, so a sturdy stroller is recommended.
While popular, Santa Maddalena is generally not as overwhelmingly crowded as some other major Dolomite attractions, especially if you visit outside peak hours or during shoulder seasons. Early mornings and weekdays tend to be quieter.
Enrosadira is a natural phenomenon where the Dolomite peaks turn vibrant shades of pink, orange, and red during sunrise and sunset due to the way sunlight reflects off the rock's minerals.
There are typically facilities available in the village of Santa Maddalena, including cafes and restrooms. It's advisable to check local information for specific operating hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Odle Peaks
These peaks are a paradise for hikers and climbers, offering challenging routes and unparalleled scenic beauty. Even if you're not an avid adventurer, simply gazing at their grandeur from the valley floor is an awe-inspiring experience. The way they catch the light, especially during sunrise and sunset, transforms them into a spectacle of color.
Visiting Santa Maddalena offers a unique perspective on the Odle Peaks, allowing you to appreciate their scale and beauty from a peaceful, pastoral setting. The contrast between the serene valley and the rugged mountains is a key element of the location's charm.
Understanding the 'Enrosadira'
Witnessing the enrosadira at Santa Maddalena is a highlight for many visitors. As the sun dips below the horizon, the Odle Peaks seem to ignite, bathing the landscape in a warm, ethereal glow. This is the prime time for photographers and anyone seeking a truly unforgettable visual experience.
To best experience the enrosadira, plan your visit for the late afternoon. Arrive at the viewpoint with enough time to settle in and watch as the colors intensify. The changing light can dramatically alter the mood and appearance of the landscape, making each moment unique.
The Iconic Church of Santa Maddalena
While the exterior view is what draws most visitors, the church itself has a history tied to the region. It's a place of worship for the local community and adds a touch of human presence to the grand natural landscape. Some visitors choose to pay a small fee to enter and experience the interior, though the iconic view is from the outside.
The church's placement is deliberate and picturesque, designed to be framed by the stunning Dolomite scenery. It's this harmonious blend of man-made structure and natural beauty that has made the Santa Maddalena viewpoint a globally recognized and beloved spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit