Ponticolo, your gateway to hikes and mountain tours in the Upper Valle Isarco valley
Image gallery: Ponticolo
Traffic information: The Luegbrücke bridge on the Brennero Pass, along the A13 Brennero Motorway, will be rebuilt starting at the end of March 2025. For traffic safety and to reduce strain on the bridge, single-lane… read more
The Ponticolo bus stop, nestled between Terme di Brennero and Colle Isarco, is located in one of the smallest hamlets of Brennero. While the village itself is quite unassuming, it boasts an ideal location for exploring nearby attractions - whether by bus, car, or along the Upper Valle Isarco Cycle Path. These include Vipiteno, a charming town rich in history with its museums and shops.
The Val di Fleres and, in winter, the three skiing areas of the Upper Valle Isarco are also easily accessible. One ski pass gives access to all these ski regions. Hikes begin directly from the Dax car park in Ponticolo. From there, you can reach the Cima Gallina Hut, a mountain hut at the foot of the Cima Gallina peak, in about an hour and a half, covering around 500 metres of elevation gain.
Awaiting you on the panoramic terrace are regional organic specialities, enhanced with fresh herbs. The Zirago High Route then leads you into the Zirago alpine pasture area near Terme di Brennero. The Cima Gallina peak, or Amthorspitze, towering almost 2,800 metres above the hut, also beckons climbers. However, this is considered a challenging mountain tour rather than a leisurely hike. In winter, this mountain transforms into a popular ski touring destination.
The Cima Gallina Mountain Hut, called Hühnerspielhütte in German, remains open during the winter. Even in the village itself, there's something to marvel at during the colder months: 50 metres above the Pontiglhof farmstead, the Ponticolo Waterfall attracts ice climbers.