The green Pusteria/Pustertal valley extends between the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, on the main ridge of the Alps, and the Three Peaks area in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The valley’s main town, Brunico/Bruneck, is blessed with a number of mineral water springs that used to attract aristocratic visitors a century ago. The town was named after its founder, who also built the town’s castle: the powerful Prince-Bishop of Brixen Bruno von Kirchberg and Bullenstätten. For centuries the summer residence of both secular and spiritual leaders, the castle has undergone exemplary renovation works, and now houses one of the Messner Mountain Museums. The famous South Tyrolean mountaineering pioneer runs six different museums, all bearing his name. Besides the one at Castle Brixen, the other museum in the Pusteria/Pustertal valley is situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres in the renowned Plan de Corones/Kronplatz ski area. Its building was designed by the eminent architect Zaha Hadid. Climb up there and you will be rewarded with a breath-taking view of Mt. Marmolada – the Queen of the Dolomites.
We, the tourist guides and tourist leader of South Tyrol, will be happy to take you on a discovery journey:
The medieval town gates of Brunico/Bruneck, the oriels and the flower-decorated facades tell a tale of past glory. Take a guided tour to discover where prominent local painters Michael and Friedrich Pacher created their renowned frescoes and delicate winged altars, learn about the town regulation by which free-roaming pigs become town property, and find out other interesting facts, such as which part of the town moat became the designated spot for emptying chamber pots.
On a half-day or full-day tour, your guides will show you the birthplace of Paul Troger, Austria’s greatest Baroque master of his time, as well as the richest, most mature example of Romanesque sacred building in the entire eastern Alpine area, and the unique mountain scenery chosen as their summer destination by Emperors Franz Josef and Friedrich Wilhelm, the Belgian royalty and the Rothschilds, as well as today’s state leaders and prime ministers. Other local attractions include the Reinbach waterfalls, the original Nativity museum, the copper mine with guided rides through the galleries and the Olympic town of Cortina – all of which offer unforgettable experiences.
Are you looking for accommodation in the Pusteria/Pustertal valley?
The local tourist association will be happy to assist with your booking: Tel.: +39 0474 555 722; info@bruneck.com; www.kronplatz.com
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