Pustertal|Val Pusteria Bike Route: Leg Brunico|Bruneck - Fortezza|Franzensfeste

The Brunico|Bruneck to Fortezza|Franzensfeste leg is rich in cultural and historical treasures that make the route unique. The settlements, fortresses, and historical monuments from Roman times through the Middle Ages line the bike path along the Rienza|Rienz, offering interesting insights into the history of the valley.

This leg of the Pustertal|Val Pusteria bike route is also hilly, as it forms the connecting point between the Central Val Pusteria and the Isarco|Eisack Valley. From Brunico, it continues in the direction of S. Lorenzo|St. Lorenzen to the former Roman road station, Mansio Sebatum. Excavations and a museum offer the opportunity to learn more about the Romans in the Pustertal. The petting zoo at Wildberg Manor is a pleasant change of pace for both young and old and not to forget the Castel Sonnenburg. Things continue on quietly through landscapes of forests and meadows toward Casteldarne|Ehrenburg (Castel Ehrenburg) and Chienes|Kiens. Those who enjoy cheese will be in for a treat at the Gatscher farmhouse cheese dairy. The trip then proceeds to S. Sigismondo|St. Sigmund and Vandoies|Vintl. At Lodenwelt, which is located there, the adventure museum devoted to the subject of loden felt can be visited, as can an animal reserve and the fine Capriz cheese dairy. Those who enjoy the finer things in life certainly won’t come up short along this route! After passing Vandoies, the bicycle trail passes by the Rio Molino|Mühlbach Gap, a former valley and road block from the twelfth century, continuing on to Rio Molino. At this point, it is possible to return by train. But for all those who have some energy and motivation left, continuing on to visit the fortress in Fortezza is certainly worthwhile.

Possible variations along the route:

• Val Badia Bike Route from Brunico to San Vigilio or to San Martin – 23 or 24 km (14.5 or 15 miles)
  Getting to know the Ladin culture and language.
• Valli di Tures and Aurina|Tauferer Ahrntal Bike Route from Brunico via Campo Tures|Sand in Taufers to S. Giacomo|St. Jakob – 36 km (22 miles)
  On two wheels through the realm of more than seventy three thousand meter (ten thousand foot) peaks.
• Bike Route Brennero-Bolzano from Fortezza|Franzensfeste toward Brennero|Brenner (45 km/28 miles) or in the direction of Bolzano|Bozen (43 km/27 miles).