8 Awesome Things to Do in & Around Bruneck
South Tyrol is one of those destinations I visited once and instantly knew I’d want to come back to.
With just a bit more than five hours of driving from where I live in Austria, it’s also super easy to reach, perfect for a long weekend or spontaneous getaway.
My very first visit to South Tyrol was to the charming town of Bruneck. Surrounded by mountains, full of character, and packed with history, it completely won me over.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through 8 awesome things to see and do in and around Bruneck – from mountain views and museums to scenic hikes and a hotel you won’t want to leave.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
1. Stroll Through Bruneck’s Old Town
Bruneck’s Old Town is the perfect place to start your visit. The main street, Stadtgasse, is lined with beautifully preserved townhouses, colorful facades, and charming little shops.
You’ll find everything from local boutiques and delis to cozy cafés where you can sip a cappuccino and watch the world go by.
What makes the Old Town so special is the mix of alpine flair and Italian lifestyle. You’ll find rustic Tyrolean architecture right next to elegant espresso bars and gelato shops.
Don’t miss the old city gates at either end of the pedestrian zone, as they’re a reminder of Bruneck’s medieval past.
You can also spot the castle high above the rooftops as you walk – Bruneck Castle is just a short uphill stroll from the Old Town and well worth a visit (more on that in the next section!).
2. Explore Bruneck Castle & The Messner Mountain Museum Ripa
Bruneck Castle sits on a small hill just above the Old Town and offers a fantastic view over Bruneck and the surrounding mountains. The short walk up is easy and well worth it – not just for the view, but also for the experience inside.
The castle itself dates back to the 13th century and has been beautifully preserved. Today, it houses the Messner Mountain Museum Ripa, one of six museums created by legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner.
This one focuses on mountain cultures around the world. You’ll find fascinating exhibitions about life in the Himalayas, Andes, and other high-altitude regions – from traditional clothing and tools to stories about survival, community, and spirituality.
The museum is open from mid-May to early November and then again from early December to late April, daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. (closed Tuesdays).
Tickets can be bought online and cost €14 for adults, €12 for seniors and students, and €6 for kids aged 6 to 18. Kids under 6 get in free.
After your visit, take a moment to enjoy the lovely courtyard or the benches just outside the castle, perfect for a short break with a view.
3. Head Up to Kronplatz (Plan de Corones)
Kronplatz, also called Plan de Corones, is an impressive mountain just outside Bruneck in South Tyrol. It’s one of the region’s most popular spots for outdoor fun all year round.
In winter, Kronplatz has a huge ski area with over 120 kilometers of slopes and modern lifts, and you can even go night skiing on some runs.
In the warmer months, Kronplatz is perfect for hiking. One popular trail is the Concordia 360°, a 2.4-kilometer circular path that offers breathtaking views of the Dolomites and the Alps.
Another nice trail is the 6-kilometer-long Via Artis, the highest open-air art gallery in the world, where you can discover art made from storm-damaged trees and other natural materials.
And for those looking for a bit of adrenaline, Kronplatz is also a popular spot for tandem paragliding flights.
To get up to Kronplatz from Bruneck, the easiest way is by taking the cable car from Reischach, a village just outside the town.
The modern gondola takes you straight to the top in just a few minutes. A round-trip ticket currently costs €34 for adults and €17 for kids, and you can simply buy it at the station.
Tip: If you stay at Hotel Rudolf (my recommendation at the end of this post), you’ll receive the Kronplatz Guest Pass for free. It includes the cable car ticket, free rides on many public transport lines across South Tyrol, and discounts on museums and activities.
4. Discover The LUMEN Museum of Mountain Photography
Something else to find at the top of Kronplatz is the LUMEN Museum of Mountain Photography.
Housed in a former cable car station, this modern museum stretches across four floors and focuses entirely on the relationship between mountains and photography.
Inside, you’ll find everything from historic black-and-white images to bold, contemporary shots. The exhibitions dive into themes like mountaineering, tourism, and climate.
One of the most impressive features is the giant shutter window that opens up to reveal a panoramic view of the Dolomites – the perfect photo moment in itself!
