It began with two Dolomite valleys united by a shared vision. Luson and Funes decided to set out together towards a sustainable future. To align goals and passions in a clear strategy, we first mapped a comprehensive status quo from multiple perspectives. Both local residents and guests of our region were heard and shared what matters to them for sustainable development.

Although the number of guest survey responses isn’t statistically representative, it is evident that both visitors and locals prioritise protecting nature and cultural diversity, clean air, high-quality drinking water, sustainable waste management and eco-friendly mobility on site. These are the areas where we aim for continuous improvement, raising awareness among visitors, residents and businesses alike. Examples include initiatives such as “Achtsam am Berg”, the ongoing expansion of sustainable mobility services, and the introduction of the guest card in Luson.

Tourism’s economic effects on the destination were analysed in depth, and, together with a wide range of stakeholders, we held intensive discussions on climate change to understand its impact on future decisions.

On this basis, we formulated a shared strategy, defined an Action Plan for the next steps towards greater sustainability, and developed a Code of Conduct to encourage fair interaction.

We strive for a future where tradition and progress go hand in hand and sustainable growth is possible for everyone. Sustainability isn’t a static target but a continuous journey – one without a fixed endpoint, requiring persistence, commitment and the courage to stand up for our vision.

We have already laid the foundations for this planned development. We are members of Alpine Pearls and Slow Food Travel and have also applied for the South Tyrol Sustainability Label – Level 3.

The GSTC Destination Certificate is a globally recognised award acknowledging commitment to sustainable tourism. By achieving this certificate, the destination meets the demanding criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, equally addressing environmental, social and cultural sustainability.

Our holistic strategy focuses on protecting the natural environment, promoting eco-friendly mobility, strengthening regional value chains and preserving local traditions. This creates lasting value for local communities – socially and economically. By consistently implementing GSTC standards, we actively contribute to the global sustainability goals.

It is not only us as a destination that is committed to sustainability—our accommodation providers are also wholeheartedly committed to this approach. Some of them have already had their efforts recognized with official certifications, underlining their conscious actions in harmony with nature and the community.

Here is a selection of the most important labels:

Sustainability Label South Tyrol
Level 3

• Hotel Tyrol

Sustainability Label South Tyrol
Level 2

• Hotel Kompatscherhof
• Löchlerhof
• Hotel Ranuimüllerhof

Sustainability Label South Tyrol
Level 1

• Hotel Bergschlössl
• Naturhotel Lüsnerhof

Roter Hahn

• Bacherhof
• Balbeinhof
• Gatscherhof
• Gedrarzerhof
• Kreuzplonhof
• Lehrnerhof
• Lippmöshof
• Peterwieshof
• Planatschhof
• Plansolerhof
• Proderhof
• Raffreiderhof
• Ranui Hof
• Scheaterhof
• Sieberlechnerhof
• Sorgenhof
• Unterkantiolerhof

In addition, many of our businesses are members of the Alpine Pearls and Slow Food Travel networks, connecting them to a community dedicated to conscious, sustainable and enjoyable travel.

Alpine Pearls hosts

• Felthunerhof
• Hotel Fines
• Ganoihof
• Hilber
• Lippmöshof
• Mühlerhof
• Peterwieshof
• Planatschhof
• Proderhof
• Proihof
• Ranui Hof
• Garni Raschötzhof
• App. Schatzer
• Residence Schopplhof
• Tannenburg
• Hotel Teiserhof
• Residence Töglhof
• Tschampertonhof
• Hotel Tyrol
• Unterkantiolerhof
• Guesthouse Viel Nois

Slow Food Travel

• Drockerhof
• Ganoihof
• Villa Messner
• Jausenstation Moar
• Hotel Tyrol
• Oberhof
• Oberkantiolhof
• Petrunderhof-Bio
• Proderhof
• Putzerhof Teis
• Ranui Hof
• Unterkantiolerhof
• Unterpiskoihof
• Guesthouse Viel Nois

Barrier-free holiday

• Hotel Bergschlössl, member South Tyrol for all “Südtirol für alle”
• Naturhotel Lüsnerhof, member South Tyrol for all “Südtirol für alle”
• Petrunderhof, holidays for everyone

TourCert

• Hotel Tyrol
• Appartements Profanterhof
• Zum Moar Sepp

Climate House

• Kreuzplonhof
• Lippmöshof
• Oberhauser Hütte
• Peterwieshof

The municipalities of Luson and Funes each operate their own energy-generation plants, harnessing natural resources such as water and wood to produce electricity and district heating. This reliably supplies residents as well as the majority of tourism businesses. Some companies are even fully energy-self-sufficient thanks to photovoltaic, wood-chip or pellet systems.

