Pustertal Valley Cycle Path: San Candido to Brunico
Pustertal Valley Cycle Path: San Candido to Brunico
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Pustertal Valley Cycle Path: San Candido to Brunico
04:41
69.6km
680m
Cycling
Embark on a challenging touring bicycle journey along the Pustertal Valley Cycle Path, stretching from San Candido to Brunico. This route covers 43.2 miles (69.6 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 2228 feet (679 metres), making it a difficult ride that takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you will experience varied green landscapes, often following the Rienza river, with majestic views of the Dolomites unfolding around you.
When planning your visit, consider the mixed terrain of asphalt and well-maintained gravel tracks. A practical tip for this route is the option to use the local train for your return journey, which allows you to cycle one way and easily get back to your starting point. This flexibility simplifies your logistics, letting you focus on the ride itself without worrying about the return trip.
The Pustertal Valley Cycle Path offers more than just a ride; it's a journey through a region rich in natural beauty. You will pass by notable natural attractions like Lake Valdaora and the wild-romantic Rienza Canyon near Brunico. Charming villages are scattered along the path, providing opportunities to pause and soak in the local atmosphere as you traverse this scenic valley.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Biotop Rienzau-Welsberg
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
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11.6 km
Puster Valley Cycle Path: Villabassa to Monguelfo-Tesido
Highlight • Cycleway
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25.3 km
View of Valdaora (Olang)
Highlight • Settlement
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35.1 km
Tito Speck Museum
Highlight • Monument
In the ancient cellar walls you can learn everything about the production/storage of original Tyrolean bacon.
After a delicious 😋 tasting you can also purchase all variants of bacon and cheese yourself.
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38.0 km
Bruneck Cycle Tunnel
Highlight • Cycleway
There is a short, steep descent past the cemetery, then the cycle path branches off to the right. The unpaved but good gravel road runs along the south bank of Lake Olanger through the forest to Welsberg. After bypassing the town, the path leads to the entrance to the Braies Valley, known for Lake Braies and the Dolomites of Braies, and on to Niederdorf.
Following the Frau-Emma-Straße in Niederdorf, which leads through the town center, you soon continue through green meadows on a dirt path to Dobbiaco. Past the train station, which is outside the village center, the cycle route continues along field paths to Innichen.
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48.6 km
Lake Valdaora (Olanger See)
Highlight • Lake
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63.8 km
Cafe Marleen
Highlight • Cafe
Best spritz in town. Super prices you get peanuts and chips with the spritz 👍absolutely a tip
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69.6 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
22.3 km
16.4 km
14.9 km
10.2 km
5.87 km
Surfaces
46.9 km
9.07 km
8.62 km
4.28 km
681 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,240 m)
Lowest point (830 m)
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Weather
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Monday 25 May
27°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the cycling route from San Candido to Brunico?
The direct cycling route from San Candido to Brunico is generally considered easy to moderate, making it highly suitable for families with children and beginners. It features a predominantly downhill gradient with a descent of over 300 meters. However, the full komoot tour, which might include additional sections or a round trip, is rated as difficult due to its overall length and elevation changes.
What is the terrain like on the Puster Valley Cycle Path?
The terrain is a mix of asphalt and well-maintained gravel tracks. You'll cycle through meadows, woods, and alongside the Rienza river. There are also sections that pass through tunnels and along low-traffic side roads and farm paths.
What are the best transport options for this route, especially for returning?
A significant advantage of this route is the convenient option to transport bicycles on the local train for the return journey. This allows you to easily cycle one way from San Candido to Brunico and then take the train back to your starting point.
When is the best time of year to cycle this route?
The best time to cycle this route is typically from spring to autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the path is clear. During these months, you can fully enjoy the green landscapes and views of the Dolomites.
What can I see along the cycling route?
Along the route, you'll encounter varied and wonderful scenery of the Pustertal valley. Highlights include the Puster Valley Cycle Path: Villabassa to Monguelfo-Tesido, the View of Valdaora (Olang), and the Lake Valdaora (Olanger See). You'll also pass through charming villages and by the wild-romantic Rienza Canyon near Brunico. Don't miss the Tito Speck Museum and the Bruneck Cycle Tunnel.
