Cinema Delle Odle And Adolf Munkel Trail: An Epic Hike

Cinema delle Odle and Adolf Munkel Trail: An Epic Hike

On our last trip to the Dolomites, we decided that we’ll be hiking the Adolf Munkel Trail – and it was our non-negotiable, as in, no matter what, we were going.

And I’m so glad we did!

Although we didn’t get to hike the whole Adolf Munkel loop, we did do a point-to-point hike to the Cinema delle Odle/Geislerkino. It is an approximately 9.7km hike and takes less than 4 hours to do. The elevation gain is approximately 403m – and our six-year-old was able to do it!

I can definitely recommend hiking the Cinema delle Odle trail – or even the whole Adolf Munkel one. Read on to learn how, what, and why.

This post might contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase anything via them, we might earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. Check our disclaimer policy for more information.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

We Can Help You Plan Your Trip!

Brainstorming ideas with an expert? Reviewing your itinerary and making it just perfect? Or creating your perfect trip from scratch? We can do it!
Check out more info right here

Quick Stats: Adolf Munkel Trail to Rifugio delle Odle

A workout summary showing 9.70 km distance, 3:57:44 duration, 2.4 km/h average speed, 123 bpm average heart rate, 1,442 calories burned, 403 m elevation gain, and 2,081 m highest elevation.

Key details:

Trailhead: Malga Zannes parking lot
Length: ~10km (6mi)
Level: easy to moderate
Elevation gain: ~400m (~1400ft)
Time: 3.5-4h
#36, #35, #6
Trail map of the Adolf Munkel trail

The trail to Rifugio delle Odle goes mostly through a forest, but there are parts which offer incredible views of the Puez-Odle group.

A light green hiking trail map winding through hilly terrain, starting at "Malga Zannes" and leading to "Malga Casnago" and "Cinema delle Odle" with marked trailheads and a checkered finish flag at the top right.

Usually the trail is done in the clockwise direction, but we suggest doing it anti-clockwise, as that way, you have views of the mountains without having to turn around all the time.

There are multiple huts on the hike where you can get refreshments, so don’t worry about that.

Keep in mind, though, that on quite a lot of the trail there’s no network signal.

Trail Description: Adolf Munkel Trail to Rifugio delle Odle

A wooden signpost in a forested area shows parking directions for cars and motorhomes at Zans–Zannes with arrows and icons, as well as hiking trail names and destinations below on wooden plaques.

From the parking lot at Zannes, go towards the bus stops and cross a wooden bridge (unless you parked over the bridge). You need to follow trail nr. 36 towards Dusler Alm (not the other way). It’s also towards Rifugio delle Odle (Malga Geisler).

A wooden bridge surrounded by green trees with a sign prohibiting camping and open fires. The path continues into a forested area under a partly cloudy sky.

First, you’ll walk through a parking lot and on a gravel road. You need to cross a bridge from the bus stop to make it to the actual trail.

Wooden trail signs with red and white markers display various hiking routes and distance times in a forested area, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage.

At the parking lot, it can get a bit tricky, as the signs to Rifugio delle Odle point in both directions. Make sure to follow the ones that are both for Dusler Alm and Geisler Alm instead of Adolf Munkel Weg. They should be pointing to the “right“.

A gravel path in a forest splits into two directions, surrounded by tall trees and greenery. Several people are walking along the left path, and a wooden signpost is visible on the left side.

Once you reach the forest, there will be a trail divide. Take the “left” trail that leads into the woods – from now on, you’ll walk on a forest trail over roots and around trees for some time. Be careful, as the trail is quite narrow at places – you don’t want to trip.

A dirt trail winds uphill through a dense forest of tall pine trees. A group of hikers is walking along the path, surrounded by greenery and mountain scenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Then, there will be a range of steps and stairs – quite a lot of steps, to be fair. If it’s been raining, the trail will most probably be wet – it looks like the tree cover doesn’t really let the water dry.

A dirt hiking trail winds uphill through a lush, green forest with tree roots and rocks scattered along the path. Two people are visible in the distance among the trees.

In less than an hour you’ll reach the end of the forest, where you get the first incredible views of Puez-Odle.

A dirt path winds through a grassy hillside with scattered rocks, leading to a small cabin. Pine trees line the path, and jagged mountains rise dramatically in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

That’s where Dusler Alm is. You can rest a bit or have a drink and a snack, or maybe even pet some goats or horses.

Wooden frame with a red heart outline and "Dusler Alm" text, looking out onto tall, jagged mountain peaks, a green forest, and a partly cloudy sky. Social media icons and wooden heart decorations are on the frame.

And then continue on to Rifugio Odle.

A rocky forest trail splits into two paths bordered by tall pine trees. People are walking in the distance, and a child in a pink outfit is partially visible in the lower left corner near a wooden fence.

You’ll walk on a wide gravel path for some time, until reaching crossroads. Continue following the signs for Rifugio delle Odle – trail number 36.

A wooden trail signpost in a green forest shows directions to various hiking routes. Mossy rocks and trees surround the sign, and a couple of hikers can be seen in the background on the left.

