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Bressanone

South Tyrol
560m
22,000

About Bressanone

Bressanone (Brixen in German) holds the distinction of being the oldest city in Tyrol, with over 1,000 years of history evident in its well-preserved medieval architecture. The imposing cathedral with its distinctive twin towers dominates the historic center, while the bishop's palace and cloisters showcase centuries of ecclesiastical power. This charming city combines rich cultural heritage with excellent access to mountain adventures, from gentle walks along the Eisack River to challenging hikes on the Plose plateau. The surrounding valleys offer some of the most pristine hiking in South Tyrol.

Highlights

Oldest city in Tyrol (founded 901 AD)
Magnificent Romanesque-Baroque cathedral
Historic bishop's palace and cloisters
Gateway to Plose mountain plateau
Well-preserved medieval old town
Excellent base for valley hiking

Nearby Trails

Plose Summit

Moderate
Cable car access

Eisack Valley Trail

Easy
In town

Klausen Gorge

Easy
15 min by bus

Villnöss Valley

Moderate
30 min by bus

Quick Facts

Languages:German, Italian
Best Time:April-October for hiking, December for Christmas markets
Currency:Euro (€)

Transportation

Train Connections:

  • Bolzano (45 min)
  • Innsbruck (1.5h)
  • Munich (4h)
  • Verona (3h)

Local Transport:

Regional buses to valleys and cable car stations

Where to Stay

Luxury

Mid-Range

Budget

Where to Eat

€€€

Traditional South Tyrolean

€€€

Historic restaurant

€€€€

Fine dining

€€

Pizza & casual

Cultural Attractions

Bressanone Cathedral
Bishop's Palace and Cloisters
Diocesan Museum
Pharmacy Museum
Historic Old Town

Ready to Explore Bressanone?

Discover the trails accessible from this beautiful base camp