Hochpustertal/Alta Pusteria – Where the Three Peaks reign supreme
Experience Alta Val Pusteria – South Tyrol's most spectacular Dolomite region between Brunico and Austria
A valley of superlatives
Alta Val Pusteria stretches from the lively town of Brunico to the Austrian border at the Dobbiaco Pass and is one of the most beautiful Alpine regions. 🌄 Nestled between the Pragser Dolomites in the south and the Deferegger Alps in the north, this region is a paradise for nature lovers and mountain enthusiasts. Its landmark – the world-famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo – attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Located at an altitude of between 800 and 1,250 metres, the valley offers a pleasant climate and impressive scenic diversity.
🏔️ Natural wonders & UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Upper Puster Valley is home to some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the Alps and is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of the Dolomites.
Natural highlights in Alta Pusteria:
- The Three Peaks (2,999 m) – the most photographed mountain range in the world and a climbing icon
- The Pragser Wildsee (Lago di Braies) – turquoise mountain lake, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Dolomites’
- The Dürrensee near Toblach – idyllic mountain lake with a view of the Three Peaks
- Lake Dobbiaco 💧 – a natural gem at the foot of Monte Serla
- The Sesto Sundial – an impressive panorama with 10 striking peaks over 3,000 m
- The Three Peaks Nature Park – 🗻 11,635 hectares of protected mountain wilderness
- The Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park – high plateau with mystical legends and rich wildlife
- The Sesto Dolomites with peaks such as Elferkofel, Zwölferkofel and Paternkofel
- The Höhlensteintal – a wildly romantic valley between Dobbiaco and Cortina
🥾 Summer activities – a hiking paradise in a class of its own
The Upper Puster Valley is a mecca for hikers with over 500 kilometres of marked hiking trails of all levels of difficulty.
Popular hikes & summer activities:
- Three Peaks Circuit: The classic – 9 km circular route around the legendary rock towers (approx. 4 hours)
- Pragser Wildsee Circular Route: Leisurely lake circuit with boat hire and photo opportunities
- Alta Pusteria High Mountain Trail: Multi-day long-distance hike through 🏔️ alpine landscapes
- Plätzwiese: High plateau at 2,000 m with spectacular views of the Dolomites
- Helm Panorama Trail: Circular trail around the Helm (2,434 m) with 360° views
- Via ferrata: Over 20 via ferrata routes, including the 🧗 Paternkofel via ferrata with historic war installations
- Mountain biking: Over 1,000 km of MTB trails, from the leisurely Drau Cycle Path to challenging trails
- Drau Cycle Path: 44 km from Dobbiaco to Lienz through the Puster Valley – also ideal for families
- Climbing: Climbing routes on the Three Peaks, Monte Piana and in the Höhlensteintal valley
- Rafting: White water action on the Rienz near Brunico
- Paragliding: 🪂 Tandem flights from Helm or Monte Elmo
- High ropes courses: Climbing parks in Sesto and San Candido for families
🏰 Cultural treasures & history
The Upper Puster Valley looks back on an eventful history and is home to important cultural attractions.
Culture & sights:
- Bruneck Castle with the Messner Mountain Museum Ripa – Peoples of the Mountains of the World
- War sites on Monte Piana: open-air museum from the First World War at 2,324 m
- Sesto Local History Museum: 🏛️ Insights into mountain farming culture
- San Candido Abbey: Romanesque abbey church with medieval art treasures
- Bruneck Town Museum: History of the Puster Valley and craftsmanship
- Toblach Cultural Centre Grand Hotel: Gustav Mahler Museum
- Parish Church of St. Maria Niederolang: ⛪ Baroque church with magnificent furnishings
❄️ Winter activities – guaranteed snow & panoramic views of the Dolomites
In winter, Alta Pusteria transforms into a winter sports paradise with first-class ski resorts and endless cross-country trails.
Winter highlights in Alta Pusteria:
- Ski resorts: Varied ski slopes in the ski resorts ⛷️ 3 Zinnen Dolomites, Kronplatz and Gitschberg Jochtal
- Cross-country skiing: Over 200 km of groomed trails – Alta Pusteria is a cross-country skiing paradise (Toblacher Runde; Plätzwiese high-altitude trail; Sexten trails)
- Ski touring: Classics such as Rotwand (2,965 m), Haunold (2,966 m) or Helm (2,434 m)
- Snowshoeing: Guided tours in the Three Peaks Nature Park
- Tobogganing: The 6 km long toboggan run on Helm – one of the longest toboggan runs in South Tyrol
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Through the snow-covered valleys of Sesto, San Candido and Dobbiaco
- Ice skating: 🎿 Natural ice rink in Dobbiaco and ice stadium in Brunico
- Ice climbing: Frozen waterfalls in the Fischleintal valley
🎿 Ski resorts in detail
The Upper Puster Valley offers access to some of South Tyrol's best ski resorts. Detailed ski resort information:
- 3 Zinnen Dolomites (San Candido-Sesto-Helm)
115 kilometres of slopes, 31 lifts
Altitude: 1,145 m to 2,205 m
Highlights: Panoramic descents with views of the Three Peaks
Connection to the Nassfeld ski arena (Austria)
- Kronplatz (from Brunico, Valdaora, Riscone)
119 kilometres of slopes, 32 lifts
Summit height: 2,275 m with 360° panorama
Special features: MMM Corones, Lumen Museum, AlpiNN Restaurant
- Gitschberg Jochtal (from Meransen, Vals)
44 kilometres of slopes, family-friendly
Altitude: 1,500 m to 2,510 m
🏨 Accommodation – Something for everyone
From luxurious wellness hotels to rustic mountain huts – Alta Pusteria offers accommodation to suit every taste.
- 5-star wellness hotels: Luxury spa resorts with gourmet restaurants and panoramic pools
- Family hotels: Child-friendly accommodation with childcare, playrooms and entertainment programmes
- Mountain hotels & inns: Traditional accommodation with alpine charm and regional cuisine
- Holiday apartments: Self-catering apartments in all locations and sizes
- Farms: Farm holidays with animals, regional products and authenticity
- B&Bs & Garni: Cosy small accommodation with personal service
- Camping: Campsites in Dobbiaco and Sesto for motorhomes and tents
✨ Your Alta Pusteria experience
Whether you're hiking around the Three Peaks, kayaking on Lake Braies, carving down perfectly groomed slopes, gliding through 200 km of cross-country trails or stopping off at rustic mountain huts – the Alta Pusteria offers mountain experiences in their purest form. Here, spectacular nature, alpine sports and living tradition merge into an unforgettable holiday experience.
Discover 🏔️ the Alta Pusteria – where the majestic Three Peaks touch the sky and every day is an adventure!
