This Alpine town in South Tyrol's Puster Valley has a medieval center with colorful buildings and a hilltop castle. Nearby Kronplatz mountain offers skiing and hiking opportunities.
Bruneck (Brunico in Italian) is an Alpine town in the Puster Valley of South Tyrol. The town's medieval center is filled with colorful buildings, and a castle sits atop a nearby hill. You can ski or hike on Kronplatz mountain, explore the Messner Mountain Museum in the castle, or stroll through the weekly market in the main square. The surrounding Dolomites provide a dramatic backdrop for your visit.
Setting and Location
Bruneck sits at an elevation of 830 meters in the Puster Valley of northeastern South Tyrol. The town is located at the confluence of the Ahr and Rienz rivers, with the Kronplatz ski mountain rising to the south. From Bruneck, you can access several valleys and mountain ranges, including the Zillertal Alps to the west and the Rieserferner Group to the east. The Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site begins just south of town.
Exploring the Historic Center
Walk down the main street, Via Centrale (Stadtgasse), to see townhouses with protruding bay windows and ornate signs hanging above shops and cafes. You'll pass four medieval town gates, each decorated with frescoes. At the end of Via Centrale, you'll find the Ragen di Sopra square with several outdoor cafes where you can sit and observe local life. For a panoramic view of the town, climb up to Bruneck Castle on the hill above.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Bruneck Castle now houses the Messner Mountain Museum Ripa, one of six museums founded by mountaineer Reinhold Messner. The museum focuses on the cultures of mountain peoples from around the world. In the town center, visit the Civic Museum to see religious art and contemporary exhibitions. For insight into rural Tyrolean life, head to the South Tyrolean Museum of Folklore in nearby Dietenheim. The museum complex includes restored farmhouses and workshops demonstrating traditional crafts.
Winter and Summer Activities
In winter, you can ski and snowboard at the Kronplatz resort, which has over 100 km of slopes. During summer, take the same lifts to access hiking trails with views of the Dolomites. Mountain bikers can ride freeride trails or gentler routes through the valleys. At nearby Lago di Braies, you can walk around the lake or rent a rowboat. The Puster Valley Cycle Path runs through Bruneck, allowing for bike rides to neighboring villages.
Local Cuisine
South Tyrolean cuisine combines Alpine fare with Italian influences. Try canederli (bread dumplings) in broth or with goulash, or sample speck (smoked ham) with local cheeses. For dessert, consider apple strudel or krapfen (jam-filled doughnuts). Many restaurants in Bruneck's old town serve traditional dishes with a modern approach, often using seasonal ingredients from local farms. You can also taste wines from small South Tyrolean vineyards.
Getting There and Around
Bruneck has regular train connections to Bolzano and other parts of South Tyrol. The train station is a short walk from the town center. Once in Bruneck, you can explore most sights on foot. For trips to nearby villages or hiking areas, use the bus network. If you're staying for several days, consider getting a Südtirol Guest Pass for free use of public transport and entry to many museums.
