Activities and relaxation in the Puster Valley

Morning light over a golden woodland, the silhouette of the Dolomites in the distance, a hike through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, a visit to a museum and, to round it all off, dinner in a mountain hut. These are the ingredients of an autumn weekend in Val Pusteria, in the Plan de Corones Dolomite region between Val Pusteria and Valle Anterselva, taking in the villages that tell its story, such as Brunico, the largest town in Val Pusteria, with its historic centre lined with arcades, its shops, cafés and castle. Then there is Valdaora, among the quintessential active villages; Chienes, nestled in a gentle landscape of woods and nature trails; and the Anterselva Valley, which enchants with its turquoise-green lake and alpine views towards the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park. In these areas, you can combine your walks with a trip to the summit to visit the MMM Corones, a museum dedicated to mountaineering, and the LUMEN Museum of Mountain Photography. Until 8 November 2026, guests staying at accommodation in Brunico and Valdaora can enjoy one free ascent and one free descent per day with the Plan de Corones Guest Pass. Numerous hotels have decided to remain open this autumn. Among them is the Winkler Group, which, across its four properties – all in the area – offers themed weeks combining wellness, sport and mountain activities. At the Lanerhof, Yoga Retreats take place from 18 October to 1 November and from 15 November to 6 December; from 8 to 15 November, Sauna Week livens up the days with up to seven steam sessions. At the Hotel Winkler, the Golden Summit Weeks, from 1 October to 8 November, invite guests to experience the mountains in their autumnal splendour. The Solvie is hosting ‘Aufguss Week with Rob Keijzer’ from 15 to 22 November, featuring ceremonies led by the Aufguss master, whilst the ‘Sauna Nights’ – themed evenings with steam rituals (Halloween on 31 October, Movie on 28 November and Around the World on 19 December) are also open to non-residents. Also at Solvie, from 15 to 18 October, there is the Longevity Retreat dedicated to longevity, whilst from 4 to 8 November, The Loom Retreat focuses on yoga, nature and inner awareness, with Yin Yoga and meditation sessions, forest bathing, coaching, Yoga Nidra, Aufguss, ice bathing and ecstatic dance. Finally, at Chalet Purmontes, the autumn offers are designed for multi-night stays and moments of relaxation.

Info: www.kronplatz.com; https://www.winklerhotels.com