Once you reach kind of a fence, you’ll need to follow the trail 36 (not 36B) towards Geisler Alm (Rifugio Delle Odle) that goes kind of up in the forest.

A rocky dirt path winds through a lush, green forest with tall trees and patches of grass, under a mostly cloudy sky.

The trail continues winding through the forest and ascending gradually for most of the time.

A young girl in a pink dress and red leggings walks along a winding forest trail, following a group of people ahead, surrounded by lush green trees and grass.

It’s more narrow at some parts, but generally is wide enough for at least 2 people to walk next to each other.

A narrow wooden footbridge with handrails crosses a small rocky stream in a grassy area. One person is crossing the bridge, and part of another person is visible in the foreground.

A rustic wooden footbridge with handrails crosses a small stream in a grassy, forested area. The surrounding ground is uneven, with patches of dirt, rocks, and wildflowers. Trees and greenery fill the background.

A young girl in a pink outfit walks along a rocky, uneven forest trail surrounded by greenery, with more people visible in the distance up the path.

At some points, you need to pass creeks on some larger stones or wooden beams which, if you use your imagination, can be considered bridges.

A dirt path with a wooden railing winds through a forest of tall pine trees, leading toward jagged, rocky mountain peaks in the background under a cloudy sky.

Quite often, though, you get views like this. It’s just jaw-dropping in real life, to be honest.

A dirt hiking trail winds through a forest with tall evergreen trees, exposed roots, and patches of green grass and plants on either side of the path.

On the rest of the trail, make sure to pay attention to the signs and look for the red-white-red markings on trees and stones, as sometimes the trail divides and gets a bit confusing. You can see one of the divides in the image above – Michal went on the trail where the picture is taken from, and Emma and I went on the other trail. Both lead to the Rifugio delle Odle.

A scenic mountain landscape with jagged peaks, lush green grass, pine trees, a gravel path, and several people walking or relaxing outdoors under a partly cloudy sky. A wooden fence lines the right side of the image.

Once you reach Rifugio delle Odle, you can relax, soak in the “Cinema delle Odle”, have a meal, and fill up your water bottle.

Chalet surrounded by green grass and pine trees with dramatic jagged mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky; people are walking and relaxing outdoors.

There are incredible views of the whole Odle group, which seems like it’s right there and looks just so huge.

A lush green field with wooden playground equipment and fences, bordered by dense pine trees. Jagged mountain peaks rise dramatically in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Two people stand near the fence.

There’s also a big and fun playground for kids next to the hut with swings, slides, and more things to do.

A rustic wooden house and smaller buildings sit on green grass near a rocky pond, with dramatic jagged mountains rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

You can also go to Malga Casnago (Gschnagenhardt alm), which is just a couple minutes further.

A wooden cabin sits on a grassy hill with people walking nearby. Tall, jagged mountains rise dramatically in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky. Pine trees dot the landscape.

For the way back, you can go on the same trail, or make this into a circuit.

We chose to go the same way, as that’s the fastest way and we needed to catch a bus back to Santa Magdalena. So we can confidently say that the views are better if you hike counter-clockwise!

Two people lying on a wooden bench in a grassy field with a rustic cabin, pine trees, and dramatic mountain peaks in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

But if you want to continue on the Adolf Munkel trail to see the “Foothill” of the Odle mountains, then walk past Malga Casnago (Gschnagenhardt alm) on trail 36 until a junction with trail 35 – Adolf Munkel trail.

Continue on this trail in the direction towards Rifugio Genova.

There are incredible views of the Puez-Odle group on this trail, and in one place, you should be able to stand just at the base of them.

There will be several junctions on Adolf Munkel trail with other trails that will bring you back to Malga Zannes – you can turn left on any of them – trail 36, 36B (both pass by an idyllic Malga Glatsch), trail 35A or at the latest trail 6.

Parking And Public Transport Info

A small parking lot in a forested area with parked cars, a green bus, two people walking, and direction signs; tall pine trees and mountains are in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

There is a big parking lot at the trailhead – but in the main season, it can fill up rather quickly.

If the parking lot fills up, you will not be allowed to drive up to the trailhead. Traffic regulators block the road.

In that case, you can park in Santa Magdalena – either by the Ranui church or further down in the town.

There is a bus that goes once an hour which you can take up to the trailhead. The bus is #330.

You can get tickets either from the driver (cash only) or on the Sudtirol Mobil app – this bus is not covered by the Alto Adige Guest card.

Tips for getting around the Dolomites

When to Go

A wooden cabin and fenced area sit among green trees and grassy hills, with a dirt path winding through a forest. Jagged mountain peaks rise dramatically in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The best time to go to Cinema delle Odle is when there’s the lowest chance of snow, that is, May to October – ish. It’s possible to hike there in snow, too, but it gets quite tricky.

Avoid peak season – July and August – if you dislike crowds, although the time we went in July wasn’t that bad.

You can consider the shoulder season, that is, June, September, or October for a quieter experience.

Best times to go to the Dolomites

What to Wear and Pack

A man walks on a forest trail while a young child in a red jacket sits on the ground nearby, surrounded by green trees and foliage.

