A scenic view of a European town with churches, nestled among green hills and mountains. - Hotel Sun
 

Bressanone holidays: sights and excursions in the surrounding area

Discover Bressanone & its surroundings

Bressanone is many things at once. A bishop’s town, a university town, one of the oldest towns in Tyrol. And yet it feels light and friendly.The old town with its narrow streets, arcades, churches and squares, tells its story in a relaxed and welcoming way. Added to this are museums, monasteries, castles and other special places in the Isarco Valley: varied and easy to reach.

Bressanone: a jewel with history

The historic centre of Bressanone, only 7 km from the hotel, is perfect for exploring on foot. Winding streets, the arcades, small squares and cafés give the town its rhythm and flair. History is visible at every turn, yet never overwhelming. The cathedral with its cloister, the Hofburg palace or one of the many guided tours open different perspectives on the town – classic or slightly unusual. There is always time to browse or stroll, stop for a drink or simply linger and enjoy. Bressanone is compact, lively and easy to combine with your holiday plans. A visit to the town, fits naturally into your stay – whether for a few hours or an entire day.

A stone clock tower rises above pastel buildings and statues under a blue sky. - Hotel Sun People walking under colorful frescoed arches in a historic cloister with columns and sunlight streaming in. - Hotel Sun A smiling couple shops at an outdoor market, looking at items on a table. - Hotel Sun A festive Christmas market with lights and crowds in a European town square at dusk, beside a large church. - Hotel Sun

Culture & excursions in the Isarco Valley

  • Mineral museum in Tiso: insights into alpine rock and crystal worlds.
  • Bressanone Arcades: arcaded walkways with small shops and cafés in the old town.
  • Sabiona abbey & Chiusa: the historic abbey hill above the artists’ town of Chiusa.
  • Vipiteno & Brunico: two charming small towns with medieval centres.
  • Bolzano: South Tyrol’s capital – culture, museums and city life.
  • Castel Rodengo castle: high above the valley, famous for the Iwein frescoes.
  • Forte di Fortezza fortress: a vast complex combining history, architecture and exhibitions.

Our tips for Bressanone & the surrounding area

A man and woman walk arm in arm outdoors, smiling and carrying shopping bags. - Hotel Sun Statue in foreground with a stone clock tower and blue sky in the background. - Hotel Sun Woman in a black dress sits on a stone ledge by a bridge, with buildings in the background. Shopping bags beside her. - Hotel Sun

Experience tours through Bressanone

City tours with a difference: themed walks such as “Von Hexen, Henker und Halunken” (Of Witches, Executioners and Rogues), “Von Apothekern, Giftmischern und Wunderheilern” (Apothecaries, Poisoners and Miracle Healers) or “Auf den Spuren des Elefanten” (In the Footsteps of the Elephant) bring history to life – with costumes, stories and surprising details.

A grand church with twin towers, clock faces, and blooming trees in front on a sunny day. - Hotel Sun

Bressanone Cathedral with cloister

The cathedral shapes the cityscape. Inside, coloured glass windows, frescoes and paintings come together, while the cloister displays a remarkable collection of medieval wall paintings. During Advent, the cathedral square also becomes the setting for the Bressanone Christmas Market.

Two people view a large, detailed Renaissance painting in an art museum. - Hotel Sun

Diocesan Museum & Nativity Museum in the Hofburg

The former prince-bishop’s residence now houses artworks from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods. The  collection is complemented by the Nativity Museum, home to one of the largest nativity scene collections in South Tyrol.

Historic courtyard with a central gazebo, clock tower, and white buildings under a partly cloudy sky. - Hotel Sun

Novacella Abbey

Located just outside Bressanone, Novacella Abbey is one of the most important monastic complexes in Tyrol. The library, abbey church, pinacotheca and monastery gardens offer insights into both the history and the present life of the abbey. In the abbey cellar, wines from the surrounding vineyards can also be tasted.

Pathway in a garden with blooming pink cherry blossoms and neatly trimmed hedges under an overcast sky. - Hotel Sun

Hofburg Bressanone & Hofgarten

The Hofburg is one of the defining buildings of the city and served for centuries as the residence of the prince-bishops. Today it houses the Diocesan Museum with artworks from various periods. The adjacent Hofgarten with its old trees and peaceful paths, invites you to take a relaxing break in the heart of Bressanone.

Everything you would like to know.

How far is it to Bressanone?

From Natz-Schabs, it is only around seven kilometres to the episcopal town of Bressanone. The town is quickly reached by car or bus and makes the perfect destination for a relaxed day trip.

What are the most popular excursion destinations around Bressanone and the hotel?

Popular excursion destinations include the old town of Bressanone, Neustift Monastery, Rodenegg Castle, the artists’ town of Chiusa, as well as the historic towns of Vipiteno and Brunico. Bolzano, with its museums and arcades, is also only about an hour away by car – ideal destinations for your holiday in Bressanone.

Which sight should you not miss in Bressanone?

A true highlight is Bressanone Cathedral with its ornate cloister. Also well worth seeing are the Hofburg with the Diocesan Museum and Nativity Museum, as well as the traditional Christmas market in winter.

What can you do in Bressanone’s old town?

In Bressanone’s old town, charming lanes with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants await you. A stroll beneath the arcades or along the Eisack promenade is especially lovely – culture, enjoyment, and relaxation all in one.

Are there shopping facilities and pharmacies near the hotel?

Shopping facilities such as a supermarket are located directly in the village of Naz, while the nearest pharmacy can be reached in just a few minutes in neighbouring Sciaves.

What can I do in Brixen and the Eisack Valley when the weather is bad?

When it rains, a visit to the Acquarena adventure pool with sauna and wellness area or to the Hofburg with its exhibitions is well worth it. A walk through the covered arcades or a stop at a café also make Bressanone enjoyable in any weather.