Spectacular sights and destinations in Val Pusteria/Pustertal

The Messner Mountain Museum Ripa in Bruneck castle is dedicated to mountain folk from around the world, their cultures and religions, and tourism. That is also reflected in the name of the museum, which comes from Tibetan: “Ri” meaning mountain and “pa” meaning human. People have been living in the mountains for millennia, either as hunters, nomadic herders, or, today, as arable and livestock farmers, developing a mountain culture built on reduced consumption, neighbour helping neighbour, and individual responsibility. The castle that houses the museum is also well-worth seeing: It was built in 1250 by the prince-bishop of Brixen at the time and has been restructured and extended numerous times over the centuries.

Distance: 23 kilometres

The Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese high plateau is located in Valle di Braies/Pragser Tal in the Fanes-Senes-Braies/Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. Once you’ve arrived there, you’ll be treated to captivating views of the surrounding mountains – including Mt Picco di Vallandro/Dürrenstein and Mt Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo/Hohe Gaisl. Pure natural idyll and tranquillity await, where everyday stress and noisy traffic are nowhere to be seen – or heard. In summer, you can explore the high plateau on hikes or bike rides, for example on a tour up Mt Specie/Strudelkopf. In winter, you can snap on your cross-country skis, snowshoe through the winter scenery, or discover Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese high plateau on touring skis. 

Distance: 11 kilometres

LUMEN – Museum of Mountain Photography is housed in the former mountain station of the Mt Plan de Corones/Kronplatz lift with four floors dedicated to the history of mountain photography. The exhibits range from historical snapshots to digital innovations. Temporary and special exhibitions showcasing the art of mountain photography from all over the globe also regularly take place here. The subject of “the mountain” is explored through various lenses, such as alpinism, tourism, and spirituality.

Distance: 22 kilometres

Lake Anterselva/Antholzer See is a beautiful lake with turquoise-green water surrounded by majestic mountains at the end of Valle di Anterselva/Antholzer Tal, on the border with Austria. The path that loops around the lake can be walked in around 1.5 to 2 hours and is suitable for pushchairs. Various information boards are located along the path, providing fascinating facts about the area. It’s also worth taking a hike or bike tour from Lake Anterselva/Antholzer See up to Passo Stalle/Staller Sattel pass, which lets you cross over into Austria. In winter, when the lake is frozen and the snow sparkles in the sunlight, you can walk – and even cross-country ski – over the ice. 

Distance: 25 kilometres

Welsperg castle is located just a short drive or leisurely walk away from your holiday hideaway, the Alpen Tesitin. It sits on a sunny rocky outcrop above the village of Welsberg. In the 12th century, the castle was purchased by the Welsperg family, a powerful, influential noble family. Visit the castle (closed in winter) and immerse yourself in the past. In summer, concerts and festivals are also held on the castle grounds. The approx. 2.5-kilometre-long Welsperg castle path leads around the castle from Welsberg village centre and lets you see the castle from all sides.

Distance: 4 kilometres

The Three Peaks – the symbol of the Dolomites in Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal – are a massif in the Sexten Dolomites and separate the Italian provinces of South Tyrol and Belluno. They consist of the three summits known as the Cima Grande/Große Zinne, the Cima Piccola/Kleine Zinne, and the Cima Occidentale/Westliche Zinne and are found in the Three Peaks Nature Park, which has been part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage since 2009. They’re not only a dream destination for all mountain lovers and hiking enthusiasts, but also for passionate photographers. Numerous hiking and climbing routes invite you to head out and explore. One of the most popular hiking routes in the Dolomites is the loop around the Three Peaks, as it’s also suitable for inexperienced hikers.

 Distance: 28 kilometres

A landslide, water, snowmelt, and erosion – all these natural phenomena were instrumental in the formation of the dramatic earth pyramids in Percha. These clay pillars were protected from erosion by the stones sitting atop them and are an awe-inspiring natural monument. The approx. 45-minute walk from the second car park in Platten leads through forest and meadows, with information boards giving insights into the local flora and fauna.

By the way, these aren’t the only earth pyramids in Val Pusteria/Pustertal. You can also admire other specimens in Terenten and Toblach.

Distance: 22 kilometres

Want to journey back in time? Then visit the DoloMythos museum in Innichen, which is dedicated entirely to the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage. For example, did you know that millions of years ago, there was a tropical sea where the Dolomites now tower impressively into the sky? In DoloMythos, you’ll learn all about the formation of the Dolomites and have the chance to admire fascinating fossils. A visit to the adventure museum holds special fun in store for kids: They can take part in a treasure hunt, follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs, and listen to the legends of the Dolomites.

Distance: 18 kilometres

Innichen’s collegiate church is one of the most important Romanesque religious buildings in the Eastern Alps. Construction began in the 12th century when Innichen developed into an important pilgrimage destination and flourishing trade centre. The collegiate church has existed in its current form since the end of the 13th century. As well as the Late Romanesque cupola frescoes that date back to the time of the church’s construction and tell the story of creation, the crucifixion group and the three-aisled crypt are worth seeing. There is also an abbey museum, where you can admire religious art, the cathedral treasure, and books from the 15th to 18th centuries. 

Distance: 20 kilometres

History is brought to life at the Folklore Museum in Dietenheim near Bruneck, where you can experience how South Tyrol’s rural population used to live. The Baroque Mair am Hof residence with its stately rooms and ethnological collections forms the centrepiece of the open-air museum. The site is dotted with original farmhouses, craft workshops, and farm gardens from various eras and South Tyrolean valleys. What did kitchens, bedrooms, or stables used to look like? You’ll discover that here. The museum also offers various events such as bread baking or craft demonstrations that give you insights into the lives of farmers or craftspeople from bygone days.

Distance: 17 kilometres

Lake Dobbiaco/Toblacher See in Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal is a small Alpine lake right on the border between the Three Peaks Nature park and Fanes-Senes-Braies/Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. A nature trail leads right around the turquoise lake and is especially suitable as a family hike. 11 interactive stations playfully provide information about flora, fauna, and the local area. Along the way, there’s a small pebble beach that kids particularly love, as it makes an excellent place to play. In summer, you can also enjoy a rowing or pedal boat ride, while you can skate on the frozen lake in winter.

Distance: 17 kilometres

The opening of the Messner Mountain Museum Roca at Mt Elmo/Helm in Sexten in autumn 2024 will mark the completion of the series of museums created by Reinhold Messner – the greatest high-altitude alpinist of all time – over the last 30 years. The old mountain station, which has been out of use for decades, has been transformed into a museum, making this an upcycling project that contributes to the development of sustainable tourism in the region. Recycling was another important aspect, as the broken construction materials were reused as much as possible. The Roca – which means rock – is dedicated to rock climbing. It also deals with the fear and near-death experiences connected to this sport.

Distance: 29 kilometres

The Three Peaks Dolomites ski area includes 115 kilometres of slopes and 31 lifts – meaning winter fun is guaranteed. The snowy paradise treats skiers and snowboarders to spectacular views and excellently prepared slopes. Everything from gentle gradients for beginners to challenging runs for experienced winter sports enthusiasts let you zig-zag downwards through the snow against the majestic backdrop of the Three Peaks and the surrounding Dolomites peaks. Freestylers also find everything they could wish for in the snow parks featuring various elements and challenges. The “Giro delle Cime” ski circuit leads through the five ski mountains in the ski area into the Italian province of Belluno. Guaranteed snow and varied winter adventures await!

Distance: 22 kilometres