Must-sees from Meran to Brixen
There are plenty of things to see in the Eisack Valley, from natural masterpieces to quaint villages and cultural gems. Here is a selection of what you cannot miss while on holiday here at the Pennhof!
- Just a few minutes drive from the charming village of Barbiano is the capital of South Tyrol Bolzano. With its bustling streets and historic squares, the capital is well worth a visit.
- Renaissance and Baroque traditions combine in a most sophisticated way in the episcopal city of Bressanone. Its longstanding history is shown through by significant cultural landmarks and impressive historical buildings.
- Thanks to the mild climate in Texel Group Nature Park, the reputation of Merano as a spa town dates back to the Danube Monarchy in the 19th century. One of the first tourists to enjoy the Mediterranean climate of Merano was the Austrian Empress Elisabeth or "Sisi".
- Today, Sigmundskron Castle in Firmiano above Bolzano is one of five museums established by the mountaineering pioneer Reinhold Messner. The unique castle museum houses a huge permanent exhibition on the mountaineering history.
- On a steep porphyry rock above the roofs of Bolzano towers the spectacular Runkelstein castle, built in 1237. Many medieval tales have been inspired by the castle's splendid fresco cycle.
- This popular destination near Barbiano is named after three Gothic churches that have now been renovated as a farmers’ sanctuary.
- Located at the entrance to Gardena Valley, this former medieval residence was built in a partly Romanesque and Gothic style. The interior consists of sumptuously paneled Renaissance halls from the 15th and 16th century.
- Authenticity and naturalness, quality and tradition still characterise our Christmas markets and from the Hotel Pennhof you can reach them quickly.
Must-sees
From Seiser Alm to Gröden
Known as Europe's largest high plateau, the Seiser Alm enchants locals and guests alike with its vast expanses and the imposing peaks of the Schlern Massif. In summer, the verdant meadows invite for long walks, while in winter, the alpine meadows transform into a romantic snow-covered landscape. To preserve the sustainability of the landscape, the Seiser Alm can only be reached by cable car or shuttle bus.
Must-sees
Gröden, the home of Luis Trenker
Gröden, with its villages St. Ulrich, St. Christina and Wolkenstein, is rustic yet modern. The valley is world famous for its spectacular ski areas, such as the Sellaronda, and its traditional wood carvings. Gröden is one of the few areas where Ladin, a Rhaeto-Romanic language with a history stretching back thousands of years, is still spoken.
Must-sees
Silent contemporary witnesses
Castles and medieval buildings make the Eisack Valley a witness to times past. The Säben monastery, near Klausen, towers on a high hill and is one of the things to see in the Eisack Valley.
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