The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (last admission at 3:30 pm). It’s only accessible by cable car, so keep in mind that it closes during the short off-seasons when the lifts aren’t running – usually from mid-April to mid-May and again in early to late November.
Tickets cost €17 for adults, €12 for students and seniors, and €10 for kids aged 6 to 14. They can be bought directly at the entrance or online in advance.
5. Visit The Messner Mountain Museum Corones
Another must-see on Kronplatz is the Messner Mountain Museum Corones, which is also located right at the summit in a building designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid.
Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibitions that showcase everything from traditional mountain gear to stories of legendary climbers like Reinhold Messner himself.
The design of the museum perfectly matches its surroundings, with large windows framing the dramatic Dolomite peaks.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 4:00 pm (last admission 3:30), but like the LUMEN Museum, it closes during the short off-seasons.
Tickets cost €14 for adults, €12 for students and seniors, and €10 for kids aged 6 to 18. You can buy tickets online in advance to skip the queues.
6. Soak in The Beauty of Lago di Braies
You’ve probably seen tons of photos of this lake all over Social Media – and yep, Lago di Braies is that stunning in real life. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and deep green forests, the lake looks like something straight out of a postcard.
It’s the Dolomites’ most iconic lake is just about a 40-minute drive from Bruneck, and you’ll regret it if you don’t go!
But be warned: it’s no longer a hidden gem. If you want to experience its calm and beauty, get there early – ideally before 8:00 am, especially in summer. After that, it can get very crowded, and parking might be tricky.
Don’t just stop at the boat dock for a few photos. The real magic unfolds when you walk the scenic 3.5-kilometer loop around the lake, which offers ever-changing views of the water and mountains.
At places like Hotel Lago di Braies or Emma’s Bistro you can grab a bite or a drink.
If you’re up for more adventure, I highly recommend the hike to Fojedöra Hut (Rifugio Fòses). From the lake’s shore, it’s roughly a 4.6 km loop (via Val di Foresta), climbing 620 m and taking around three hours round-trip.
There are three main car parks at Lago di Braies – P4 (closest, ~200 m), P3 (~300 m), and P2 (~800 m) – and they fill up fast.
From July 10 to September 10, access to the valley is restricted between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm. That means you’ll either need to arrive before 9:30 am or buy a parking ticket online in advance.
Without a reservation, you won’t be allowed to drive up during those hours.
Parking at P4 costs around €15 for the first three hours, with a maximum of about €20 per day.
7. Hike to The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks)
Another one of the most stunning hikes you can do from Bruneck is to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) in the Dolomites.
From Bruneck, it takes about an hour by car to reach the large parking area at Rifugio Auronzo (from where we started), which sits right at the foot of the peaks.
In summer (from late May to late October), you can drive up the 6 km toll road from Misurina – but starting in 2025, you’ll need to book online in advance and pay €40 per car (valid for 12 hours) to help limit traffic and protect the area.
From Rifugio Auronzo, the hike to Rifugio Locatelli takes around 1.5 to 2 hours one way on a well-marked trail with epic views the entire way.
If you’re short on time or not up for a longer tour, this is the perfect route to get the best views of the iconic peaks, making it a doable half-day trip.
There are also many other trails for more advanced hikers or those who want to explore the area further, including panoramic loops or routes connecting multiple huts.
Just be sure to check weather conditions and bring good shoes, water, and sun protection – even in summer, the conditions can change quickly.
8. Stay at Hotel Rudolf
Last but not least, I highly recommend staying at Hotel Rudolf to make your Bruneck trip even more special.
The hotel is just a short walk from the Kronplatz cable car and only a few minutes from the town center, so it’s a great base whether you’re here for hiking, skiing, or exploring.
It combines modern Alpine style with a super relaxed atmosphere – think cozy rooms, mountain views, and a spa area with pools and saunas that’s perfect after a long day outside.
The food is another highlight, with a great breakfast buffet and tasty multi-course dinners – even my vegan menu every evening was a real treat – all included if you choose the half-board option.
Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better place to stay!
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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:
Flights: I prefer using CheapOair to book flights. I often search for “Anywhere” to uncover the best flight deals!
Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals.
Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.
Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.
Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.