Clothing:

Layered, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for changeable mountain weather.
Waterproof jacket or raincoat (weather is unpredictable)
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip.

Packing essentials:

Water and snacks/picnic.
Sunscreen and hat (minimal shade in meadows)
Camera or smartphone for photos.

As always, wear layers and have a big enough backpack to carry them. Since part of the trail is in the shade and part is in meadows, it means quite big temperature differences.

There are mountain huts for food and drinks on the way. And at the Rifugio delle Odle, there is a spring where you can fill up your water bottle so don’t worry about bringing extra water.

Since the trail is mostly a forest path, it can get slippery, so wear shoes with a good grip. Big hiking boots are not really necessary, but a good grip (like on trail running shoes) is a good idea.

A full packing list – and a free checklist, is here

Practical Tips

Green meadow with tire tracks in the foreground, a small white chapel among dense pine trees, and dramatic rugged mountains under a cloudy sky in the background.

Here are some tips and ideas to make the most of your time

Get a parking reservation to have a spot at the parking lot if you have a car
If you need to wait for a bus down in Val di Funes, check out the Ranui church
Go early if you don’t have a car to maximize your time – the last bus leaves Malga Zanes just after 6pm
Big parts of the trail don’t have cell service
Pay attention to the signs and trail markings – sometimes the trail gets a bit confusing.

Other things to do in the area

Val di Funes is a GORGEOUS valley – it’s absolutely beautiful. So definitely explore it if you have a chance!

The church of San Giovanni di Ranui

A small church with a bell tower stands in a lush green field, surrounded by dense pine forests. Behind the church, majestic jagged mountains rise against a clear blue sky, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.

The Ranui church is a small little church with a backdrop of the huge Puez-Odle. It’s right next to the road that leads to Malga Zannes, so it would be a shame not to spend the five or so minutes for the picture.

Santa Maddalena Panorama trail and Sunny trail

A lush green valley with scattered houses and a church is surrounded by dense forests and dramatic, jagged mountains beneath a partly cloudy sky.

This is a nice trail that spans the upper side of the Santa Maddalena and Villnoss villages. If you don’t feel like hiking the whole thing, you can just go to the photo spot or do a part of the trails.

Most beautiful views in the Dolomites

Where to stay

A picturesque village nestled in a green valley with forested hills, white houses, and dramatic, jagged mountain peaks in the background under a clear sky.

If you’d like to do the Adolf Munkel trail, the best place to stay, without any doubt, is in Val di Funes. But if this hike (and maybe exploring Santa Magdalena) is the only thing that you’d like to do here, I strongly recommend staying in Val Gardena.

Accommodation in Val di Funes

Budget: Apartements Kaserott in Villnoss – located walking distance to the Santa Magdalena viewpoint and the Ranui Church. They have a view of Puez-Odle, sauna with a view, and so much more.
Mid-range: Hotel Gsoihof in Villnoss – a farmstay hotel with an unbeatable view of the Puez-Odle mountains. The rooms are gorgeous, and there’s even a swimming pool with a view.
Luxury: Wanderhotel Teiserhof in Funes – a hotel with a wellness and sauna, with an incredible view of the mountains. It’s located only 15 minutes from Santa Magdalena and the Ranui church.

Accommodation in Val Gardena

Budget: Hotel Garni Morene in Selva – great location, nice rooms, good food.
Mid-range: Monte Pana Dolomites Hotel– nice and quiet location, great view. We loved the hotel and the food. The hosts are extremely helpful. And there are hiking trails that start right at the hotel.
Luxury: Gardena Grödnerhof – Hotel & Spa in Ortisei – great view, spa, and food. The location of the hotel couldn’t be better, as you can easily reach all the cable cars and the center of the town on foot.

Best areas to stay in the Dolomites

Conclusion

The Cinema delle Odle is at the top of the list of my favourite hikes in the Dolomites. If you can, definitely add it to your itinerary!

If you’re looking for some other places to add to your itinerary, we’ve listed our favorite places to visit in the summer right here.

And if you’re really unsure about what to do and what to see, why not book a call with us? We’re always happy to help!

FAQ: Cinema delle Odle hike

Are dogs allowed on the Cinema delle Odle/Adolf Munkel trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Adolf Munkel trail.

How do I get to Cinema delle Odle (Geislerkino)?

To get to the Cinema delle Odle, you need to hike. The fastest – and most popular way – is hiking from the Malga Zannes parking lot.

Can I hike with a stroller or young children?

The trail is not doable with a stroller, but you can hike with young children. There is even a playground at the Rifugio delle Odle. If you want to hike with tiny babies, you can use a carrier.

Is it possible to fly a drone at Cinema delle Odle?

No, it’s forbidden. Cinema delle Odle is in the Puez-Odle Nature park, where flying drones is forbidden.

Are the trails to Cinema delle Odle clearly marked?

The trail is generally well marked, although at some parts it can get a bit confusing.

Cinema delle Odle and Adolf Munkel Trail: An Epic Hike

We Can Help You Plan Your Trip!