A Complete Hiking Guide to the Adolf-Munkel-Weg Trail

One-Day Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hiking Itinerary

The journey from Bolzano to Adolf-Munkel-Weg Trailhead

Our journey begins in Bolzano, a gateway to the Dolomites and one of the best cities to base yourself in while you explore this beautiful region. It is also a great place to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region, with a mix of Italian and German influences you won't find anywhere else in Italy.

You can spend a day exploring the city and all it has to offer before you embark on the Adolf-Munkel-Weg hike the next day. Attractions I highly recommend are Bolzano Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic church, hang out at Waltherplatz, a 19th Century plaza set against the Dolomites, or visit the South Tyrol Archeological Museum to learn more about Ötzi, the "Ice Man".

Looking for a complete travel guide to Bolzano? Check out:10 Best Things to Do in Bolzano/Bozen

The next day, I highly recommend you wake up as early as you can and catch a train at 8 AM from Bolzano Train Station to Brixen. From Brixen Train Station, you can catch bus #330 from the bus station right in front of the station and it will take you all the way to Adolf-Munkel-Weg trailhead in one hour.

Along the way, there is an optional stop at Ranui bus stop where you will be able to take photos and visit the iconic Church of St. John but you are going to have to wait another hour to catch the next bus to Adolf-Munkel-Weg.

I did stop here for a bit and spent an hour exploring the area. Not much to do except the church to be honest but I was there super early in the morning and I had plenty of time to catch the next bus to Adolf-Munkel-Weg trailhead.

If you choose to go all the way to Adolf-Munkel-Weg trailhead, the bus will drop you off at Rifugio Zannes, and then you can start hiking the Adolf-Munkel-Weg trail.

The Hike from Rifugio Zannes to the Foothill of the Odle Mountains

At Rifugio Zannes, you will have a chance to have some coffee or breakfast at the mountain hut or you can hit the ground running and start hiking the Adolf-Munkel-Weg trail. By then, it should be around 10 AM and if you do not want to waste time, I highly recommend you prepare breakfast the day before and have it while you transit between Bolzano and Rifugio Zannes.

This 10 km hiking trail is one of the most photogenic hiking trails out here and it will take you as close to the jagged peaks of the Odle mountain range, the mountain you saw in Secada, as you can get without needing mountaineering gear.

The trail begins rather flat in a vast field where you can see the Odle mountain range looming behind a hill. As the trail climbs gradually, you will be going through a beautiful alpine forest full of alpine trees covering the trail all the way to the base of Odle mountains.

By around 45 minutes, you will arrive at an opening where you will be able to see the Odle mountain range up close. Since there is no name assigned to this area, in particular, I will refer to it as "the Foothill of the Odle Mountains".

From the Foothill, you will be able to have an unobtrusive view of the Odle mountain range and all the iconic jagged peaks in full glory which makes for a great place to rest for a bit and catch some breathe before we continue on.

The Hike from the Foothill to Gschnagenhardt-Alm

From the Foothill, the trail will hug along the side of the Odle mountain range with a bit of up and down before you will have to climb the ridge up to Gschnagenhardt-Alm.

This part is probably the most difficult section of the hike as it is quite steep and it takes some time to climb to the top. It took me over an hour to get from the Foothill to the ridge.

You will be under the shadow of the mighty Odle mountains throughout this section as you move away from its massive peaks so be sure to turn back every now and then and take in all the amazing details of this magnificent mountain range.

Once you arrive at the ridge, you will be in a vast opening area with a small mountain hut in the middle of it all. That is the Gschnagenhardt-Alm, our final stop before we start heading down the mountain.

The Hike from Gschnagenhardt-Alm back to Rifugio Zannes

Continue along the trail and it will take you to the picturesque Gschnagenhardt-Alm, a mountain hut located right in the center of a natural amphitheater, formed by the towering cliffs of the Odle mountain range, which rise up to over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above the valley floor.

This incredible natural amphitheater was quite a sight to behold as you will find yourself in a vast green field of rolling hills, surrounded by the beautiful jagged peaks of the Odle mountain range, set against the beautiful blue sky. It is a worthy reward for a long hike such as the Adolf-Munkel-Weg trail.

Spend at least an hour or 2 at Gschnagenhardt-Alm, taking in all the sceneries, get as many photos as you like, or simply sit in awe under the jagged peaks of the Odle mountain range while observing all its little delicate details.

