Visit Bressanone Italy: Oldest Episcopal City in the South Tyrol

Visit Bressanone (also called Brixen) and discover one of South Tyrol’s most underrated towns. Surrounded by mountains and vineyards, this small city blends centuries of history with a laid-back alpine vibe. Its old town is filled with arcaded streets, pastel buildings, and quiet piazzas where life moves at a slower pace. You’re never far from a scenic trail or a glass of crisp white wine, especially if you’re visiting an Alto Adige winery nearby. Bressanone is a great base for exploring the northern Dolomites or just enjoying a few easy days between culture and nature.

Visit Bressanone and the top things to do

Wander at Brixen Cathedral

Start your wander in Bressanone at the cathedral square, it’s the kind of spot that immediately sets the mood. The cathedral itself feels more like an art gallery than a place of worship, with its golden arches, high ceilings, and moody frescoes that pull you into another century. Step into the cloister if you’re in the mood for some quiet and shade, the wall paintings alone are worth the detour.

Explore the Hofburg Palace and Diocesan Museum

The Hofburg Palace isn’t just another pretty building, it’s where Bressanone’s past lives loud and proud. Once home to the city’s prince-bishops (yes, they really ruled from here), this palace mixes grand halls, sunny courtyards, and rooms packed with centuries of art, sculptures, and a jaw-dropping nativity scene or two.

Visit the Water Light Festival

Every spring, Brixen flips the switch on ordinary and lights up in the best way possible. During the Water Light Festival, the city’s fountains, alleys, and old facades become glowing canvases thanks to local and international artists. Think dreamy projections, trippy reflections, and a vibe that turns this ancient town into something out of a futuristic fairytale. It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s one of the coolest reasons to visit Bressanone when the days get longer.

Walk to the Cloister of Brixen

Slip away from the buzz of Bressanone’s main square and step into the cloister beside the cathedral — it’s like flipping open a forgotten chapter of Alpine history. Covered in centuries-old frescoes and cool stone archways, this spot isn’t just photogenic, it’s powerful. The mix of silence, faded colors, and stories in the walls makes it feel like a secret hiding in plain sight. Perfect for a quiet moment or a curious wander.

Stroll through the old town

Between pastel facades, Baroque details, and shadowy arcades, every corner feels like it was made to be explored on foot. Duck into quirky boutiques, grab an espresso where the locals hang, and don’t miss the White Tower, climb to the top for views that stretch across rooftops and mountains.

Visit the Augustinian Abbey of Neustift

Just outside Brixen, the Abbey of Novacella blends centuries of history with the pleasures of wine and architecture. Set among vineyards and chestnut groves, this active monastery invites you to explore frescoed chapels, a stunning baroque library, and a working winery that produces some of the region’s best bottles.

Visit Bressanone and the top things to do around

Discover Chiusa and the Chestnut Trail

Less than 30 minutes south of Bressanone, Chiusa (or Klausen) makes you want to slow down and stay a while. Tucked between vine-covered hills and watched over by the hilltop Sabiona Monastery, this tiny town blends medieval vibes with mountain calm. Stroll through its cobbled alleys, stop for a glass of local wine, or head into the hills along the Keschtnweg, the famous Chestnut Trail, especially beautiful in autumn when the colors pop and farmhouses serve hearty chestnut dishes with crisp white wines.

Drive to Vipiteno

Ready for a change of pace? Just a 40-minute drive north of Brixen, the alpine town of Vipiteno (Sterzing) feels like stepping into a storybook, with colorful facades, cobbled alleys, and snow-dusted mountain peaks in the distance. Once a wealthy medieval trading post, it’s now one of the most charming towns in South Tyrol. Visit Vipiteno to explore its iconic Zwölferturm tower, shop local boutiques under the arcades, or enjoy a slow lunch at a cozy Gasthaus. It’s a perfect half-day escape packed with character, history, and a distinctly relaxed vibe.

Hike the trails of Plose

Just 20 minutes from Brixen, the Plose mountain delivers big alpine energy in every season. Summer brings panoramic hiking trails with Dolomite views, while winter turns the slopes into a playground for skiers, snowboarders, and toboggan fans. For something extra, try moonlight skiing or grab a drink at one of the mountain huts after a day outdoors.

Head to Bolzano

Approximately 45 minutes south of Bressanone, Bolzano is the cultural heartbeat of South Tyrol and a must-visit stop for any traveler exploring the region. With its Gothic cathedral, pastel-colored arcades, and vibrant street cafés, the old town mixes Italian flair with Alpine charm in the most effortless way. The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman, is a fan favorite, especially for history buffs. Bolzano wine tours offer the perfect pairing to your city stroll, featuring elegant Lagrein and crisp Gewürztraminer wines grown just outside the city.

Looking for things to do in Bolzano? Start with a market visit, sip your way through local cellars, and wrap it all up with strudel in a sunlit piazza.

Good to know before visiting Bressanone