Bressanone

Brixen is one of the oldest cities in Tyrol, more specifically in South Tyrol.

This city, rich in charm and history, is an enchanting place that will win the heart of every visitor with its extraordinary natural beauty, rich culture, and warm South Tyrolean hospitality.

Bressanone is a city with roots in the distant past. Its thousand-year history has left a wealth of artistic and cultural treasures. One of the most outstanding monuments is definitely the Brixen Cathedral, with its complex of the Cathedral Square, the Church of St. Michael and the magnificent Cloister, rich in medieval frescoes.

The Bishop’s Palace, with its adjacent Diocesan Museum, also dates back to medieval times. Here you will have the opportunity to admire a rich collection of artwork dating back as far as the 12th century!

Bressanone is surrounded by breathtaking nature. For outdoor enthusiasts, it offers countless opportunities for walking, hiking and mountain climbing. In the wintertime, Brixen and its surroundings are transformed into a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, with numerous ski slopes and winter hiking trails.

The Waalweg trail, for example, is a beautiful hike along an old irrigation canal, passing through enchanting landscapes, orchards and vineyards.

Like any self-respecting Italian city, Brixen also boasts a wealth of food and wine offerings. Bressanone’s restaurants offer traditional South Tyrolean dishes such as the famous speck, varieties of cheese, and desserts such as strudel. All this is complemented by an excellent selection of local wines.

Brixen is a city rich in culture, history and nature. Whether you are a lover of history and art, an outdoor sports fanatic or a fine gourmet, this gem nestled in the Alps is sure to win your heart.

Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Alps, this German-Italian municipality never ceases to amaze with its rich culture, astounding natural beauty and historical charm.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Brixen and discover the highlights.

Brixen Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Cassiano, is the main place of worship in Brixen. The building offers an incredible combination of history and architecture.

Digging into history, we can see that Brixen Cathedral dates back many centuries. Originally dating back to 980 AD, the cathedral has suffered two fires throughout its history. The early architectural styles of the cathedral were Romanesque, with a three-aisled nave and two facade towers built around 1200.

However, the most significant phase of construction took place between 1745 and 1754, when the building was rebuilt in the Baroque style. This change gave the cathedral its present magnificent Baroque facade and its majestic twin towers that now dominate the local skyline.

In addition to its religious importance, the cathedral is famous for its wonderful frescoed cloister, a masterpiece dating back to the 14th century. The cloister is a quiet and contemplative place, offering shelter from the hustle and bustle of life carried out outside its walls.

The Bishop’s Palace is a grand structure served as the residence of the prince bishops until 1973, after which the bishop’s seat was moved to Bolzano.

The first building dates back to the mid-13th century, but has undergone numerous changes and remodeling over the centuries to become what we see today. Since 1976, it has housed the city’s Diocesan Museum, a treasure trove of art and culture.

Inside, the museum preserves valuable evidence of medieval plastic art and painting in 70 rooms, continuing on to the Baroque, Classicism and Romantic phases. The Bishop’s Palace also houses the Brixen Cathedral Treasury and the Emperor’s Wing with its tiled stoves. Among the various rooms of historical value is the Bishop’s Apartment.

The inner courtyard of the palace is one of the most striking in South Tyrol, a place where history and architecture meet to create a unique atmosphere. Not only does the palace and its exhibits offer a fascinating view of ecclesiastical history and art, but the exterior view of the architectural complex is also capable of inspiring admiration.

Novacella Abbey, also known as Neustift Abbey, boasts a fascinating history and is one of the most significant cultural and spiritual places in South Tyrol.

It was founded in 1142 by the Bishop of the Diocese of Brixen, Blessed Hartmann, who had previously been provost of Klosterneuburg Abbey.

Today, the abbey plays an active role. Events and guided tours are often organized inside the abbey, giving visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in its history and cultural significance. It still serves as an important representation of its time, symbolizing the religiosity and art of the era in which it was built.

The Brixen Christmas Markets are a brilliant feast of lights, colors and seasonal flavors that fill the city’s streets each year. They are considered among the most beautiful in the area because of their unique charm and the magic in the air.

They usually begin in late November and end with epiphany. The market remains open an extra hour and a half Sunday through Thursday, and two extra hours on Friday and Saturday. Housed in Cathedral Square, it offers breathtaking views of the cathedral, St. Michael’s parish church and City Hall.

With more than 300 stores located in Brixen’s historic center, the Market offers a wide range of products, from Christmas gifts to typical South Tyrolean handicrafts, as well as culinary delights from the region.

Visit the mountain Christmas market and try typical South Tyrolean products such as special foods and mulled wine. Also, attend the amazing multimedia show “Best of Soliman’s Dream,” considered the most magical and exciting show in Italy.

