Heres how to plan a trip to Brixen, a charming Italian mountain town.
The storied history is just one of a plethora of reasons to experience the destination, though.
Best Hotels and Resorts
Courtesy of Small Luxury Hotels
Forestis
Everything aboutForestisis purposeful and narrative-driven.
Christmas Market in Brixen, Italy.Credit:Juergen Sack/Getty Images
The stone pine juice you receive at check-in purportedly aids in relaxation.
Fink
Recommend by Rabensteiner,Finkis a more centrally located hotel just steps from the Brixen Cathedral.
Things to Do
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Visit the Brixen Cathedral and the Cloister of Brixen.
Guest room at Forestis.Courtesy of Small Luxury Hotels
Though the cathedrals history is traced to 980, the current Baroque structure was built in the mid-1700s.
Both buildings are unique, especially the cloister with its wonderful frescoes, she adds.
Spend an afternoon at a winery.
Plose Ski Resort in Bressanone, Italy.traumlichtfabrik/Getty Images
Everyone should visit a local wine producer, says Kofler.
The Isarco Valley, where Brixen is located, is particularly famous for white wine.
While there, youll want to stop by the wine shop.
Empty restaurant tables.Johnny Maroun/Getty Images
It is a must after learning about their wine production, Kofler adds.
Experience sauna culture.
Head to the slopes of Mount Plose.
Puez Geisler near Bressanone, Italy.aletheia97/Getty Images
Theres also a handful of lodges and mountain restaurants for mid-day meals and apres-ski activities.
Admire the art and architecture of the Hofburg.
The Hofburgis the former residence of the bishops of Brixen, and Rabensteiner says its an absolute must.
Best Shopping
Its safe to say you wont leave Brixen empty-handed.
Rabensteiner has a list of favorites, includingKererfor household goods and theWegerbookstore and print shop.
(Note: The cheese shop is just down the road in Varna.)
Nowadays it is home to beautiful shops and boutiques, Kofler explains.
Both Kofler and Rabensteiner sing high praises of theFink restaurant.
Finsterwirt
For an authentic culinary experience, Kofler suggestsFinsterwirt, a Brixen favorite since 1870.
Like many restaurants in town, Finsterwirt leans on local ingredients and seasonal produce.
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In winter, Brixen is bathed in Christmas lights, Rabensteiner says.
Both the Christmas market and light show go through early January, ushering in the ski season.
How to Get Around
Brixen is highly walkable, especially if youre sticking around the city center.
