Bruneck between the Old Town, Art and History

Bruneck is the center of the Kronplatz region and the main town of the Puster Valley. Its historic center preserves its ancient medieval origins almost completely intact. At the same time, the Rienz flows right through the historic old town, giving the townscape a distinctive spatial character.

Old Town between Stadtgasse and the Rienz

Bruneck’s historic old town stretches from Oberragen to the Ursuline Church and Tschurtschenthaler Park. Its character is particularly evident in Stadtgasse: colorful medieval town houses line the street, along with shops, restaurants and cafés.

Both the Puster Valley cycle path and a hiking trail run along the Rienz promenade.

Museums with a Regional and International Perspective

Bruneck Castle houses the rooms of the Messner Mountain Museum RIPA. The museum displays equipment used by peoples such as the Sherpas, Incas, Tibetans and Mongols, as well as by many others. It also focuses on the lifestyles of cultures that have lived in and with the mountains for centuries.

The ECK Museum of Art opened in 1995 in restored and adapted former post stables. The ground floor houses a permanent exhibition of Late Gothic works by Michael Pacher, Friedrich Pacher, Simon von Taisten and Veit von Taisten. The museum focuses on collecting, presenting and researching graphic art from the 20th century from the region and around the world.

Churches and Places of Remembrance

The crypt of the Ursuline Church is the oldest part of the entire monastery complex and dates from around 1410. The Rain Church was built around 1340 by Nikolaus der Stuck of Bruneck and is dedicated to Saint Catherine.

The forest cemetery lies on a wooded hill south of Bruneck. It preserves the mortal remains of hundreds of soldiers from various countries and denominations. In 1915, it was established on behalf of the town as a final resting place for the many soldiers who fell in the First World War.

The Historical Tour through Bruneck

The Historical Tour through Bruneck begins at the Ursuline Church and leads via the forest cemetery to Bruneck Castle. For this section, visitors can choose between a suspension bridge and forest trail no. 22. The tour then descends from Castle Hill to the Rain Church and into Stadtgasse.

Mobility and Regional Orientation

Bruneck’s public transport network has two railway stations and numerous strategically distributed bus stops. Bruneck has regular connections to Reischach and Olang; from there, gondola lifts lead directly to the summit of Kronplatz.

The region’s everyday culture is also part of Bruneck’s surroundings. In the Kronplatz region, many producers sell their products directly from the farm. There, visitors can sample the products and meet the producers.

More Places to Include in Your Travel Plans

Wengen, San Martino in Badia, Sexten, Issing, Terenten, Casere-Knappenegg, Ahrntal and Pfalzen can also be included in your individual travel plans.

For the overarching travel overview: Puster Valley.