Odle / Geisler peaks

Located between Val Gardena and Funes, the Odles are among the most famous peaks of the Dolomites thanks to their impressive appearance. The group lies in the middle of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, which offers numerous leisure and recreational opportunities with hiking trails, mountain bike routes, wonderful alpine pastures and via ferratas. In the winter months, the nature park is a paradise for both skiers and cross-country skiers. In summer, the alpenglow of the Odle peaks offers a striking natural spectacle.

The Odle Group can be divided into two parts: the Odle Peaks to the east of the Forcella Pana, whose steep rock faces rising into the sky are spectacular to behold, and the foothills of the Seceda. The Odle Group is often mentioned in the same breath as the adjacent Puez Group to the east; in this context, it is referred to as the Puez-Odle Group.

The most well-known peaks of the Odle group

In addition to the 3,025-metre-high Sass Rigais, other interesting peaks characterise the overall picture of the Val di Funes or Val Gardena Odles. The highest and most famous mountain peaks of the group are the following:

• Sas Rigais (3,025 m)
• Furchëta (3,025 m)
• Odla de Valdusa (2,936 m)
• Big Fermeda (2,873 m)
• Small Fermeda (2,814 m)
• Sas de Mesdi (2,762 m)

Numerous hiking trails for nature lovers of all ages lead through the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. On these trails, you have the opportunity to view the Odle peaks from different perspectives and to immerse yourself deeply in nature.

Adolf Munkel Trail

The Adolf Munkel Trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Dolomites. With a length of nine kilometres and around three and a half to four hours of hiking time, the circular trail is also suitable for inexperienced hikers or families. Enjoy the view of the north faces of the Odle peaks, discover wonderful alpine pastures and don't forget to stop at one of the inviting huts along the way. The starting point of the trail is at the Malga Zannes in the Val di Funes. As this is a circular trail, alternative entrances are possible via the Malga Glatsch, among others.

Tours near the Odle peaks

The peaks of the Odle Group look different from each side. The best view of the characteristic peaks, and thus the best opportunities to take impressive photos of the pale mountains, is when you look at the Odle from a distance. Numerous hiking trails around Val Gardena and the Val di Funes offer you an excellent distant view of the Odle peaks.

At an altitude of 2,519 metres, the Seceda is an impressive mountain in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Around the Seceda there are wonderful hiking trails, cosy huts and in the winter season an attractive skiing area. The mountain is also famous as a photo spot. From here you have a fantastic view of the legendary Odle peaks, which persuades some photographers to spend the night on the mountain in order to capture the natural spectacle in the early morning hours and at sunset.

The Odle peaks are a paradise for climbers. There are numerous alpine routes of varying degrees of difficulty and a via ferrata on the Sas Rigais. With a local mountain guide, you can reach one of the impressive peaks on a safe route. For children and newcomers to climbing, climbing courses are offered around the Odle peaks. Reinhold Messner gained his first climbing experience in the Odle Group and made several first ascents in the 1960s.

Popular routes in the Odle Group

Setting records is not the main objective in the Odle Group. Rather, those who embark on the well-known alpine climbing tours here have the chance to enjoy intense nature experiences. Find out about the weather conditions before your tour or book an experienced mountain guide. Here you can find some of the most famous routes in the Odle Group.

• Big Fermeda: Southeast Ridge (IV)
• Big Fermeda: Normal route (III)
• Sas de Mesdi: Dibona edge (IV)
• Small Fermeda: South-east edge (IV)
• Small Fermeda: Chimney lead (III)
• Odla de Cisles: Dülfer (V+)

A hike in the mountains is not complete without a visit to a cosy hut. The huts around the Odle peaks provide you with so many regional specialities that many hikers visit specifically on pleasure tours. The South Tyrolean cuisine delights with a wide selection of local dishes and Italian influences. In the huts, you will find everything your heart desires, from small dishes for refreshment to whole menus. A uniquely beautiful view of the Odle is always included. The best-known huts near the Odle peaks include the Sofie Hut and the Troier Hut on the Seceda alpine pasture, the rustic Pieralongia Hut, where simple, delicious dishes are served, the Brogles Hut, the managed Malga Geisler alpine pasture with a large sun terrace and the family-friendly Malga Casnago.