Brixen

A charming medieval city in South Tyrol (Italian Tyrol) featuring a stunning cathedral, historic prince-bishops' palace, and a beautifully preserved Old Town with Italian flair. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring the Puster Valley and surrounding Dolomite peaks.

Things to do

• Brixen Cathedral — Marvel at the stunning Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with its ornate interior, intricate frescoes, and the famous Prince-Bishop's tomb in the heart of the Old Town.
• Prince-Bishop's Palace — Tour the elegant Renaissance palace that once housed the powerful prince-bishops, featuring ornate courtyards, period rooms, and exhibits on regional history.
• Old Town Wandering — Stroll through narrow medieval streets lined with colorful facades, hidden courtyards, and Italian Renaissance architecture that defines Brixen's charming character.
• Plose Mountain Cable Car — Ascend 2,575 meters via the modern cable car to enjoy panoramic views of the Dolomites, hiking trails, and mountain meadows.
• Monastery of Novacella — Visit this Augustinian monastery just north of the city, known for its wine production, Gothic cloister, and serene vineyard setting in the Puster Valley.
• Puster Valley Cycling — Explore the scenic valley on well-marked bike trails that connect mountain villages and offer easy access to both cultural sites and Alpine landscapes.

Food to try

• Casunziei — Half-moon shaped pasta parcels filled with potato, spinach, or cheese and traditionally served with melted butter, sage, and Parmesan—a signature South Tyrolean dish.
• Speck Alto Adige — Cured pork ham specific to South Tyrol, sliced thin and served as an appetizer, often paired with local bread and mountain cheese.
• Canederli — Hearty bread dumplings filled with speck and herbs, served in broth or with melted butter—a warming traditional comfort food.
• Äpfelstrudel — Apple strudel with flaky pastry and spiced apples, often served warm with vanilla sauce or fresh cream at local bakeries and cafés.
• Novacella Wine — Sample crisp white wines from the nearby monastery vineyard, particularly the Müller-Thurgau and Grüner Veltliner varieties that pair perfectly with local cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Bilingual Signage — South Tyrol is officially bilingual (German and Italian), so you'll see place names and signs in both languages—Brixen is called Bressanone in Italian.
• Aperitivo Tradition — Join locals for the late-afternoon aperitivo hour when cafés serve complimentary snacks with drinks; it's a cherished social ritual in Brixen's piazzas.
• Sunday Closing — Many shops and some restaurants close on Sunday afternoons, so plan ahead and embrace the slower pace of a traditionally Catholic Alpine community.
• Mountain Respect — The local culture deeply values outdoor pursuits and Alpine traditions; always stay on marked trails, respect private property, and dress warmly even in summer for mountain activities.

Nearby

• Sella Ronda — 27 km
• Cortina d'Ampezzo — 41 km
• Stubaital — 58 km
• Zillertal — 63 km