Once a year, we actively take part in the South Tyrol CleanUP Days. Together with other destinations in South Tyrol, we help free our beautiful region from litter. Join us and make our nature a little cleaner and more liveable!

You can do good all year round: along participating huts on the Dolorama long-distance trail (ital – engl), which takes you in four stages from Rodengo via Luson and Funes to Laion, you can pick up the Dolorama CleanUp Kit and collect any litter along the way. Hand it in for disposal at your next hut stop.

Nature will thank you!

Act sustainably, experience nature, enjoy mindfully

"Achtsam am Berg“ ist eine Einladung, mit wachen Sinnen unterwegs zu sein.
It's about respect – for nature, for water, for the trail. And about the desire for our mountains to remain peaceful places tomorrow.

Here is your guide to mindful behaviour in the mountains

Tap water in the Dolomite valleys of Luson and Funes: pure. Natural. Fresh. Precious.

Many are unaware that our tap water is of excellent quality and safe to drink everywhere. Having top-quality drinking water at hand is a privilege – and it protects the environment by avoiding packaging and transport.

Water – and thus our drinking water – remains a limited, valuable resource that must be protected. “Respect the mountain” encourages tourism operators, locals and guests to use tap water and to handle it with care and respect. Marked refill points allow visitors to top up their bottles. Here you’ll find the map of refill stations.

Enjoy!

Our mountain landscape is a sensitive habitat. It’s especially important not to leave any litter behind.

Do you know what littering causes in nature? A lot! (read more) Due to the climatic conditions in the Alps, decomposition of waste is slow; some waste doesn’t break down at all. Plastic, for example, doesn’t decompose – it breaks into microplastics that persist in the environment. “Achtsam am Berg” shares a simple message: “What I take up the mountain, I take back down and dispose of properly.” Guests, residents and operators are encouraged to prevent waste through smart planning, avoiding single-use packaging and handling food with care.

4 tips for a cleaner environment:

• I never leave anything in nature.
• I pack only what I really need.
• What I carry up, I take back down.
• At home I separate and dispose of waste correctly.

The best waste is the one that never arises!

Planning your next mountain adventure? Here’s what you shouldn’t miss for a day hike.

Sustainability starts when packing your backpack: the golden rule is “less is more”. Take only what’s essential – and make sure it’s the right gear.

• Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes; trekking poles if needed
• Hiking map (ideal scale 1:25,000)
• Lunch/Trash box (for snacks and any waste)
• Small snack (regional and seasonal)
• Reusable water bottle
• Sun and rain protection
• First-aid kit (with emergency blanket)
• Blister plasters, toilet paper
• Phone fully charged (Emergency number: 112 or SOS EU ALP app)
• Pocket knife
• Cash (card payments may not always be possible in the mountains)

The mountains are a place of beauty and variety, but they also pose challenges that require prudent behaviour. To keep your time in nature safe and enjoyable, here are key tips.

Be prepared for emergencies
 Download the SOS EU ALP app to be well prepared and receive help quickly if needed.
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• Always stay on waymarked trails to avoid getting lost and to protect nature.
• Be calm and respectful towards nature and other people.
• Plan carefully: choose a route that matches your fitness and experience; if going alone, tell someone your itinerary and destination.
• Wear weather-appropriate, breathable clothing and carry suitable gear and a first-aid kit.
• Start early and keep an eye on the weather to spot sudden changes.
• Match your pace to your fitness and turn back early if conditions become uncertain.
• Make sure to carry enough water to prevent dehydration.

Grazing animals, especially cows, are generally gentle and peaceful. For a smooth encounter, please note:

• Stay on the trail. If an animal blocks the path, detour calmly without crowding it.
• Keep your distance. Do not pet or feed them to avoid altering natural behaviour.
• Stay calm. Cows have limited vision and can be skittish. Make yourself noticed by speaking calmly and move steadily.
• Beware of mothers. Avoid getting near calves or standing between mother and calf.
• Dogs on a lead. Many grazing animals feel threatened by free-running dogs. Keep them leashed at all times (Italy requires leashes up to 1.5 m).

