Leisurely walks in the town centers of Sesto, San Candido or Toblach, adventurous snowshoe hikes through magical winter landscapes, promising bike rides around impressive Dolomite peaks or adventurous climbing tours to the Three Peaks: The Alta Pusteria is an Eldorado for nature lovers, hikers and alpinists.
The Alta Pusteria is known above all for the impressive rock formations of the Drei Zinnen, a striking mountain range in the Sexten Dolomites. The two nature parks
Fanes-Sennes-Braies and
Three Peaks, both part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, are characterized by a unique natural landscape and form the realm of chamois and golden eagles.
The Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, which includes parts of the Pragser Dolomites and the Fanes Group, is divided into the municipalities of Abtei, Enneberg, Olang, Braies, Dobbiaco and Wengen. While at lower altitudes mainly spruce, larch and stone pine forests can be found, further up, between steep cliffs like green oases, are the vast pastures and plateaus of Fanes and Sennes. These are strongly influenced by typical karst forms such as gullies, fissures, clefts and sinkholes. In the Pragser Valley, nature lovers can also enjoy the legendary Lake Braies, a wonderful, crystal-clear mountain lake. Another very popular destination in the protected area is the Plätzwiese, a high plateau surrounded by the mountains of the Hohe Gaisl, the Drei Zinnen, the Tofana and the Monte Cristallo.
The Nature Park Three Peaks is mostly in the high mountains and is composed of wide rocky and scree areas. Although pioneer plants mainly find their habitats here, cinquefoil, dwarf alpine rose and edelweiss lay over the stone dumps as a gentle carpet. In lower elevations, however, coniferous forests and wonderful larch meadows are to be found.
Even the famous Austrian composer Gustav Mahler lived a secluded life in the untouched nature of this valley. Here he found in his "Komponierhäusl", among other things, the inspiration for "Song of the Earth", his ninth, and the unfinished Tenth Symphony. For almost three decades, the prestigious Music Weeks have taken place in his honor.
Stroll through fairy-tale winter landscapes with snowshoes and explore the world covered in white, race down the natural toboggan runs or cross-country trails on a wonderful natural landscape: the Hochpustertal is ideal for numerous activities in the Dolomites even in winter. The fantastic ski areas "Helm", "Haunold" or "Rotwand" belong to the famous ski carousel "Dolomiti Superski" and are a real magnet for winter sports enthusiasts.