Heavenly Hike Towards Romantic Villnöss Chappel St.Ranui (St.John) in the Heart of Dolomites

The moment we separate from our daily digital lives to reconnect with nature is the moment we regain that old, familiar feeling of being one with the Earth. In that instance, the only digital thing we need is our camera, to forever capture the sights around us. The Villnöss Valley in the Dolomites is a beautiful example of that, which makes this 6-kilometer hiking route such a desirable expedition. Find out everything you need to know about your next outdoor adventure.

Probably every fan of the Alps has seen a picture of a chapel in front of a massive dolomite backdrop. The picture book version of one can be found in San Magdalena in the Villnöss Valley: the Chapel of St. John (St. Johann in Ranui). An easy but enjoyable half-day walk links the most beautiful photo and view points. The local museum is also worth a visit. If you are looking for more of a sporting challenge, you can take a longer circular route via the Glatsch and Geisler alpine pastures. 

Mountaineers tackle the steep and fearsome Geisler peaks from here.

Directions! This is how your Villnöss Valley route looks like on a map

Start at the Ranui stop just behind Villnöss (1320m). Pass the little church of St. Ranui until you reach the Waldschenke. Here starts the optional tour to the Geisler alm (hut) (1996m). Back along the road and turn right into the road over Kantiol (1380m). Behind the farm turn left and follow the road to the old church St. Magdalena. 

Now take the Magdalena path straight ahead to the Bühlerhof (1330m). Here turn left onto the Sunnseiten path into the village center. Take another detour to the school center/museum (1225m) and through the village along the stream back to the starting point or optionally to another bus stop. 

Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – Ranui church and the Villnöss museum

Directly at the bus stop is the well-known spot with a view of the Ranui church. Also worth seeing is the somewhat wide-angle view of Villnöss and the old church of San Magdalena a bit north of the village (along the route). The museum in Villnöss additionally provides all kinds of background information and inspiration on mountain and mountaineering photography.

Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.

Information about your next hiking adventure in Villnöss Valley

How to get there by public transport: By train/bus to Klausen/Chiusa. Here change to the bus to Villnöss Valley.

Getting there  by car: Brenner freeway until exit Klausen. Via industrial zone Putzen in the direction of Villnösstal and finally almost to the end of the valley. Start at one of the parking lots.

Start/finish: Villnöss, St. Magdalena 46.636782,11.720545

Distance: 6km

Duration: 1:40h

Ascent/descent: 170m/220m

Highest point/lowest point: 1430m/1225m

Hike difficulty level: Easy

Special features: Many accommodations with beautiful views towards Geislerspitzen in the area.

Catering: Waldschenke, Ranuihof, div. in Vilnöss.

Further tips: 

Contact: www.villnoess.com

The most beautiful photo spots and hikes in the Dolomites – experience this hiking tour and 29 other exceptional trips in the Dolomites now.

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Of course, you will find all the information about this hike in the ebook. After registering, you will also receive the GPS track, so you are on the safe side and won’t get lost and will find all photo locations easily.