• Always respect wildlife and keep your distance; avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
• Do not feed wild animals to prevent behavioural disruption.
• Keep dogs on a lead (mandatory).
• In winter, respect habitats and routines: animals need their energy for feeding and survival.
• Predators such as lynx, wolves and bears generally avoid humans and are shy.
• If an encounter occurs, stay calm, appear large and loud, back away slowly without losing eye contact.
• Do not run to avoid triggering a chase response.
• Inform yourself about local species and behaviour before your tour.
• These rules help you enjoy the mountains safely while protecting sensitive ecosystems – so nature remains a place of relaxation and wonder for generations to come. Detailed safety information is available on the South Tyrol Alpine Club websites.

These recommendations help preserve the special atmosphere and character of these places, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. (read more)

• Enter with respect and calm; keep conversations quiet and avoid disturbing others.
• Follow on-site instructions in museums, nature-park visitor centres, etc., and the staff’s guidance.
• Set phones to silent or switch them off before entering.
• Dress appropriately.
• Remember the dignity and significance of the place you’re entering.
• Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted.
• Photography and filming only if explicitly allowed; avoid them during services or ceremonies.
• Do not enter restricted areas, especially the sanctuary area reserved for liturgy.
• Even if you don’t take part in rituals, behave respectfully.
• Don’t leave children unsupervised; encourage quiet.

Funes valley is renowned for fascinating minerals and fossils. When collecting, specific rules and legal provisions must be observed to protect these natural and cultural treasures.

Collecting fossils is prohibited throughout South Tyrol, and mineral extraction is allowed only with a special permit. Many protected areas and natural habitats are excluded from collecting.

In summer and autumn, the forests spoil us with delicacies. To preserve ecological balance, collecting chanterelles, porcini and many other species requires care and respect. In South Tyrol, mushroom picking is regulated by provincial law

Here you can pay the picking fee for the Municipality of Luson online – ital / engl

A sensitive living, economic and cultural space

Alpine pastures shape the Dolomite landscape: colourful meadows, the sound of cowbells and serviced mountain huts. Without traditional, centuries-old management, continuous care and regular grazing, many pastures would rewild. Pasture farming preserves the alpine natural landscape. Pasture farming holds great importance in South Tyrol. It is a key part of rural life, shaping mountain agriculture and the region’s cultural landscape.

Importance of alpine pasture areas

Traditionally, the purpose of alpine pasture farming is to use high-altitude grazing land. Pasture areas relieve valley farms in summer, increase fodder availability and support animal health. Well-maintained pasture and grazing areas are vital for the water cycle and erosion control. Agricultural biodiversity also benefits – few other farming systems host such species richness.

Almabtrieb – the animals’ return

The autumn cattle drive in Luson and Funes is living tradition and vital to pasture farming. Cows spend the summer on the pastures, enjoying fresh mountain air and alpine grass. In autumn, herds return to the valley to their winter quarters – celebrated with a festive parade. The lead cow and those following wear elaborate garlands with intricate embroidery.

From “Strauben” to “Goasslschnöller”

Farm women treat spectators to traditional fare like Krapfen, Strauben and Tirtln. The event is framed by folk music, “Goasslschnöller” whip-cracking and folk or Schuhplattler dance groups – a true festival welcoming autumn and the cold season.

Anyone wishing to experience the authentic, often demanding life of mountain farmers can volunteer with the South Tyrolean Mountain Farmers’ Aid or WWOOF Italy. Both offer opportunities to lend a hand amid impressive mountain landscapes and gain valuable insight into pasture farming.

The Dolomites boast exceptional biodiversity and habitats, making the region a natural gem. (read more) Here – as in any natural environment – respectful, careful behaviour is vital. Only then can we preserve the unique beauty and diversity of these sensitive ecosystems for future generations. Here you’ll find comprehensive, detailed information on South Tyrol’s protection rules for flora and fauna.

Find detailed information on exporting and importing finds on the Provincial Government websites (ital) and in the EU’s Travellers Customs Charter