Sexten

Sexten, Italian Sesto, is a comune (municipality) in the autonomous province of South Tyrol in northern Italy. It is located in the Puster Valley (Val Pusteria) in the eastern Dolomites, an area renowned for dramatic limestone peaks. The municipal territory includes the settlements of Sexten (Sesto) and Moos (Moso), and lies within the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The landscape features alpine meadows, conifer forests and rugged peaks, including the Sexten Dolomites and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen), a landmark pair of summits popular with hikers and climbers.

Economy and tourism form the core of Sexten’s activity. The area offers winter skiing and summer hiking, and is connected to the broader Dolomiti Superski network, with lift systems, cross-country trails and mountain huts supporting tourism year-round. The local economy also includes seasonal services for visitors, agriculture, and small businesses.

Language and culture reflect South Tyrol’s bilingual administration. The population is predominantly German-speaking, with Italian used in official matters and signage. The community maintains Tyrolean cultural traditions, Catholic heritage, and a cuisine that blends Austrian and Italian influences. The area is characterized by a quiet rural atmosphere combined with accessible alpine recreation.

History and administration: Sexten was part of the County of Tyrol within the Habsburg Monarchy and became part of Italy after World War I. It is now part of the autonomous province of South Tyrol, which maintains a system of linguistic and cultural rights intended to preserve regional identity. Transport connections rely on regional roads linking to Brunico/Bruneck and other larger towns, with nearby rail services at Bruneck and Fortezza/Franzensfeste.