Discovering Alta Pusteria: Living emotions
Arriving in Alta Pusteria means being enchanted by a landscape that changes with the seasons, always offering new emotions. Here, among the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, you’ll find the perfect balance of nature, history and sport.
Ancient villages to explore
Your journey can start from Villabassa, a welcoming village surrounded by greenery and the ideal starting point to explore the Braies Valley and the iconic Lago di Braies, one of the most photographed places in South Tyrol.
Continuing on, you’ll reach Dobbiaco, a village rich in history, with houses dating back to the 1500s and home to the oldest Way of the Cross in Tyrol. Dobbiaco is also famous for having hosted the composer Gustav Mahler, who composed some of his symphonies here, inspired by the Dolomite landscape.
Just a few kilometres away lies San Candido, an architectural gem where Romanesque and Baroque styles blend harmoniously. Not to be missed is the Collegiate Church of San Candido, one of the most important Romanesque monuments in the Eastern Alps.
Sports and nature in every season
Alta Pusteria is the ideal destination for those who love to be active in nature. In summer, the meadows turn every shade of green and the trails open up to hikes, walks and mountain bike tours. One of the most thrilling experiences is the Stoneman Trail, an iconic MTB route that challenges both body and mind amidst breathtaking scenery.
In winter, the valley transforms into an enchanting wonderland where you can enjoy cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and ski mountaineering thanks to the 55 km of slopes in the Tre Cime Dolomiti ski area. Families will also find plenty of fun and safe activities.
The green and cultural heart of the Dolomites
Alta Pusteria is home to two nature parks of exceptional beauty: the Sesto Dolomites Nature Park and the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. Visiting these places means experiencing an authentic connection with nature and taking home unforgettable memories.
This land is also a cradle of culture. Artists such as Clemens Holzmeister, Veit Königer and Rudolf Stolz have left their mark here. Art can be felt everywhere — in churches, museums and sacred artworks scattered throughout the villages.
Traditions that warm the heart
During winter, the Christmas atmosphere fills every village with traditional markets, torchlight processions and handcrafted nativity scenes. In summer, festivals and fairs celebrate the season with music, local cuisine and folklore. A unique journey through local traditions!
A place that stays in your heart
Coming to Alta Pusteria means embracing a symphony of colours, scents and history. From the countless shades of green in summer to the glittering brilliance of snow in winter, the landscape invites you to discover every corner — and makes it hard to ever leave.
