A very special place in South Tyrol – the Fane Alm alpine village
- Florian
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Anyone who visits the Fane Alm in the Fundres Valley above Vals will immediately understand why this place is one of the most extraordinary alpine villages in the Alps. Time seems to have stood still here: traditional alpine huts, centuries-old alpine structures and the surrounding mountains look like something out of a picture book. Despite its unspoilt nature, the alpine village is still in use – cheese, butter and other alpine products can be sampled directly on site. The Fane Alm is a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, families and hikers – and can be ideally combined with a visit to Brixen or the famous Neustift monastery.
Location and arrival – why it is essential to start early
The Fane Alm is located at an altitude of around 1,739 metres in the rear Valsertal valley and can be reached via a narrow mountain road.
Important:
There are paid parking spaces at the top, which fill up very quickly during the high season.
Between July and September, access by car is only possible until 9 a.m.
After that, a shuttle bus runs – which is particularly convenient if you are not used to narrow mountain roads.
👉 Our tip: Start early! Before 9 a.m., the atmosphere is quietest and the light is ideal for photos.
The perfect combination: Brixen & Neustift Monastery
As the Fane Alm is only about 25 minutes by car from Brixen, it is the perfect destination for a day trip:
Brixen city trip: historic old town, arcades, cathedral district – ideal for a relaxing stroll through the city.
Neustift Monastery: One of the most beautiful monasteries in South Tyrol, known for its library, basilica and famous Stiftskeller – definitely worth a visit!
👉 Dining tip in Brixen: After a hike, it's worth taking a detour to the old town – the Traube restaurant is particularly recommended: good regional cuisine at fair prices.
Photographer's hotspot: the alpine village from above
If you want to capture the entire alpine village in one picture, climb the small hill opposite the village. From there, you have the perfect perspective of the wooden huts, the chapel, and the surrounding mountain ridges—a photo opportunity that is unparalleled in South Tyrol.
Best time to visit
July to September: peak season, perfect conditions, alpine hut open
Fall (late September to October):
The most beautiful time of year! The larch trees turn a rich golden yellow.
Fewer people than in midsummer.
But: it can already get chilly in October – be sure to dress warmly.
Hike to the Brixner Hut & Wilden See lake – mystical and unforgettable
One of the most beautiful tour tips from Almdorf is the trail to the Brixner Hut (2,282 m). The starting point is right in the village.
Directions
Start: Almdorf Fane Alm
The trail initially follows a stream and leads through an impressive gorge.
It continues through extensive alpine meadows and high alpine mountain landscapes.
After about 1.5 hours, you reach the Brixner Hut.
The hut offers:
Approximately 40 beds
Regional cuisine
Starting point for further mountain tours
Continue hiking to the Wild Lake – one of South Tyrol's most mysterious mountain lakes
From the Brixner Hut, a well-secured path leads to the Wilden See lake – a real natural gem:
46 m deep → one of the deepest mountain lakes in South Tyrol
Known for its crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water
Surrounded by mighty rocky slopes and marmot habitats
Mystical and peaceful – perfect for nature photography
From there, you can continue on to the Labesebenalm and then back to the Fane Alm → a beautiful circular route!
The Wild Lake is considered one of the most mysterious mountain lakes in South Tyrol – and you can feel this immediately when you stand on its shore. At 46 metres deep, it is one of the deepest mountain lakes in the region. The water is exceptionally clear and, depending on the light, appears almost black-blue, giving it a mystical atmosphere. Fine veils of mist often settle over the surface, making the secluded basin between the rock faces appear even more impressive. Added to this are old traditions from the Fundres Valley, which tell of ghosts in the depths or mysterious events – legends that have accompanied the lake for generations. The complete silence up there, without huts or infrastructure, reinforces the feeling of having arrived at a special, almost untouched place.
The history of the Fane Alm
The Fane Alm has an unusually long history: its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when the secluded high valley was used as a hospital for plague and cholera patients. It was only later that a typical South Tyrolean alpine village developed here, where farming families spent the summer months, herding cattle and making cheese. The wooden huts, stables and small chapel that still stand today are reminders of this centuries-old alpine tradition and make the Fane Alm one of the most authentic historical alpine villages in the region.
Atmosphere & special features of the alpine village
It used to be a village for livestock and hay storage – today it is farmed seasonally.
No one lives here permanently anymore, but the character of an original mountain village has been completely preserved.
The small alpine huts, stables and chapel are largely in their original condition.
You can sample regional products such as cheese, butter, yoghurt and bacon on site.
Practical tips for your visit
Start early – especially in high season
Bring your camera – perfect photo spots
Warm clothing even in summer
Car parks fill up quickly → Alternatively, use the shuttle bus
Perfectly combinable with Brixen & Neustift Monastery
Fane Alm – a place you will never forget
The Fane Alm combines everything that makes South Tyrol so special: nature, tradition, enjoyment and mountain romance. The fairytale backdrop, varied hikes and proximity to cultural highlights such as Brixen and Neustift make the alpine village a very special destination – whether for day trippers, photographers or ambitious hikers.
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