A corner of heaven in the Dolomites with the famous Three Lavaredo Peaks, the magnificent Braies Lake and the fascinating San Candido.
Alta Pusteria – 3 Cime Dolomiti is one of the most spectacular places in the Eastern Dolomites, in South Tyrol: an area characterized by imposing peaks, crystal clear lakes and unspoilt nature. Here are the Three Peaks of Lavaredo (2999 meters), symbol of the Alps, and the Natural Park Tre Cime, a protected environment that hosts unique flora and fauna, as well as historical traces of the Great War, with trenches and tunnels dug in the rock and dinosaur footprints on Croda dei Toni.
Alta Pusteria – 3 Cime Dolomiti is one of the most spectacular places in the Eastern Dolomites, in South Tyrol: an area characterized by imposing peaks, crystal clear lakes and unspoilt nature. Here are the Three Peaks of Lavaredo (2999 meters), symbol of the Alps, and the Natural Park Tre Cime, a protected environment that hosts unique flora and fauna, as well as historical traces of the Great War, with trenches and tunnels dug in the rock and dinosaur footprints on Croda dei Toni.
Alta Pusteria is easily accessible both by car and public transport. Located a few kilometers from Brunico and San Candido, it is well connected by train and bus to Dobbiaco and Misurina. From here, you can continue to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo along the toll road that leads to the Auronzo Refuge, where parking is available for those arriving by car.
Those who prefer to travel without a car can take advantage of the shuttles and buses that connect the main tourist destinations in the area, with services that allow you to reach the Three Peaks directly from Misurina. For those arriving by train, the railway stations of Dobbiaco and San Candido offer efficient connections with direct shuttles to the main points of interest.
Even campers find comfortable solutions, thanks to the presence of equipped parking areas near Misurina and Dobbiaco, ideal for those who want to explore the valley independently and surrounded by nature.
Sesto, framed by the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, is the ideal starting point for adventures at altitude. The Paterno Ferrata and the trekking to the Locatelli Refuge offer breathtaking views of these iconic peaks. During the winter, the Tre Cime Dolomiti ski area boasts perfectly prepared slopes for alpine skiing, while the Nordic Arena is a reference point for cross-country skiers. The town is also famous for its extraordinary natural sundial, the Sesto Meridiana, formed by the surrounding peaks that mark the hours with their position.
San Candido, with its charming old town, is one of the most picturesque villages in South Tyrol. The Collegiate Church of San Candido, a Romanesque masterpiece, testifies to the long history of the town. Those looking for wellness and relaxation can enjoy a day at the Acquafun, with panoramic pools and saunas. In summer, the Dinosaur Trail leads to an area with fossil traces dating back millions of years, while in winter the Baranci run attracts skiers and tobogganers. The village also hosts important cultural events and the evocative Christmas market, which enlivens the festivities with lights and alpine traditions.
Dobbiaco, known as the Door of the Dolomites, is a reference point for culture and nature. The Visitor Centre of the Tre Cime Natural Park offers insights into local flora and fauna. The town is also linked to music thanks to the Gustav Mahler Festival, which celebrates every year the famous Austrian composer, fascinated by these places. Lake Dobbiaco is perfect for scenic walks and birdwatching, while the cycle path leading to Lienz is one of the most popular routes for cyclists, suitable for all ages.
Villabassa is synonymous with wellness, thanks to the Kurpark, a green area with Kneipp trails, play areas and relaxation areas immersed in nature. Its hiking tradition makes it an excellent starting point for walks in the woods and trekking to alpine huts. In winter, it becomes an ideal base to discover the surrounding ski slopes or adventure in snowshoes in the snow-covered landscapes. Every year it hosts the Alta Pusteria International Choir Festival, an event that transforms the village into an international stage dedicated to choral music.
