What You Need to Know About getting to val di Funes in 2026
Val di Funes remains one of the most photographed valleys in the Dolomites. The rolling green meadows, traditional farms, and the dramatic Odle peaks create one of the most recognizable alpine landscapes in Europe.
But starting with 2026, access to some of its most iconic locations has significantly changed. There has been some rumor talking about visitors’ cars and tour buses no longer being permitted to entry the villages or even valley, which is NOT true as per March 2026 when this blog post has been written.
But if you are planning a visit in 2026, here is what you need to know.
San Giovanni in Ranui in Val di Funes: No Longer Accessible to the Public starting with 2026
The small and iconic Chiesa di San Giovanni in Ranui has long been one of the most photographed churches in the Dolomites.
Until summer 2025, visitors could access the official meadow viewpoint by paying an entrance fee (the fee was first introduced in 2022). That system was introduced by the private owners to regulate tourism and protect the land.
However, from 2026 onward, the situation has evolved:
- The meadow is no longer accessible to the general public.
- The church is not accessible to visitors.
- The previous paid entrance system has been discontinued.
- Access is now reserved exclusively for guests staying at the owners’ hotel.
This is a major shift.
For many travelers, this location has been a bucket-list stop. But the increasing pressure of overtourism has led to stricter private management.
If San Giovanni in Ranui was the main reason for your visit, it’s important to reconsider expectations.
Santa Maddalena Church in Val di Funes: Limited Vehicle Access
The village of Santa Maddalena is home to another iconic church, the beautiful Chiesa di Santa Maddalena.
Unlike San Giovanni in Ranui, this church remains accessible but with important restrictions.
For several years now:
- The final stretch of road toward the church cannot be accessed by private car.
- Visitors must park below and continue on foot.
- The panoramic road leading to the famous Instagram viewpoint is also pedestrian-only.
- No private vehicles are allowed on that final scenic section.
This measure was introduced to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety, and protect the rural environment.
The walk itself is not long, but during peak summer days, the pedestrian path can become crowded especially around sunset.
What This Means for Summer 2026 Visitors in val di Funes
Val di Funes is not “closed.”
But it is clearly moving toward stronger visitor regulation.
Expect:
- Controlled parking areas.
- Increased walking access.
- More structured visitor flow.
- Limited spontaneity during peak hours/season at iconic spots.
If you are coming purely for the classic Instagram composition, you may find the experience different from what you imagined.
The valley is still beautiful, but the experience has changed since getting so overflowed with tourists, that often don’t behave too well…
The Bigger Picture: Overtourism in the Dolomites
Thousands of people chasing the same two geotags create pressure on small alpine communities and private landowners. The restrictions you see in Val di Funes are part of a broader pattern across the region.
The real question becomes:
Do you want the postcard?
Or do you want the mountains and getting to know the sould of such a majestic alpine scenery?
Discovering the Dolomites Beyond the Obvious
There are dozens of valleys, viewpoints, trails, and alpine pastures that offer:
- Silence
- Authentic mountain culture
- Space to breathe
- And landscapes just as powerful without the crowds
But they are not always obvious on social media and online. This is exactly why I created WilDolomites. WilDolomites is designed to help travelers explore the region more intentionally beyond the two or three viral locations everyone flocks to.
Inside the platform, you can:
- Discover lesser-known hikes
- Filter experiences depending on weather and season
- Find alternative viewpoints
- Explore areas that remain accessible and respectful to local communities
The goal is not to avoid famous places entirely. It’s to rebalance the way we experience them and let you discover the hundreds of other amazing views and valleys.
There’s also a free tool you could really enjoy, it’s called WilDolomites Echoes and it’s a free monthly newsletter about the new pins you find in WD on that said month and some deep dive in an area or topic. Last , but not the least, I also share news on accessibility of places like val di Funes here and alternatives. Would you like to jump in? You can sign up now (no strings attached):
Final Thoughts
Val di Funes is still one of the most stunning valleys in the Dolomites.
But summer 2026 marks a clear turning point in how access is managed especially regarding San Giovanni in Ranui. If you plan your visit with awareness, flexibility, and respect, the experience can still be extraordinary.
And if you’re willing to step beyond the most photographed frame, you might discover that the most meaningful moments in the Dolomites are often the ones not trending on Instagram.
Update July 2026: still no new regulation has gone live by now, this will likely means that for this summer we won’t have any particular new system to access and visit the area of santa Maddalena.