At the mountain hut, you can also have lunch here if you don't mind paying for it. If you pack your own lunch, this is also a good place for you to have it and relax while you watch the mountains from the mountain hut. The scenery at Gschnagenhardt-Alm is quite a sight to behold.

If you started hiking at 10:30 AM as I did, you should arrive here at Gschnagenhardt-Alm by 12:40 PM. Spend around 1 hour here and start making your way down by 1:30 PM. By the time you get down to Rifugio Zannes, it should be around 3 PM, in time for the bus to Brixen at 3:43 PM.

Bus #330 to Brixen runs every hour between 9:43 AM and 6:43 PM so if you want to stay a little longer up there or you decided to start late, be sure to make it down before the last bus back.

And that is it for the Adolf-Munkel-Weg hike. If you still have enough energy, I highly recommend you spend the evening in Brixen and explore its cute little town before heading back to Bolzano.

All in all, the Adolf-Munkel-Weg hiking trail is not particularly difficult but it is long and it can take you about 4 - 5 hours to complete the loop. The last train from Brixen to Bolzano is at 10 PM so please plan accordingly.

Where to Stay in Bolzano/Bozen?

Budget

Youth Hostel Bolzano

$ | Dorm

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Hörtenberg Homes

$$ | Double Room

See Availability

High-End

Parkhotel Mondschein

$$$ | Double Room

See Availability

View More Hotels

When is the Best Time to Hike Adolf-Munkel-Weg?

The best time to hike Adolf-Munkel-Weg is from June - September when the weather is nice and warm perfect for hiking and the trail and the mountain huts remain open throughout the period.

If you are planning to travel around the Dolomites without your own car, it is important that you stick to this period as the high frequency of buses, trains, and shuttle services will help you get to places much easier without renting a car.

Despite the popularity of the hike, the Adolf-Munkel-Weg hike is quite spread out and you will often find yourself alone among nature most of the time, even in the busiest of months which I think is great. That's why I like visiting hiking destinations, it doesn't attract as many people 😂.

All in all, if you want the highest chance of success and a great view of the Odle mountain range, I highly recommend you stick to the recommended months.

How to Get to the Dolomites?

In order to get to Adolf-Munkel-Weg, you will first have to get to the Dolomites, a mountainous region in the northern part of Italy. There are several ways you can get to the Dolomites but most will require you to switch modes of transportation in between from planes to buses to trains, etc.

From the US, you can fly directly to either Milan or Venice which should take about 9 - 11 hours. From there, you can catch a train to Bolzano which should take about 5 hours with one to two transits.

From Europe, you have quite a bit more options here. You can fly to Innsbruck from places like the UK via Wizz Air, and then catch a train or a bus to Bolzano in about 1.5 hours. Flixbus is highly recommended when it comes to bus travel in Europe.

From Asia, there are also many direct flights to Milan and Venice operated by local carriers from cities like Bangkok or you can go with connecting flights which are often cheaper. There are many flights from Asia that connect via middle east countries like Emirates via Dubai or Etihad via Abu Dhabi. The journey should take approximately 10 hours. Once you arrive in Milan/Venice, you can catch a train to Bolzano.

To find a cheap flight to Italy, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.

How to Get from Bolzano to Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hiking Trail?

To get from Bolzano to the Adolf-Munkel-Weg trailhead, you will first have to make your way to Brixen/Bressanone by heading over to Bolzano Train Station and catching the train there. The journey should take about 1 hour.

From Brixen Train Station, you can catch bus #330 from the bus station right in front of the station and it will take you to Adolf-Munkel-Weg trailhead, and you will be there in an hour.

Be sure to leave as early as you can as you have a long day ahead of you and it is always a great idea to go early to beat the crowds. You can use the Mobilcard to get on these buses and trains for free for the duration you bought it for.

How Difficult is the Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hike?

The Adolf-Munkel-Weg hike is a moderate trail that takes about 4-5 hours to complete, depending on your pace. It is around 10 KM long which is quite lengthy especially if you have not hiked before but there's nothing particularly technical about it so any fit person should be able to do it.

As long as you start early and pace yourself slowly, you should be able to complete the hike in less than 5 hours, the latest which should be enough time to catch the bus back to Brixen and then Bolzano.

How Long Does it Take to Hike the Adolf-Munkel-Weg Trail?

The Adolf-Munkel-Weg Trail is around 10 km and it will take you approximately 4 - 5 hours, depending on your pace. I was able to do it in 4 hours without rest and a ton of photo stops.

