Top 11 sights

Discover a real treasure - in over 70 rooms you can find the cathedral's treasure, art from the Middle Ages to the modern times, a cribs collection, an imperial wing with pictures, furniture and china. 

First inhabited in the Neolithic period, Stufels has long been recognised for its favourable location between the Rienz and Eisack rivers. From the Middle Ages until relatively recently, it was home to small-time traders, artisans and servants as well as poorer people looking for cheap housing. Today, many young, upcoming artists have found their creative space here and Stufels has become known as an artists’ quarter. No trip to Brixen is complete without a visit to Stufels to discover its unique charm.

The Cathedrale Square is the heart and the centre of the city. Originally an Ottonian building with Romanesque restructuring of the nave and aisles around 1200, of the crypt, the 3 apses and the 2 towers of the facade. The new baroque building from 1745-1754 with frescoes by Paul Troger and the high altar by Theodor Benedetti. Classical entrance hall by Jakob Pirchstaller around 1783.

Splendid Romanesque building with vaults of the 14^th century and magnificent frescoes either of the 14^th or of the 15^th century, which show the development of the medieval art. A first-class sight.

Brixen was frequently hit by floods in the past. The unfortunate confluence of the rivers Rienz and Eisack favored this. Therefore, after the great flood of 1882, the confluence was regulated. Now the Rienz and Eisack rivers meet at the southern part of the Rapp gardens, which were created as part of the regulation. To underline this great step and the importance of water for Brixen, the annual Water Light Festival in May features an installation at the confluence.

This masterpiece of Austrian military architecture, whose construction began in 1833 under Emperor Franz I., was opened after just five years by Emperor Ferdinand I. in 1838. But its strategic importance and thus its reason for existence had already been lost by this time. The enormous efforts and horrendous cost were all in vain. The huge fortress was from then on only useful as a depot and over a century and a half fell into a slumber as a closely guarded military facility.

The two arcaded streets will charm you with a variety of gables and bay windows. The houses, built mostly in the and 15^th and 16^th  century, form with its multitude of shops even today the heart of the shopping city. 

The Augustinian monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Tyrol and is today a centre of formation and arts.

At 2,875 metres high, the majestic Peitlerkofel mountain looks almost close enough to touch from the Plose ski resort. Part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a true sight to behold from afar, but the views from its summit are even more spectacular. 

Just a few minutes' drive from Brixen (7 km), the cable car takes you up the Plose, Brixen's local mountain. Panoramic hikes, fun and games along the Woodywalk and Lorggen family trails and adrenaline kicks on mountain bikes, the Plosebob or mountain carts await you here in Summer.  

In winter, the Plose ski area offers perfect slopes and sunny descents. The slopes not only offer plenty of fun for skiing enthusiasts, winter hikers also enjoy groomed hiking trails, toboggan runs offer variety for the whole family and a ride on the new Plosbob is a must! 

The Adler bridge was first documented in 1233. Originally constructed from timber, it was swept away by floods several times before being rebuilt as an iron bridge in 1883. Today it connects Stufels, the oldest district of Brixen, with the old town. The Adler bridge offers beautiful views towards the old town with its colourful buildings, bustling narrow streets and the striking White Tower of St. Michael Parish Church. It’s well worth stopping to take a quick photo before heading into the town.

Come with us on a journey into the past of a Brixen townhouse with splendid wall panelling, murals and tiled stoves. The house containing the Peer Pharmacy holds a rich store of rare medicaments that relate the diversity and imagination of the healing art. This wonderful little museum is also highly recommended for all lovers of architecture and modern art.