Fundres

Fundres, the Fundres Valley, the Rio di Fundres, and the Fundres Mountains form a single entity. The valley branches off near Vandoies and winds its way past the village of Vallarga, heading deeper and deeper until the small hamlet comes into view. The houses are spread out with plenty of space on the right and left banks of the Rio di Fundres. In the centre, you will find a bus stop and the Parish Church of St. Martin, which looks down on the village from its elevated position.

The church was first mentioned back in the 11th century, but discoveries such as a bronze dagger prove that the area around Fundres was settled much earlier. At the very end of the valley, where it closes, are the farms of the mountain hamlet of Dun, which also belongs to Fundres (Pfunders).

The climate here, even in high summer, is refreshing and ideal for mountain tours and cycling. These do not always have to be strenuous: Leisurely hikes lead along the Fundres Farm Trail and the Fundres Valley Trail, for example. The former tells of the life of the mountain farmers and the customs in Fundres, while the Valley Trail accompanies you all the way to Vandoies di Sotto at the entrance to the valley. High up in the mountains, a special challenge awaits: The Fundres High Route runs for five long and demanding daily stages from Vipiteno to San Lorenzo di Sebato, right across the Fundres Mountains. It is one of the most beautiful trails of its kind.

Winter in Fundres is a quiet affair. There are no large ski resorts or cross-country skiing centres here, just a three-kilometre-long natural toboggan run and one of the cross-country ski tracks in the Val Pusteria. You are surrounded by the silence of the snow-covered landscape, which prevails at this altitude during the cold season. Afterwards, a South Tyrolean Marende or a hot mulled wine awaits you. The nearest ski centres can be found near Bressanone and Brunico.