Given you will be spending a bit of time taking a ton of photos, and having lunch, I'd say aim for around 5 hours and you should have enough time to enjoy yourself up there.

Combine that with the travel time of 4 hours in total, the entire trip from Bolzano to hike the Adolf-Munkel-Weg trail and back will be around 9 hours, an entire day hiking trip with enough time in the evening to relax in Brixen.

To get a head start, I highly recommend you catch the bus to Brixen as early as 8:00 AM so that you can start the hike by 10:00 AM before more people arrive. It should take about 5 hours to complete the hike and you should be back down around 3 PM, in time for bus #330 to take you back at 3:43 PM.

How Much Money Do I Need For the Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hike?

In total, you would spend around 15 EUR for the entire hike excluding lunch and snacks. The cost all went to the one-day Mobilcard which allows you to use public transportation in the Dolomites for free for a day. This is an excellent deal for those who do not want to rent a car.

Is it Safe to Hike the Adolf-Munkel-Weg Trail?

The trail is made of mostly gravel but there are well-marked and since there will be a lot of people along the trail, it is very difficult to get lost here. Sneakers and trail running shoes are fine for the hike in the summer. Flip-flops are a big no-no.

Other than that, there's not much to worry about on the trail. Just stay on the hiking path and pace yourself slowly, and you should be able to complete the hike with no problem.

What to Pack for Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hike?

• A Water bottle: At least 1.5 - 2 liters of water for the Adolf-Munkel-Weg hike. Italy in the summer can be extremely unforgiving even at high altitudes so make sure you have enough water to stay hydrated the entire trip. I always carry my super lightweight Hydro Flast Insulated Water Bottle on all my trips around Europe and I highly recommend you get one, especially if you like hiking.
• Good Sturdy Shoes: Since you will be hiking for about 4 - 5 hours on this trip, make sure you wear a pair of shoes that you are comfortable hiking in. Sneakers and trail running shoes are fine as long as you are comfortable hiking in them. I highly recommend you go with a proper hiking boot or shoes like Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot (for women) for good ankle support or this Columbia Redmond V2 Waterproof Hiking Boot (for women) if you want something lighter and easier to move around in.
• Layers: The weather can change at any given moment in the mountain so I highly recommend you pack a few layers just in case. The Adolf-Munkel-Weg hiking trail is located over 2,000 meters above sea level and it can be cold up there even in the hottest of months. Here are the jackets I recommend you get for the trip: a fleece jacket and the beautiful orange Columbia outer-shell jacket.
• Snack Bars: Since you will be spending all day hiking, I highly recommend you pack a few snack bars for the trip. They are delicious, nutritious, and cheap and they are great for when you want to quickly replenish your energy while hiking. I highly recommend CLIF BARS.
• Lunch: There are mountain huts with restaurants along the Tre Cime trail where you can buy lunch but it is extremely expensive so I highly recommend you pack your own lunch as well.
• A Daypack: This is what you will use to carry all your essentials like water bottles, jackets, snack bars, etc. Any backpack with around 25L capacity like Herschel Supply's Little America bag should be enough for most use cases but if you have lots of camera gear as I do, Langly Alpha Globetrotter Backpack is my go-to camera bag for the hike.
• Power Bank: In case your phone or your camera ran out of juice while you are hiking, it is always recommended to have a backup power bank just in case you need it.

Check Out My Hiking Packing List

Which tourist SIM card is best for Adolf Munkel Weg Trail?

With an esim from Airalo, I was able to have access to the internet throughout the hike so I highly recommend you get one prior to your travel. It worked well around Italy with a constant 4G connection so if you are planning to stay longer in Italy, getting the Airalo esim is a no-brainer, given your phone supports esim of course.

If your phone doesn't support esim, you should be able to get a physical sim card at the airport in Milan or elsewhere in the country and you will be able to stay connected with your friends and families the entire time you are hiking the Dolomites.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Dolomites, Italy while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Tiqets is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for the Dolomites, Italy

I hope you found this Italian travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:

• First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
• Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2-Weeks Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
• Want to travel around Italy for one month, from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You are going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
• Want to explore the Dolomites but not sure where to begin? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites.
• For a complete backpacking itinerary for the Dolomites, check out: the 7 Days Dolomites Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
• Bolzano is a great city to base yourself in while you explore the Dolomites. If you decide to stay in Bolzano, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Bolzano.
• Tre Cime Hike is the best hike you can do in the Dolomites. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Loop.
• Looking for a complete itinerary for Northern Italy? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary.
• For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.