In search of Bruneck, the throbbing heart of the Pustertal in the kronplatz tourist region

With its fascinating Alpine-Mediterranean atmosphere, Bruneck is a lively city filled with opportunities to experience in the spring and summer as well. Its cultural and wine and food offering keeps pace with its many other leisure time offers, such as sports and shopping.

The four gates are the old accesses to the characteristic old town centre. Frescoes and architectural details unveil its medieval origins. One example of these origins are the elegant buildings skirting the picturesque via Centrale, the renowned “Stadtgasse”. Considered one of the loveliest shopping streets of South Tyrol, it is distinguished by small shops and prestigious boutiques to discover, by charming cafés, wine bars and restaurants, where the palate can relish in the authentic specialities of the Pustertal.

Standing out amongst the five churches and castles forming the city’s historical and artistic heritage is the Bruneck Castle, dominating from above with its mighty walls. In the halls inside, you can stroll between the frescoes, while in the inner courtyard, you can admire a number of coats of arms of bishops who lived there, and who gradually expanded and renovate the structure dating to the 13th century. The second last of the six museums dedicated to Reinhold Messner’s mountains is found inside the Bruneck Castle.

Cycling is one of the sports and recreational activities that can be done throughout the area. Bruneck, in fact, is the starting point for a vast network of cycle paths.

One of the favourite itineraries we find is the Pustertal cycle path that pleasantly winds through meadows and fields and crosses, at least in the first part, a few villages and the city of Bruneck. Its exposure to the sun makes it easy to cover even at the beginning of the season. Like all public means of transportation, bicycle transport with the Pustertal train as well is free, making everyone independent from cars. The 70-km route and 300-m difference in height when leaving the valley require at least a minimum level of physical fitness. The railway, however, offer the advantage of being able to interrupt the journey and cover the rest of the stretch by train. That means that also families with children do not run any risks.

Those who are in search of a more cultural cycle path will find the Bruneck – Franzensfeste leg full of historic treasures that make it unique. Towns, castles and monuments of the Roman period pepper the cycle path along the Rienz river and offer an interesting view of the valley’s history.

Discovering the Pustertal by bicycle is a unique and safe experience suitable for all the family, dog included. You can plunge into the open spaces, reach cultural attractions and explore the side valleys – such as Badia Valley, Antholz Valley and Braies Valley – astride a bicycle, mountain bike or e-bike.