Bressanone, 10 things to do in the incredibly charming town of the South Tyrol

25.11.2024.

If you’re exploring the Dolomites, Bressanone/Brixen would put a spell on you to stay longer and return quickly. This alluring town is also a wonderful base for mountaineering, including the fairy Alpe di Suisi or Val di Funes. Being the oldest town of South Tyrol, Bressanone is full of amazing sights, lovely shops and promenades.

As a bilingual area of Italy, Bressanone holds its German name- Brixen. Once a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Bressanone blends the German charm and Italian spirit.

Merano enchanted me years ago with its flowery treasures and Bressanone is its marvelous twin town. Every corner of Bressanone speaks with allure as you pass by lovely sculptures and architecture.

Come with me to Bressanone and discover the sweetness it bursts with.

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Hofburg Palace

A sweet little town with a royal palace- sounds incredible but appealing. It was a rainy day, perfect to explore the exquisite wonders of the Hofburg Palace.

Just across the main square lies this imposant building which was an episcopal residence in the 13th century. The bishops of Bressanone had here the administrative center and summer retreat.

After the bishop’s seat was transferred to Bolzano in 1973, the palace became the Diocesan Museum.

In over 70 rooms we can testify to the impressive artwork. The Court Church captivates the essence of this marvelous piece of history.

Herrengarden court garden

You can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in this little garden near the Hofburg Palace. Filled with flowers almost the whole year, it’s an elegant oasis inside Bressanone. As you stroll from the train station through the hidden archway, you’ll be welcomed to the marvels of the town.

Portici street

In the lovely labyrinth of Bressanone’s streets, two of them hold a special medieval charm. With the gentle shine of pastel colours, Via dei Portici Maggiori and Via dei Portici Minori unveil the historical treasure. Exploring the cute boutiques and ice cream shops is their essence and you’ll surely enjoy some of the skiing shops.

Finding a wooden statue of the three-headed man hidden of the windows is a sign of the tradition. It speaks of a wild man who expells golden coins at Christmas.

Stufels- the old town of Bressanone

At the conjunction of the two rivers (Rienz and Eisack) lies Stufels, the oldest district of Bressanone. It’s a hidden gem taking origins in the Neolithic period.

After crossing the Aquila bridge and the historical center, you’ll arrive at Stufels with its maze of narrow streets. Admiring the artistic shops and galleries, you’ll discover the soul of Bressanone.

The influence of two rivers Eisack and Rienz

I had no idea about the two rivers, but it’s one of the reasons to return to Bressanone. Following the lovely river promenade after the bridge as you cross the historical center arrives this fantastic conjunction.

In the past many floods occurred in Bressanone because of the two rivers, now regulating the Rap Gardens.

In May, the Water Light Festival celebrates this fact.

Wandering in the quietness here, you’ll admire the charming buildings in Bressanone.

Cathedral & the Cloister

Bressanone has a stunning Cathedral whose interior will leave you speechless. Dating back to the 10th century and renovated in the 18th, the Cathedral beautifully dominates the city’s heart.

Unfortunately, I went only to the Cloister, but the Cathedral has impressive Baroque paintings and carvings. Inside, the Murano chandeliers outline the beauty of this Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta.

Outside the Cathedral lies the beautiful Cloister with the frescoes in the Romanesque style. The scenes from scriptures fill the ceilings and in one corner you’ll find the ancient elephant.

Take pictures at Ponte Aquila (Adler bridge)

It’s a picturesque place with a fantastic view of the Old Town and the Tower of the St. Michael Church. Connecting Strufels with the Old Bressanone, it’s an awesome picture postcard from the town. The White Tower has 43 bells and 200 stairs up.

With the origins in 1233 made from timber, Ponte Aquila was re-constructed as an iron bridge in 1883.

Visit the Pharmacy Museum

Taking you into the ancient world of remedies, the Pharmacy Museum will also unveil splendid murals and tiles. This little museum covers the rare medicaments that will unfold the the incredible past of Bressanone. Existing only from 2002, you will see interesting jars, molds for suppositories and similar.

Novacella Abbey

Novacella Abbey is another gorgeous surprise I had no idea about. In the suburb of Bressanone, Vahrna, you can enjoy the elegant architecture of this Augustinian Monastery.

With its origins in 1142 and mountain settings, Novacella shines the cultural enrichment of the area. Surrounded by the picturesque vineyards, you can also try their vine in the abbey’s cellars.

The incredible Baroque interior of the abbey is not the only that will allure you. Visiting Museum and its fascinating library is simply breathtaking.

Acquarena

Acquarena is a fun surprise in Bressanone, especially if you’re doing some summer hikes. Lying close to the Elephant Hotel, it will bring you fun times with the outdoor and indoor pools. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy 6 different saunas and the whirpool.

Hiking around- Plose, discover Bressanone’s local mountain

With the treasure of hiking activities, Plose will enchant you in all seasons. Particularly popular is Woodywalk, a  family hiking trail taking slightly more than 5 km.

Arriving to Plose is quite easy and takes about 50 minutes with the direct bus from Bressanone. From the last station at the Palmschoss follow the route behind the hotel.

Seeing the fantastic wooden boat in the forest unveiled my spirit of island girl and decision to visit the Woodywalk. You will not even need to pay for the cable car, though you can also reach the trail from the gondola station.

Admiring the marvelous mountain scenery is ready for you with the frames of Woodywalk here at 2500m. This pleasant walk will take you to the lodge Rossalm where you can enjoy the delicious breakfast or lunch.

What else to do on Plose except Woodywalk

Plenty of surprises await at Plose to start your mountain adventures from the ride in Plosebobe, mountaincarts and biking trails.

The Plose looping at the gondola station will be your perfect adrenaline experience thanks to the gorgeous views. Whether you like rock climbing or just hiking, the spectacular views make your adventure more cozy.

Your scenic adventure might include the Dolomites High Route N.2 from Brixen to Feltre. Full of myths and legends, you’ll get a new perspective of the Dolomites mountains and valley.

Zirmweg is convenient for families, being mostly flat leading you from Kreuztal station to Ochensalm.

Starting at Telegraph (2486m), the Drei-Gipfel Wanderung will take you to the pleasant path towards the panoramic views.

Where to stay in Bressanone

Budget-friendly:

Ostello di Bressanone– awesome breakfast, cozy rooms but you have to book by email;

Hotel Gruner Baum– relaxing hotel with an outdoor and indoor pool, wellness facilities and amazing restaurant in the heart of Bressanone;

Hotel Jarolim– lovely hotel in the historical building near the railway station with the pool;

Hotel Elephant– amazing hotel in the historic building with a pool and two restaurants, plus charming garden;

Mid-range:

Boutique Hotel Badhaus– adults-only hotel with fantastic breakfast;

Luxury:

Santre Dolomythic Home– located 7 km from the train station you can enjoy awesome pool and food;

Final thoughts

Bressanone is one of the cutest towns that I visited as on every corner you can feel this allure. Your Dolomites journey will be enriched with the essence of the local towns such as Bressanone.

Its beauty in autumn gets a new note and you have to try the local, handmade strudels. Bressanone is a feast to the relaxing travel that will recharge you in the full sense.

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