A valley that has everything to give you an unforgettable stay between South Tyrol, East Tyrol and Austria.
The Val Pusteria is one of the most fascinating valleys in the Dolomites, stretching between South Tyrol, East Tyrol and Austria. With unforgettable landscapes, alpine lakes, picturesque villages and a wide range of outdoor activities, it is a perfect destination in every season. Its most famous peaks are Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Plan de Corones and Croda Rossa in Sesto. Among the natural parks, stand out the Tre Cime Nature Park and the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, where you will find crystal clear alpine lakes, lush forests and hiking trails for all levels.
The Val Pusteria is one of the most fascinating valleys in the Dolomites, stretching between South Tyrol, East Tyrol and Austria. With unforgettable landscapes, alpine lakes, picturesque villages and a wide range of outdoor activities, it is a perfect destination in every season. Its most famous peaks are Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Plan de Corones and Croda Rossa in Sesto. Among the natural parks, stand out the Tre Cime Nature Park and the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, where you will find crystal clear alpine lakes, lush forests and hiking trails for all levels.
Reaching the Val Pusteria is easy thanks to its strategic location. By car, take the SS49 from Bressanone towards San Candido, with direct connections to Dobbiaco and the Austrian border.
By train, the Pusteria railway line connects the main towns in the valley with Bressanone and Fortezza, from where direct trains depart to other Italian and Austrian cities. By bus, public transport services are available to reach points of interest, while in summer and winter shuttles operate to the most popular tourist areas.
Dobbiaco is the “Door of the Dolomites” and is a strategic point for excursions in the Three Peaks Natural Park and along the Lake Dobbiaco, perfect for walks and birdwatching. The town is also famous for the Gustav Mahler Cultural Center, dedicated to the composer who spent many summers composing his works here. Welsberg is dominated by the picturesque Castle of Welsberg, a medieval fortress that offers a panoramic view over the valley. Tesido, on the other hand, is known for the Mulini Trail, a path through ancient water mills immersed in nature.
Valdaora is one of the best bases for those who want to ski at Plan de Corones, with direct access to the lifts. In summer, it hosts the Kids Area Panorama, a playground equipped for families, with adventure trails and trampolines. Brunico is the capital of the Val Pusteria and a centre rich in history and culture, with the Castle of Brunico, home to the MMM Ripa, one of the mountain museums by Reinhold Messner. It is also the heart of Alpine shopping, with its lively old town and traditional Christmas markets.
Chienes is famous for its Day Spa Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus, with panoramic infinity pools overlooking the Dolomites. In the surroundings there is also the Gran Piatto Trail, a naturalistic route that crosses meadows and woods. San Candido is one of the most charming villages in the Alta Pusteria, with its Romanesque Collegiata, one of the oldest in South Tyrol. In winter, the ski slope of Monte Baranci also offers a fun sledding.
Here you find all the villages of Alta Pusteria.
Sillian, in Austria, is famous for the Bikepark Sillian, a paradise for mountain bikers. The village is also home to the Loacker Factory, where you can discover the production process of the famous wafers Mittewald is a small village characterized by historic buildings and the proximity to the Villgraten Valley, one of the most authentic and unspoilt areas of East Tyrol.
Heinfels is known for the Castle of Heinfels, a recently restored medieval fortress that offers spectacular views over the valley. It is also the starting point for scenic excursions to the Lienz Dolomites Nature Park. Kartitsch is a perfect destination for slow winter tourism, with snowshoe trails and the Snowshoe Trail Villgraten, one of the most beautiful trails in Austria.
Außervillgraten is an authentic alpine village, renowned for its centuries-old farmhouses and for trekking to the Unterstalleralm, one of the most characteristic mountain pastures in the region. Innervillgraten is a hidden gem in the mountains of East Tyrol, ideal for those looking for an authentic mountain experience. Here you will find old alpine pastures and traditional huts, perfect for excursions away from mass tourism.
The Val Pusteria is an ideal destination for those who want to live the summer between nature, sport and culture. Braies Lake, with its crystal clear waters, is perfect for a relaxing walk or a boat trip. For trekking lovers, Tre Cime di Lavaredo offer scenic trails accessible to all, leading to iconic refuges such as the Locatelli or the Lavaredo. Val Fiscalina also offers unspoilt landscapes, for those looking for an authentic immersion in nature.
Cycling enthusiasts can take the cycle path from Brunico to Lienz, while adventurous cyclists will find thrills on the mountain bike trails of Plan de Corones and Monte Elmo. For those who want to see the Dolomites from a different point of view, paragliding and hang gliding offer unforgettable experiences, and for a water sport, can not miss rafting on the river Aurino. The local culture is discovered at the Museum of Customs and Traditions in Teodone, which tells the story and traditions of the valley through ancient peasant houses.
Summer in Val Pusteria is animated by events that celebrate music and local gastronomy. In July, the Gustav Mahler Musikwochen in Dobbiaco attracts fans of classical music, while San Candido in Festa is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of traditional festivals, with food stands, shows and live music.
The mild autumn temperatures make pleasant walks in the woods of Val Casies, along Giro delle Malghe di Rodengo or on the shores of Antholz Lake, where the autumn foliage gives a suggestive atmosphere. It is also the perfect time to practice Nordic walking, trail running and even downhill mountain biking at the Plan de Corones, still accessible until the arrival of the snow. Photography enthusiasts find extraordinary views, especially at sunset, when Three Peaks of Lavaredo turn red thanks to the phenomenon of enrosadira.
There is no lack of folkloristic events that animate the villages, with parades of decorated livestock returning from the alp, traditional music and local markets. These celebrations are a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of South Tyrol and experience the authenticity of the rural culture of the valley.
In the Val Pusteria, when winter comes, there are many opportunities for snow lovers. Alpine skiing finds its paradise between the slopes of Plan de Corones and Monte Elmo – Croda Rossa, while those who prefer cross-country skiing can explore the fairytale trails of Dobbiaco, Anterselva and Alta Pusteria.
For an immersion in unspoilt nature, snowshoeing in the Val Fiscalina, at Prato Piazza or in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park offers silence and enchanting landscapes. Those looking for an alternative can enjoy the toboggan runs in San Candido, Dobbiaco and Valdaora, perfect for young and old. For a little relaxation, the thermal baths of San Candido and wellness hotels offer spas and saunas to regenerate after a day in the snow.
Culture and traditions also make winter in the Puster Valley special. The Messner Mountain Museum Ripa in Brunico tells about mountain cultures, while the Christmas markets of San Candido and Dobbiaco enchant with lights, crafts and local specialties. Among the most suggestive events stands out the Krampuslauf, with its diabolical masks, and the 3 Zinnen Ski-Marathon, which attracts cross-country skiers from all over Europe.
Spring in the Val Pusteria is the ideal time to explore less crowded trails and immerse yourself in reborn nature. Among the most suggestive hikes, the Mulini trail in Terento leads between ancient mills and spectacular earth pyramids, while the Ice Bridge Lake, accessible from Malga Fane, is framed by residual snow and alpine blooms. The Altafossa valley (with the Wieserhütte hut) and the Piccola Rocca dei Baranci overlooking San Candido and Dobbiaco, are suitable destinations for easier walks. An equally fascinating option is the path that leads from Meransen to the Rifugio Moser, ideal for enjoying South Tyrolean cuisine in a beautiful natural environment.
In addition to nature, spring brings unmissable events. Brunico Balla! Turns the city centre into a large open-air dance floor in May, involving visitors and residents in a festive atmosphere. The farmer’s market, from February to October, offers genuine local products to cook with imagination.
