Valle Isarco – Where monasteries and vineyards tell stories
Discover the Eisack Valley (Valle Isarco) – South Tyrol's green heart between Brenner and Brixen
A valley full of contrasts
The Eisack Valley winds its way through the heart of South Tyrol like a green lifeline – from the alpine heights of Brenner down to the episcopal cultural city of Brixen. Nestled between the Sarntal Alps in the west and the Pfunderer Mountains in the east, this region combines everything that makes South Tyrol so special: imposing mountains, centuries-old monasteries, picturesque villages, first-class vineyards and a culinary diversity that is second to none. The valley is a melting pot of cultures, where German and Italian influences blend harmoniously.
🏰 Cultural treasures – history you can touch
The Eisack Valley is rich in historical buildings and sacred art treasures that bear witness to an eventful past.
Cultural highlights in the Eisack Valley:
- Brixen: The oldest town in Tyrol with its imposing cathedral and Romanesque cloister full of medieval frescoes
- The Neustift Monastery near Brixen – an Augustinian monastery inhabited since 1142 with magnificent Baroque rooms and a monastery winery
- The Franzensfeste – an imposing 19th-century fortress with a museum and cultural events
- The Diocesan Museum in Brixen with sacred art and the famous nativity scene collection
- Rodenegg Castle with the oldest secular fresco cycle in the German-speaking world (around 1200)
- Velthurns Castle – a Renaissance jewel with magnificent interiors
- The parish church of Klausen with Gothic works of art and the Loreto treasure
🍷 Wine culture – fine wines from alpine heights
The Eisack Valley is South Tyrol's northernmost and highest wine-growing region. The steep vineyards between 400 and 1,000 metres above sea level produce exceptional wines.
Wine highlights in the Eisack Valley:
- Eisack Valley white wines: World-class wines such as Sylvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Veltliner and Kerner
- The Neustift Abbey Winery – one of the oldest wineries in the world (since 1142)
- Eisack Valley Winery in Klausen with modern wine shops and tastings
- The Eisack Valley Wine Route – a picturesque route through vineyards and wine villages
- Buschenschänke: Traditional wine taverns serving homemade specialities
- Vineyard hikes with panoramic views and tastings directly at the winemaker's
🥾 Summer activities – experience pure nature
The side valleys of the Eisack Valley are true natural gems with untouched landscapes and pristine mountains.
Popular summer activities:
- Hiking: Over 1,000 km of marked hiking trails – from leisurely valley trails to high alpine tours
- Mountaineering: Challenging tours in the Pfunderer Mountains and on the Wilde Kreuzspitze (3,132 m)
- Cycling: The Eisacktal Cycle Path from Brenner to Bolzano (95 km) along the river
- Mountain biking: Trails in the Lüsner Valley and around the Villanderer Alm
- Climbing: Climbing gardens in Vahrn and Mühlbach
- Via ferrata: The Günther Messner Steig near Villanders
- Fishing: Fly fishing in the crystal-clear Eisack river (licence required)
- Rafting & kayaking: White water action on the Eisack river
- Themed trails: The Keschtnweg (chestnut trail) near Feldthurns and geological nature trails
❄️ Winter activities – all kinds of fun in the snow
In winter, the surrounding ski resorts and the valley itself offer a wide range of winter sports.
Winter highlights in the Eisack Valley:
- Ski resorts: Plose near Brixen (42 km of slopes), Rosskopf near Sterzing, Gitschberg-Jochtal (44 km)
- Cross-country skiing: Villanders Cross-Country Skiing Centre with 30 km of groomed trails
- Ski touring: Classics such as the Wilde Kreuzspitze or the Sandjöchl Tour
- Snowshoeing: Guided tours through the wintery Pfunderer Valley
- Winter hiking: Cleared paths along the Eisack and on sunny high plateaus
- Tobogganing: The 5 km long Vals toboggan run and other natural toboggan runs
- Ice skating: Natural ice rink in Brixen and covered ice rink in Sterzing
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Romantic excursions through snow-covered valleys
🏘️ Picturesque places – villages with character
The Eisack Valley is home to charming villages that invite you to linger and explore.
Places worth seeing in the Eisack Valley:
- Brixen: Bishopric with over 1,000 years of history, Mediterranean flair and a magnificent old town
- Klausen: Artists' village with winding alleys and the Törggelen centre of South Tyrol
- Sterzing: Historic trading town on the Brenner Pass with a medieval townscape
- Vahrn: Quiet village with Neustift Monastery and vineyards
- Villanders: Sunny high plateau at 880 m with views of the Dolomites
- Feldthurns: The ‘village of chestnuts’ at the foot of the Villanderer Alm
- Mühlbach: Traditional mining village at the entrance to the Pfunderer Valley
🏔️ Side valleys – hidden natural paradises
The side valleys of the Eisack Valley are retreats for nature lovers and offer unspoilt mountain scenery.
Side valleys worth discovering:
- The Pfunders Valley: Wildly romantic high mountain valley with unspoilt mountain farms
- The Lüsen Valley: Quiet side valley with alpine farming and untouched nature
- The Villnöß Valley: Gateway to the Geisler Group with St. Magdalena – the most photographed mountain village
- The Altfasstal Valley: Quiet valley with traditional agriculture
- The Vals Valley: Secluded mountain valley with great hiking opportunities
🏨 Accommodation – Hospitality with tradition
Genuine Tyrolean hospitality awaits you in all categories of accommodation in the Eisack Valley.
Accommodation options:
- Wellness hotels: Modern spa hotels with alpine treatments and panoramic views
- Traditional hotels: Historic inns with centuries of history
- Farms: Farm holidays with regional products and animals
- Family hotels: Child-friendly accommodation with childcare and entertainment programmes
- Holiday flats: Self-catering apartments in villages and mountain farms
- B&Bs & Garni: Cosy small accommodation with personal service
🎭 Traditions & customs – Living culture
The Eisack Valley cherishes its traditions and celebrates festivals and customs throughout the year.
Traditional events:
- Törggelen (October-November): Culinary customs in wine taverns
- Almabtriebe: Festively decorated cows return from the alpine pastures in autumn
- Brixner Eisack Valley Wine Festival: Tasting fine wines in September
- Sterzing Town Festival: Medieval market and historical parades
- Advent in the Eisack Valley: Atmospheric Christmas markets in Brixen and Sterzing
- Villander Kirchtag: Traditional folk festival with music and traditional costumes
✨ Your Eisack Valley experience
Whether you are hiking through vineyards, breathing in history within monastery walls, standing on alpine peaks or stopping off for the Törggelen tradition – the Eisack Valley combines nature, culture and enjoyment to create an authentic South Tyrol experience. Here you can experience the original Tyrol in its most beautiful form.
Discover the Eisack Valley – where tradition and nature form an inseparable unity! 🍷
