Wakacje w Brixen/Bressanone i okolicach

We give our fellow men and women a better understanding of sincere wine through natural sensory perception. We say “less is more”, we deal with our resources gently, and we hope to stimulate reflection. We see the soil in our vineyard as the most important ASSET.

Our task is to protect the vineyards, to create an environment for them in which they feel good. Nevertheless, we have to admit that winegrowing is an intensive form of agriculture. For that reason, we have decided to work together with nature, to stand by the grapevines in support, and consequently to deliver genuine wines year after year.

We strengthen our vines so that they are prepared in advance for changes. We manage 2.5 hectares on gravelly quartz phyllite at elevations between 550 and 700 meters above sea level. In the winery, we intervene as little as possible. No frills, just AUTHENTIC, LIVING WINE. Our wines are juicy, they are quaffable and go down easily. Anyone who drinks our wine ought to eat, laugh, and speak a lot.

The name of the Villscheiderhof in Bressanone is derived from the Ladin language and refers to cutting hay with a sickle. Although that continues to grace the coat of arms of the farm, it is not used so often with winegrowing. At the Villscheiderhof, they focus on the white wine tradition of the Valle Isarco.

Since 1997, Florian Hilpold has run the Villscheiderhof in Bressanone, which he took over from his father, with its steep vineyards with southern and eastern exposures. “The soils here at an elevation of 700 meters are rocky, low in lime, not fertile, and water-permeable, and they produce very interesting wines,” says the winegrower.

The wines to which Florian and also his son Meinrad refer are first and foremost white, primarily Sylvaner, Kerner, and Riesling, which are typical varieties for the Valle Isarco. Some 25,000 bottles leave the winery each year, with part of the production being served up in the family’s own inn which was set up in 2004 in the Villscheiderhof’s former barn. Anyone who tastes the estate’s own wine there will notice that it is a fresh, fruity, elegant white wine with a good sugar to acidity balance. Winegrower Hilpold’s particular pride, though, is the late harvest passito from the Villscheiderhof. “It tastes like honey and candied fruits, an unending reverberation in the nose, an extraordinary combination of roasting aromas and the perfect sugar-acidity relationship,” says Hilpold, describing this particular wine.

When winegrowers go into raptures...

Explore the Rodeneck-Lüsen Alpine Pastures by mountain bike and enjoy vast alpine meadows, breathtaking views, and cozy mountain huts. This tour is perfect for nature lovers seeking a blend of gentle challenge and relaxing stops along the way.

Biking tour through the natural jewel Altfasstal Valley to the Pranterstadl hut (1.833 m) and Wieser hut (1.850 m). From the parking Altfasstal (1.600 m), slightly down to Altfassbach and then always slightly uphill through the valley with two shorter steep steps. The route is rewarded with a breathtaking view to the Fallmetzer and Gaisjoch peak. The mountain bike tour is very easy to combine with subsequent ascent to the Seefeld lakes and the Seefeldspitze peak (2.715 m) as a bike & hike Tour. The way back is the same.

This tour to the Bodenalm is perfect for nature lovers and those looking to explore the Pfunders Valley by mountain bike. The route takes you through picturesque mountain landscapes, offering a balanced mix of challenge and relaxation.

The Rock Line was created from the lower part of the Sky Line in 2024. Sky Line and Rock Line can still be ridden in one go. Just like the Ski Line, the Rock Line is steep and technically demanding and requires very good control, excellent jumping technique and safe driving skills. It starts at the middle station of the Plose gondola lift and ends just before the valley station.

Length: 2.43 km | Altitude difference: 473 m | Average inclination: 19% | Difficulty: black

“Wasserer” is not the German word for someone who waters, but rather the name of a farm in Novale di Fiè which has a view of the southernmost end of the Valle Isarco. The Wassererhof in Fiè allo Sciliar is run by the twin brothers Christoph and Andreas Mock. Christoph takes care of the agriculture (and thus of winegrowing), while Andreas handles the cooking at their Buschenschank farmhouse inn.

The Wassererhof in Fiè was once called “Hof zu Wasser”, meaning that it was close to a spring which promised sufficient water and thus fruitfulness. Built in 1366 by the lords of Lichtenstein, the historical farmhouse fell more and more into a state of disrepair until 1996 when, greatly in need of renovation, it was purchased by Franz Mock, the father of twin brothers.

