World of Loden and fine cheese, Vallarga and the Fundres Mountains - this is Vandoies, one of the first municipalities in the Val Pusteria
Driving past the Rio Pusteria Fortress, you enter the green Pusteria Valley - and one of the first municipalities there is Vandoies. The municipal area extends from Vandoies di Sotto (Lower Vandoies) and Vandoies di Sopra (Upper Vandoies) on the valley floor to the Vallarga valley, which is the entrance to the Val di Fundres with the Fundres Mountains. Mt. Punta Bianca Bassa rises there as the municipality's highest point.
The Fundres High Route, or Pfunderer Höhenweg, one of the most pristine long-distance hiking trails in the Alps, leads from Vipiteno near the Brennero Pass to Brunico in five days, gaining a fascinating insight into the valley's history and traditions.
In the valley, several artisan businesses have become popular attractions. You'll find the two most famous right next to each other in the Lodenwelt. This area is home to shops, the Lodenwirt inn, and the World of Loden Museum. This museum, which is well worth a visit with its open-air grounds, is entirely dedicated to the robust fabric. Once worn by farmers and shepherds, it was later discovered by high society.
Today, the fabric is available in many colours and is valued in traditional and mountain fashion for its durability and breathability. Right next door, the Dairy Adventure World Capriz awaits. Here you can not only taste and buy excellent Val Pusteria goat's cheese, but also watch it being made.
The hand-ladled cheese is renowned for its outstanding quality. Had your fill of tasting and shopping? Now for some physical activity. You can actively explore the mountain scenery on the Pusterbike Cycle Path or on hikes to the Weitenberg Mountain Hut and up to the Giogo di Fundres pass. In winter, you'll find two cross-country ski tracks in the municipality and can go on some of the most beautiful ski tours in South Tyrol in the impressive Fundres Mountains.
Notice: Due to the construction of the Riggertal loop and safety-related works, sections of the Val Pusteria Railway will be closed until January 2026. A rail replacement bus service will be in operation.
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