1. Panchina panoramica - Bench with a view

The first item on our list is the famous Panchina panoramica, located on Magdalenaweg in Funes. This place impresses with its panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. The bench, strategically placed on a hill, offers the perfect setting for taking iconic photos of the Val di Funes. An average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars attests to the popularity of this place among visitors.

Note that access to Panchina panoramica can be difficult, especially during the summer season. As reviews suggest, it's best to park in the village and walk about 30 minutes. However, the effort is fully rewarded by the spectacular view, especially at sunset. Be sure to check the sunset time the day before to plan your visit perfectly.

2 Panorama di Santa Maddalena - Icon of the Dolomites.

Another place you must visit is Panorama di Santa Maddalena. It's an iconic site, known for its view of the distinctive church of St. Magdalena against the backdrop of the majestic peaks of the Dolomites. Rated at an impressive 4.9 stars, the viewpoint offers one of the most recognizable views in the entire Alps.

Getting to the viewpoint requires a short but steep climb from Santa Maddalena. The route is well marked and takes about 2-3 hours round trip. It is advisable to plan your visit for late afternoon or early evening, when the light is best for photography. Be sure to respect the privacy of local residents and do not enter private farm land.

3. panorama sulle Odle - View of the Odle group.

The third spot on our list is Panorama sulle Odle, offering a spectacular view of the Odle massif. This place, also rated 4.9 stars, impresses with its wildness and rugged landscape. It is located near Santa Cristina Gherdëina and is accessible year-round, although conditions may vary depending on the season.

The route to the viewpoint is relatively easy and accessible to most tourists. However, it is worth remembering to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, especially on colder days. The best light for photography is usually in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun's rays give the rocks a warm, golden hue.

Comparing the three sites, it's worth noting that Panchina panoramica offers the easiest access, but can be crowded in high season. Panorama di Santa Maddalena requires a bit more effort but rewards with iconic views, while Panorama sulle Odle offers more wild and rugged scenery. All three sites are free, which is an added plus for photographers planning longer sessions.

4. Cinema delle Odle - Natural cinema in the mountains

The fourth item on our list is Cinema delle Odle, a remarkable place that offers a 'cinematic' view of Odle's majestic peaks. Located at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level, this place impresses with a panorama that resembles a giant cinema screen. With a rating of 4.9 stars, Cinema delle Odle is one of the highest rated viewpoints in Val di Funes.

Getting to Cinema delle Odle requires a hike of about an hour from the parking lot. The route takes you through picturesque alpine meadows and forests, which in itself is an attraction for photographers. It is advisable to plan a visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is best for photography. Nearby is the Geisler Alm hut, where you can rest and eat after a photo shoot.

5. Alpe di Secëda Gruppo delle Odle - Panorama from altitude

The fifth spot is Alpe di Secëda, offering a panoramic view of the Odle mountain group from an altitude of more than 2,500 m. This spot, rated a full 5 stars, impresses with the vastness of the landscape and the opportunity to observe the light changes on the mountain peaks during the day.

Access to Alpe di Secëda is facilitated by a cable car from Ortisei. However, it is worth remembering that the cable car ticket can be quite expensive (about 35 euros round trip). The best time to photograph is early morning, when the rays of the rising sun illuminate the peaks, or late afternoon, when the light becomes warmer and more dramatic.

6. seceda famous view - Instagram icon

The sixth spot is the famous view from Seceda, which has become a social media icon. This spot, with a 4.9-star rating, offers a spectacular view of the distinctive, sharp mountain ridge that creates an almost surreal landscape.

Access to this vantage point is similar to Alpe di Secëda - requiring a cable car. The route from the top station of the cable car to the viewpoint is easy and takes about 10-15 minutes. However, it is worth remembering that the place can be very crowded, especially during the summer season. For best photographic results, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning, before the main influx of tourists.

Comparing the three sites, Cinema delle Odle offers the most natural and wild experience, while requiring the longest hike. Alpe di Secëda and Seceda famous view are more easily accessible by cable car, but come at a higher cost. All three points offer spectacular views, but each has its own unique character - from intimate 'cinema' to sweeping high-altitude panoramas.

7. Aussichtspunkt - Hidden Gem

The seventh point on our list is Aussichtspunkt, a lesser-known but equally scenic viewpoint. Located near Ortisei, it offers a fresh look at the Val di Funes valley and the surrounding mountains. With a 4.8-star rating, this spot is appreciated by those looking for less crowded locations for photography.

Access to the Aussichtspunkt is relatively easy, although it may require a short walk. It's an ideal spot for those who want to capture the valley's skyline without crowds of tourists. The best light for photography here is usually in the early morning or late afternoon, when the shadows are long and highlight the terrain.

8 Val di Funes - Heart of the Valley

Last but not least is the Val di Funes valley itself. It's not so much a specific vantage point, but rather an entire area full of photogenic corners. With a rating of 4.9 stars, the valley offers countless opportunities for creative photographers.

It's worth taking the time to explore the valley, especially in the early morning or at sunset, when the light is most picturesque. Characteristic churches, such as San Giovanni in Ranui, make excellent first sets for mountain panoramas. The valley also offers easy trails, such as the Panorama of St. Magdalena (6 km) or the Adolf Munkel Trail (8-10 km), which take you through the most scenic corners.

Comparison of all eight sites:

1. accessibility: the most easily accessible points are Val di Funes and Aussichtspunkt. Seceda and Alpe di Secëda require the use of a cable car, which incurs additional costs. Cinema delle Odle requires the longest hike.

2. uniqueness of views: Each place offers something unique. Seceda is famous for its distinctive sharp ridge, Panorama di Santa Maddalena for its iconic view of the church, and Cinema delle Odle for its 'cinematic' framing of the mountains.

3 Congestion: The most popular and potentially crowded are Seceda famous view and Panorama di Santa Maddalena. Lesser-known sites, such as Aussichtspunkt and some points in the Val di Funes valley, offer quieter conditions for photography.

4 Time of day: Most sites look best at sunrise or sunset. However, it's worth remembering that high-mountain locations like Seceda or Alpe di Secëda can offer interesting light throughout the day due to their altitude.

5 Cost: Most of the viewpoints are free, except for those requiring the use of a cable car (Seceda, Alpe di Secëda).

6. Difficulty: From easy walks in the Val di Funes to the more challenging routes to the Cinema delle Odle, there is something for every photographer, regardless of skill level.

All in all, Val di Funes offers an incredible variety of places to photograph, from easily accessible viewpoints to more remote, wild locations. Whether you are a novice photography enthusiast or a seasoned professional, this alpine valley is sure to inspire you to create exceptional frames.