In the heart of Eisack Valley...
...hot on the track of South Tyrolean tradition
In autumn, the South Tyrolean forests and the chestnut groves in Eisack Valley show their true colours, and the famous South Tyrolean apple and grape harvests begin.
Enjoy a long autumn walk and watch the cattle being led back down from the Alpine pastures into the valley. Enjoy the amazing atmosphere during the ceremonial driving down of the cattle from the mountain pastures to the valley and at the numerous autumn festivals in the historic centre of Brixen.
TIP: the Törggelen tradition, which involves a long walk with an en route stop at a tavern, is the established “fifth season” in South Tyrol.
A cultural journey
… back to the age of knights and damsels
Begin your historic journey through South Tyrol in the mediaeval Episcopal city of Brixen, with its city gates, arcades, imperial palace and cathedral – all bearing witness to the glory of days gone by. Numerous museums, palaces, castles and monasteries leave a lasting impression and enchant visitors with their rich history.
PALACES, CASTLES AND FORTRESSES
Rodenegg Castle
With action-packed stories about knights, the sorcerer Mathias Perger, picturesque frescoes and the fortress over Rienz gorge, Rodenegg Castle offers fun and excitement for all the family.
Franzensfeste Fortress
The strongest fortress in Europe, Franzensfeste was built between 1833-1839 and named after Emperor Franz I. Discover interesting historical facts on a guided tour.
MINES AND MINING
Villanders Adventure Mine
The most significant mine in Tyrol.
In recent years, it has been fully renovated and is now open for viewing.
Ridnaun Mine
Back to the past – here in this mining world you can find out all about the work and lives of the miners. Countless mining installations demonstrate the entire mining process and technological progress – the production chain for ore mining, the laborious transportation process out of the valley and ore processing.
MUSEUMS
Teis Museum of Minerals
Discover interesting facts about the famous Teis druse and rock crystals from the Alpine region. Join in one of the many events, such as an adventure walk, a felting workshop or the “Discover the colourful world of agates” event – you won’t regret it!
Bolzano Museum of Archaeology
In the South Tyrolean Museum of Archaeology, you can see Ötzi – the 5000-yr old mummy of the “Tyrolean Iceman” – and all his equipment, exhibited over three floors. Ötzi’s mummified corpse was discovered in 1991 on the edge of Schnalstal glacier.
Golden autumn moments in Eisack Valley...
… the Törggelen tradition
Taverns and inns open their doors and pamper guests with home-made specialities. Try hearty home-made sausages with cabbage, “Erdäpflplattlan” (mini potato pancakes), mezzelune, various types of dumpling and “Keschtn” chestnuts. Dishes are served with the “new wine” and freshly pressed apple juice. The Törggelen tradition also includes a long walk through the South Tyrolean landscape and the chestnut groves.
WALK
Eisack Valley “Keschtnweg” chestnut trail
This signposted trail leads from Brixen along the slopes of Eisack Valley to the Rittner high plateau. When you reach the Bolzano Valley area, you’ll see the picturesque Runkelstein Castle.
The chestnut trail is subdivided into various sections. If you’re looking for a whole day walk, the first section – which begins in Brixen/Neustift and leads to Pinzagen – is ideal.
Start: Neustift/Brixen
End: Runkelstein Castle
Overall distance: 63 km
Subdivided into 4 sections
TAVERN
Köfererhof in Vahrn
- Panorama views over the Brixen valley basin and Neustift Monastery
- This tavern serves Tyrolean dishes and sophisticated white wines from the Köfererhof winepresses
- Ideally situated for autumn walks
TAVERN
Griesserhof in Vahrn
- Enjoying a peaceful location
- Tavern and farm inn
- Tradition and innovation go hand in hand here
- Vintners for many generations