Because the senior in Coste near Bolzano was running his own estate winery and Christoph had furthermore completed the Technical College of Agriculture, the decision was obvious to also turn the Wassererhof in Fiè into a winegrowing farmhouse. Since that time, Christoph has run it with determination, expert competence, energy, and a philosophy all his own. “Our goal is to create wines with aspirations, beauty, and grace,” he says, “and flowing into this goal is all of our knowledge that has grown over generations and our passion for the vineyard and the cellar.”

It is out of knowledge and passion that a product line has come into existence at the Wassererhof in Fiè that consists of Schiava, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, and Pinot Blanc – wines, in fact, with aspirations, beauty, and grace.

The Jerry Line is really easy. Jerry, the creator of the line who also gave it its name, has never designed it too steep, never too rough and never to tight: It is simply ideal for beginners and kids. There are only 300 metres of difference in elevation from the trailhead to the trail end, but in between are 4.2 km trail fun for the whole family.

 

Level of difficulty: Green – very easy
Novice-friendly line with soft bends and flowing route. There are no artificial obstacles or jumps, the line is also suitable for children. Basic knowledge of mountain bikes required.

This tour offers everything a biker could wish for: varied trails, physical challenges, and spectacular views from the Steiner Mandl Panoramic Platform. Experience the beauty of the Valsertal on two wheels!

For an impressive 27 years, Thomas Dorfmann was the winemaker at the Eisacktaler Winery. A dream job in the wine sector, and yet in 2018, he turned his back on it. The reason for the decision was an even bigger dream: that of his own estate winery.

And that dream was fulfilled on one of the warmest spots in the whole Valle Isarco, at which the former lord over the cooperative winery went independent with the Thomas Dorfmann Estate Winery in Velturno. With two hectares of grape growing areas at an elevation from 550 to 650 meters, the estate winery is small. The vineyards, up to 70 percent of which are steep, are surrounded by dry stone walls and tended only by the Dorfmann family.

“I can bring all of my experience and live out my own wine philosophy in my estate winery,” Dorfmann waxes enthusiastically, “and thus create wines that are specific to the area and the variety: through sustainable working of the vineyards and being extremely protective of quality in the winery.”

Because Dorfmann’s focus lies on typical Valle Isarco varieties, his product line is first and foremost white: Sylvaner, Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling. But Dorfmann also grows and makes Pinot Noir – “a rarity in the Valle Isarco”, as he himself says. And there is another rarity at the Thomas Dorfmann Estate Winery in Velturno: the white wines are delivered with a screw-top. “For me, that is the seal of the future,” the winegrower says.

Experience the Pfunders mountains on two wheels: this varied tour takes you to the Gampielalm and onwards to the Kröll Hut. Enjoy the tranquility of the alpine pastures and breathtaking views. Perfect for adventurers looking to combine nature and a gentle challenge.

From Kreuztal/Valcroche, this enjoyment tour leads up over gravel paths to 2,450 meters, where the Plosehütte is enthroned. The 360 degree view can be enjoyed and explored particularly well at the panoramic table at the telegraph.

This easy family tour begins at the market place in Klausen (parking area nearby) near the north entrance to the town. The cycle path runs directly from here. Head north, mostly along the Eisack, right into Brixen town centre. When you get to the Adlerbrückengasse in Brixen, turn left towards the town centre and on the Domplatz square. Brixen has a wealth of art and architecture, and a good walk through the town is a must. One absolute must-see is the Diocesan museum in the Hofburg castle, which houses countless artistic treasures. For the homeward route, take the same cycle path back to Klausen

Discover the most beautiful alpine huts around Meransen and enjoy a varied mountain bike tour in the South Tyrolean mountains. This is the perfect tour for those seeking a combination of physical challenge and alpine hut charm.

The Sky Line has the longest tradition in the Brixen BikePark. It is really fast, physically demanding and requires very good control, excellent jumping technique and safe driving skills. The line starts at the mountain station of Plose gondola lift and leads to the intermediate station.

Length: 2,43 km | Altitude difference: 411 m | Average inclination: 16% | Difficulty: black

From the bishop's bishop's seat of Brixen with its medieval alleyways, it’s less than ten minutes to the Plose ski area, which stretches over two of the three peaks of the Plose mountain area. