A cathedral with imposing twin steeples, winding alleys, and a wonderful frame of mountains and vineyards – Bressanone/Brixen is all this, and more. Welcome to the oldest town in Tyrol, a unique blend of historic treasures and stunning natural surroundings!
As the former residence of the prince-bishops and a gateway to the south, Bressanone/Brixen has always enjoyed a pivotal position in the history of South Tyrol. Architectural gems like the cathedral district, the Hofburg palace, the White Tower, the old town arcades and the ancient Stufels quarter all bear witness to the town’s interesting past. Here, at the meeting point of the Eisack and Rienz rivers, spiritual and secular powers also met, giving birth to a unique symbiosis. Just as the ever-present influence of the prince-bishops shaped the town and its fate, so did the visits of prominent personalities such as Mozart, Austrian royalty and even an exotic elephant named Soliman.
The small villages that surround Bressanone/Brixen, like Elvas, Varna/Vahrn, Fortezza/Franzensfeste and Novacella/Neustift, highlight the area’s agricultural as well as historical diversity. A panoramic road and a cable car connect the town to Mt. Plose – a year-round outdoor paradise offering spectacular hiking trails, ski slopes and a breath-taking view of the valley and the Dolomites.
We, the tourist guides and tourist leader of South Tyrol, will be happy to take you on a discovery journey:
On a 1 ½-hour guided tour around the historic town of Bressanone/Brixen, we will show you everything from the Hofburg palace to the cathedral, with its wonderfully frescoed Gothic cloister. Afterwards, we will visit the charming medieval centre with its arcades, and learn more about life in Bressanone/Brixen, past and present.
Bressanone/Brixen is also an excellent starting point for half-day and one-day tours. Your guides will take you to visit the Pusteria/Pustertal valley and its quaint side valleys (e.g. Val Gardena/Grödnertal and Funes/Villnöß) and spectacular mountain passes. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, are less than an hour away. Bolzano/Bozen – South Tyrol’s main town – is just 40 km away, and other must-see towns such as Vipiteno/Sterzing and Brunico/Bruneck aren’t far, either.
Are you looking for accommodation in the Brixen area?
Get in touch: the team at the Bressanone/Brixen tourist office is happy to assist: Tel. +39 0472 275252; info@brixen.org; www.brixen.org
Find your tourist guide or tourist leader