The Brixen Christmas Markets are not just festive banquets, but a meeting point for locals and visitors alike, presenting a rich program of cultural initiatives and culinary offerings of local products.

Lake Varna is a small alpine lake located in the Eisack Valley, 712 meters above sea level. It rises about two kilometers north of the municipality of Varna, in the province of Bolzano, not far from Bressanone.

The lake is located 2 km northeast of Varna and is a popular destination for hiking. Surrounded by forests and mountainous slopes, it offers a sense of tranquility despite its proximity to busy roads such as the Brenner Highway.

Although the lake is in private hands, swimming is allowed in its northern part.

South of the lake, there is a convenient beach and a picturesque trail that goes all the way around the lake, making it a popular hiking destination.

Its natural beauty combined with its wealth of wildlife makes it an ideal place for those seeking a pleasant and relaxing experience in the midst of nature.

Brixen, located in the Eisack Valley in South Tyrol, is a city with a rich historical heritage and an amazing natural environment that offers countless hiking opportunities.

From leisurely walks in the plains to challenging hikes in the mountains, there is something for all types of hikers.

St. Andrew’s Walk

We begin with a leisurely walk along the San Andrea trail. This route begins in the center of Brixen and leads to St. Andrew’s Church, passing through lush vineyards. Not only does it offer panoramic views of Brixen and the Eisack Valley, but it is a journey through history, with ancient chapels dotting the route.

Funes/Odles Trail

For more adventurous hikers, the Funes/Odles trail offers incredible views of the Dolomites. It begins in Zannes and leads to the Genova Refuge, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. The walk can take an entire day, so be sure to leave prepared!

Keschtnweg Route

The Keschtnweg, or “Chestnut Trail,” is another popular trail. It accompanies the hiker through forests, meadows, chestnut groves and vineyards along the sunny side of the Eisack Valley. This trail can be taken in several stages, making it suitable for short or long walks.

Plose: the Local Mountain

And finally, let’s not forget Brixen’s local mountain, the Plose. It offers a range of hiking trails, from easy family-friendly themed trails to challenging via ferrata routes for the more adventurous. At the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the entire Eisack Valley.

These walks in Brixen are just a few of the many adventures the city and its surroundings have to offer.

Brixen, known for its unique history and culture, is a jewel of South Tyrol, but it also knows how to offer memorable winter adventures to its visitors. Equipped with direct access to the slopes of the local mountain Plose, it is a ski destination not to be missed.

Plose: The mountain of Brixen

Plose, Brixen’s local mountain, offers 40 km of ski slopes, which run from an altitude of 1,067 meters to 2,050 meters. Of these, the Trametsch is the longest slope in South Tyrol at 9 km. But it is not just the length that makes Trametsch special: its wide, perfectly groomed slopes make it a true skier’s paradise.

Plose Ski & Snowboard School

For beginners or those who wish to perfect their techniques, Plose has a well-organized ski and snowboard school. It offers tailored programs not only for adults, but also for children, with experienced and patient instructors ready to instruct students on how to become proficient skiers.

Fun & Action in Plose

For those seeking excitement, Plose offers the illuminating RudiRun, one of the longest toboggan runs in the Dolomites. And for those who want some excitement, there are the Fun Slopes and Snowparks, with various facilities for jumps and snowboarding tricks.

Beyond skiing, Brixen also offers a rich program of winter events for the whole family. Between Christmas markets, ice skating, and alternative winter sports, Brixen knows how to keep you entertained during the winter.

Discover Brixen for your next winter trip. No matter if you are a beginner, an expert skier or simply a lover of snow and mountains, Brixen will meet your expectations!

Brixen, offers a wide range of accommodations for all tastes and budgets. Popular options include hotels, guesthouses, apartment rentals and campgrounds, many of which offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Again, as in many locations in the Alps, it is definitely advisable to book early to get the best possible choice.

Whatever your travel style or budget, Brixen has something to offer to ensure a memorable stay.

Brixen is easily accessible from various locations in Italy and abroad, thanks to the city’s excellent transportation network.

If you are traveling by car, Bressanone is located near the A22 (Brenner-Modena) highway, and the nearest exit is “Bressanone-Val Pusteria.”

For those who prefer to travel by train, the Brixen train station is located along the Brenner line, which connects Verona to Innsbruck and Munich.

There are direct trains from Milan, Verona, Bolzano and Innsbruck.

If you are traveling by air, however, the nearest airports are Innsbruck Airport (Austria) about 80 km away, Verona Valerio Catullo Airport about 200 km away, and Venice Marco Polo Airport about 290 km away.

From these airports, you can rent a car, use private transfer services or take trains and buses to reach Brixen.

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