At the foot of the Dolomites, spring is even more beautiful. As nature awakens, the Val Pusteria, which stretches with its valleys all the way to Eastern Tyrol, gains a special charm. The valley floor begins to turn green, the meadows become dotted with flowers, yet on the slopes, the ski pistes are still in perfect condition, allowing you to end the ski season on a high note.
The Bassa Pusteria includes the area from Rio di Pusteria at the entrance of the valley up to Vandoies. The Rienza River runs through the valley, originating at the foot of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and flowing into the Isarco River at Bressanone. The Strada del Sole (Road of the Sun) in Val Pusteria, which branches off the main road in Vandoies, leads to Terento and the surrounding villages, which are located on the sun-drenched plateau, away from the main valley axis. From here, the panoramic view stretches across the mountains of Val Pusteria, the town of Brunico, the area around Plan de Corones, and the Bassa Pusteria.
The Dolomite region of Plan de Corones is known for its extraordinary beauty and diverse, stunning natural landscape. If you're interested in culture, the MMM Ripa museum, or the Ethnographic Museum in Teodone are perfect for you. If you're after adrenaline-fueled adventures, the Kronaction high ropes course awaits, and for motorcycle enthusiasts, don't miss the Stalle Pass! The Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina offer trails that will allow you to discover nature and an unforgettable landscape, with the Dolomites within easy reach.
The Tures and Aurina Valley, one of the most pristine areas of South Tyrol, is surrounded by over 80 mountains that rise to 3,000 meters, offering a breathtaking view. Notable attractions in the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park include the Riva di Tures waterfalls. Castel Tures, the mining museum in the Cadipietra Granary, and the Climatic Center of Predoi are also worth visiting. However, what you should absolutely not miss is a hike among the towering mountains that frame this stunning valley.
The Dolomite region of Tre Cime includes the municipalities of Villabassa, San Candido, Dobbiaco, Braies, and Sesto. Among the highlights are the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which belong to the breathtaking Dolomites. Nature is particularly abundant in Alta Pusteria, and in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and Tre Cime, you'll find natural monuments such as Lake Braies, the "pearl of the Dolomites," and Lake Dobbiaco, a beloved hiking destination on warm days.
There are numerous customs and traditions that are an integral part of life in Val Pusteria and are still carried out with great pride today. One of the valley's characteristics is the traditional clothing, mainly worn by musical bands, folklore groups, or the "Schützen" company, although the traditional dress is loved by all locals. Each town or municipality has its own "Tracht," as it’s called by the people of South Tyrol, and it's worn during various festivities, not only religious ones. The men's outfit consists of a white linen shirt, a vest with silver buttons, a red or blue pocket square, a black silk scarf, green suspenders, black leather knee-length trousers, white stockings, and black shoes. The belt is definitely the most interesting and valuable part of the outfit: this leather band is hand-embroidered with strips of peacock tail feathers. The women wear a long dress made of 4-5 meters of fabric, either green or black, along with a rigid corset, which color varies depending on the town of origin. The dress is completed with a linen shirt with beautiful embroidery, a black silk band, an apron over the skirt, and red wool stockings.
South Tyrol is dotted with castles and manor houses of all kinds, many of which are located in Val Pusteria. The old walls are full of history, and if they could talk, they would have much to tell. One such castle is Castel Tures, one of the most beautiful and largest castles in the entire Tyrolean area. It stands proudly above Campo Tures in the Tures Valley, in a dominant position, flanked by the imposing panorama of the Dolomitic peaks. One third of the entire structure is now accessible to the public. The distinctive feature of Castel Tures is its dynastic stronghold. The armory particularly appeals to children, while art lovers will be drawn to the frescoes by Michael Pacher. The castle also offers a tavern, ideal for a stop after touring the castle.
Mother Nature has been very generous with Val Pusteria. The valley offers numerous attractions and natural monuments that draw visitors from all over the world. To the north, you'll find the extensions of the border ridge, while to the south, the pale mountains of the Dolomites stretch out. Protected areas such as the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park, the Dolomites of Sesto, Fanes-Senes-Braies, and the Hohe Tauern National Park offer pristine nature, highlighted by sparkling bodies of water such as Lake Braies. Known as "The Pearl of the Dolomites," it is one of the most picturesque lakes in South Tyrol, set in a fairy-tale landscape within the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. Not only is it one of the most scenic lakes in South Tyrol, but it's also one of the deepest: its maximum depth is 36 meters, and its average depth is 17 meters. The lake’s location at 1,496 meters above sea level adds to its allure. Surrounded by the mountain scenery of the Dolomites of Braies, the lake is a striking emerald green. Lake Braies is a legendary lake: it was said that one could reach the underground kingdom of the Fanes by boat.
Val Pusteria is a green valley of extraordinary natural beauty, but it also offers many culturally, historically, and architecturally significant corners. One such place is the Church of Santo Spirito: located at the end of the Aurina Valley in Casere, it is a chapel dating back to the 15th century, surrounded by various legends. The Church of Santo Spirito is the oldest church in the valley, built for the miners who worked in the Predoi mine, where copper was extracted. The exact date of construction is unknown. According to one legend, the sound of a bell could be heard underground at this location. When they dug, a portrait of the Holy Spirit was discovered. After being removed, the portrait was found again behind the rock near the church. For this reason, it was decided to build a chapel here, dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The Church of Santo Spirito is also famous for the crucifix that is pierced with bullet holes. According to one legend, this crucifix was once near the Prastmann farm. When a shooter passing through Pinzgau for a shooting competition stopped by this crucifix, he decided to test his precision, piercing the cross three times.
During Advent, Brunico, San Candido in Alta Pusteria, and Lienz in Eastern Tyrol host the picturesque and beloved Christmas Markets. Amid lights, gifts, handmade products, the scent of freshly baked treats, and mulled wine, strolling through the market stalls is a true experience. A rich entertainment program for children, along with markets and stands in the individual towns, complete the Advent days.