Is the cycle path from San Candido to Brunico dog-friendly?
Yes, this cycle path is generally dog-friendly. As with most public paths, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this cycle path?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Puster Valley Cycle Path from San Candido to Brunico.
Does this route connect to other well-known cycle paths?
Yes, from San Candido, this route connects to other well-known cycle paths, such as the Drava Cycle Path towards Lienz in East Tyrol. The Pusterbike itself also continues past Brunico towards Fortezza and Bressanone. Sections of the route overlap with the EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route and Cycle 3: Bruneck => Toblach.
Are there places to stop for refreshments along the way?
Yes, the route passes through charming villages like Dobbiaco, Villabassa, Monguelfo, and Valdaora, which offer opportunities for breaks and refreshments. You might also find cafes like Cafe Marleen along the way.
Is it better to cycle from San Candido to Brunico, or the other way around?
It is generally recommended to cycle from San Candido to Brunico. This direction offers a predominantly downhill gradient, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable ride, especially for families and less experienced cyclists.
Where can I park my car to access the cycle path in San Candido?
In San Candido, you can find various parking options near the train station or in the town center, which provide convenient access to the start of the Puster Valley Cycle Path. Look for designated parking areas for cyclists.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
A classic of the Pusteria Valley, a leisurely ride to do as a warm-up
Today, in midsummer weather, the three of us went on our second leisurely bike tour through the eastern Pustertal. The route is perfectly laid out and almost completely asphalted. You can rent bikes in Vierschach and then return them in Bruneck. The railway in the valley is also well prepared for taking bikes. The next few days are also looking very summery 😎 For us, a leisurely bike tour means having a coffee or an ice cream in every other town. For cycling afterward, it is better to use the originally planned tour without any detours: https://www.komoot.com/de-DE/tour/1767820158
Just a mini tour today. Because the weather is very mixed: cloudy sky and one or the other rain joins it. For the highlight of the tour = the long way (through) the Dolomites we are hoping for better weather tomorrow. Today many mountain peaks are hiding in the ☁️ - it would be a shame if we couldn't see the 3 Zinnen and Co. The route is scenically beautiful. The fact that you are constantly going up is almost not noticeable, at least with an ebike😉 - saving batteries wasn't really necessary for the short distance today😁 Then we went by gondola for a short while and watched the glider pilots doing their rounds. Hardly in the hotel ⛈️ - good timing 👍
A very nice bike path through the whole valley of the Rienz through a picturesque landscape leads us to Brunneck, an old, cozy town. Brunneck Castle is home to the largest of the five Reinhold Messner museums; this is about the culture of the hill tribes worldwide. Absolutely worth seeing!
The Pustertal cycle path is beautifully laid out and leads through many colorful small villages. Only a few kilometers you have to share the way with cars. Nice cafés and inns invite you to stop by again and again.
Great tour. For the first time on the e-bike in South Tyrol. Percha to Lake Dobbiaco and back.
This is the 2nd part of the 4th stage from Mühlbach to Toblac. We have added a detour to the Pragser Wildsee here. This makes this stage quite sporty. The detour to the lake is only about 10 km, but in the end the last 2 km - mostly on the road - with an 8 - 10% incline is quite demanding. The route is worth it! The destination is a dream, quite a lot of tourists, but a real highlight. We have the atmosphere there for 1.5 hours Can also be done with an electric bike, but still quite exhausting. Battery level should be at 70/80%. There are no charging stations at the top!. You don't need a lot of battery to get to Dobbiaco and the way back from the lake is 90% downhill, enjoying the light and the Dolomites.
Today we drove from Sillian to St. Lorenzen. First continue uphill along the Drau / Drava to the source of the Drau. Then almost only slightly downhill along the Rienza. Shortly before San Candido you can see the Dolomites. Fascinating. There are only a few steep sections throughout the route and it would be even nicer if there weren't so many day trippers on bikes to meet you on the first half.