Bressanone

Bressanone or Brixen is the third biggest city of South Tyrol with its 21,000 inhabitants and stands next to the Isarco River in the same valley of Chiusa. The common elements of South Tyrolean cities are also visible in Bressanone, such as arcaded walkways, churches, monasteries and vineyards. A unique attraction of Bressanone is its main square, wide and dominated by the majestic Romanesque Cathedral. In fact, it doesn’t look like anything else we have seen in South Tyrol, with its two towers and a mix of Gothic and Baroque elements. This is also the square where the Christmas market is held, making Bressanone a not-to-be-missed destination along the Christmas route. Besides apples and grapes, there are chestnuts grown in the forests of the nearby mountains. A little bit further north is found the fort of Fortezza where art exhibits and events are held.
Bressanone can act also as a great base camp for hiking and skiing in the many mountain resorts in the surroundings. The cycling route leading to Chiusa reaches Brixen also and connects the Brenner Pass at the border with Austria to Bolzano, along a previous railway track. The 42 km distance is not demanding and can be completed in around 2.5 hours. If you are not that adventurous, Brixen is also well connected with Bolzano by train.