Italy | Bressanone (Brixen) during the Mountain Bike Festival: 5 reasons for a vacation in the oldest town in Tyrol

During our journey through a fairytale-like area, we came face to face with Bressanone (Brixen). When did we arrive? Right at the festival. Mountain Bike Festival.

The golden autumn of South Tyrol is the season of cycling. The festival centred around the bicycle, has been organized for 10 years right in the heart of the city, at Piazza Duomo and the adjacent areas, sponsored by Bosch. Dozens of exhibitors eagerly await to showcase their products for the upcoming season. Bicycles and accessories can not only be seen but also tested for free: a marked test track, other officially announced routes, tours with regional guides, and the versatile Bike Park on Plose offer the perfect opportunity for this. This year (2023), the Mountain Bike Festival was held from September 21st to 24th.

5 Reasons for a Vacation in Bressanone

Culture and Attractions

Welcoming and vibrant, that’s how I would describe the oldest town in Tyrol in just a few words. Founded over 1,000 years ago as an ecclesiastical principality, Bressanone preserves the traces of its long history. The historic buildings, especially the grand Episcopal Palace and the impressive 10th-century cathedral, narrate the city’s past.

Brixen’s cultural scene is creative and exhilarating. The old town is incredibly charming, and a stroll along its labyrinthine alleys is worthwhile. Must-visit places include Via Portici, bordered by ancient buildings, and the picturesque alleys winding through Stufels, the city’s old district. If you have time, step into the Pharmacy Museum, which boasts a collection of tools recounting 400 years of medicine.

Plose, a ski and hiking area, is just a stone’s throw away

Just a stone’s throw from the city lies Plose, the paradise of winter sports: skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, with the longest downhill ski slope in Alto Adige: Trametsch.

Winter for skiers, summer for hikers: Plose is a haven for mountain trail lovers; the countless hiking trails offer fantastic views of the Dolomites. Even mountain bike enthusiasts find adventure and satisfaction here.

Mediterranean and Alpine culinary delights, complemented by good wines

While savouring a glass of white wine from the local vineyards, you can’t help but fall in love with the hospitality of South Tyrol. Because, yes: there’s no better way to get to know the traditions, customs, and secret recipes of the area than over a glass of Sylvaner and a generous plate of regional dishes served in a warm atmosphere.

Interesting events throughout the year

Mild climate

I’m crazy about Italian sandwiches (panini), so a panini con speck was exactly what I needed to satisfy my hunger. I found it at Speck Am Tor. Super tasty.

How to Reach Bressanone (Brixen)?

Bressanone (Brixen) is located in the Isarco Valley, in the Trentino Alto Adige area. If you’re coming by car from the north, Munich – Rosenheim – Kufstein (A 12 Inntalautobahn, toll road) – Innsbruck (A 13 Brenner Autobahn, toll road) – Brenner (A 22 Brenner Autobahn, toll road) – Vipiteno – exit Bressanone/Varna.

Where can you park your car?

Parking 1 Bressanone North: Via Brennero near Acquarena (paid);

Parking 2 Garage: Via Dante 13 (near the main road) (paid);

Parking 3 Bressanone South: Via del Laghetto – 20 minutes walk to the centre (free);

Parkgarage Stufles Via Cesare Battisti (paid)’

The nearest airports are Innsbruck (85 km), Bolzano (40 km), and Verona Villafranca (190 km).