Braies owes its fame to the magnificent Lake Braies, a pearl of the Dolomites set among spectacular peaks. The lake tour is an unmissable excursion in every season, while in summer you can rent a boat to admire the crystal clear reflections of the surrounding mountains. The valley also offers exciting hiking routes, such as the path leading to the Malga Foresta. In winter, the frozen lake turns into a beautiful natural slope, perfect for walks and snowshoeing, giving a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Summer in the Alta Pusteria – 3 Cime Dolomiti is perfect for exploring nature between trekking, mountain biking and outdoor adventures. Hikers can take the Giro delle Tre Cime, choosing between three paths that all lead to the Locatelli Refuge: the 101 starts from the Auronzo Refuge, the 102 from the Landro Lake, the 105 from the Tre Scarperi Refuge. For those looking for strong emotions, the climbing Via Cassin on the west summit, the Ferrata Paterno and the Ferrata delle Scalette put you in close contact with the Dolomite rocks.
Those who love two wheels can take the Stoneman Trail or the Dobbiaco-Lienz cycle path, while those who want a more relaxing experience can cycle around Lake Dobbiaco or up to Lake Braies. To do something different, the Fun Bob of Monte Baranci is an exciting descent on rail through the woods.
The valley is also ideal for those who love nature and history: in the Tre Cime Natural Park you can spot deer and marmots, while the trenches of Monte Piana tell the past of the region. For an authentic mountain experience, the huts in the area, such as Malga Foresta, allow you to taste cheeses and meats with views of the Dolomites.
In autumn, the Alta Pusteria – 3 Cime Dolomiti turns into a mosaic of warm colors, with larches that color the landscapes of golden hues. Among the most suggestive walks, Prati dei Larici di Sesto is a route immersed in nature that goes into hibernation, suitable for everyone.
For those who love history, the War Museum on Monte Piana tells about the battles fought between these peaks, while the Collegiata di San Candido is a church and valuable testimony of medieval art. From the end of September onwards, the villages of the valley are animated with gastronomic events, the Potato Festival in Villabassa: opportunities to taste local specialties such as speck, chestnuts, young wine, and dishes made with mountain potatoes.
Winter in the Alta Pusteria is a spectacle for skiing. The ski area 3 Cime Dolomiti, with over 115 km of slopes, has slopes suitable for every level, from the panoramic slopes of Monte Elmo and Croda Rossa to the technical tracks of Orto del Toro and Baranci. For cross-country skiers, the valley has an extensive network of perfectly prepared rings, including the Dobbiaco-Cortina track. An experience not to be missed is the night sledding in San Candido, with illuminated slopes and cozy huts where you can enjoy warm dishes after a night on the snow.
In addition to winter sports, the Alta Pusteria also has cultural attractions in winter, such as the Tourism Museum of the Alta Pusteria which shows the evolution of alpine tourism and the development of the Dolomite resorts. For those who want a moment of relaxation in the water, the wellness center Acquafun in San Candido is perfect to regenerate with panoramic pools and saunas.
The Christmas atmosphere makes winter even more magical, with the Christmas markets where you can find local crafts and delicacies. In January, the Alta Pusteria hosts the 3 Zinner Ski Marathon, one of the most prestigious cross-country skiing competitions in the Dolomites, while the Krampus, the traditional alpine masks that animate the streets of the valley, are the protagonists of the Advent celebrations.
In spring, the Alta Pusteria – 3 Cime Dolomiti awakens with the thaw, transforming the landscape into a mosaic of bright colors to be admired in the soft lights of sunrise or sunset. It is the ideal season for relaxing walks, such as the Nature Trail that surrounds Dobbiaco Lake, offering spectacular views of the Dolomites reflected in its crystal clear waters. With the reopening of the alpine pastures, it is also the perfect time for a gastronomic stop and to taste the typical local dishes immersed in the tranquility of nature.
Sports enthusiasts can test themselves in the Cortina-Dobbiaco Run, a panoramic run, or participate in the Dolorock Climbing Festival, an event dedicated to rock climbing fans. Culture also has its place this season: in Sesto, the Rudolf Stolz Museum houses a collection of works by the South Tyrolean artist, known for his frescoes and drawings inspired by alpine life.
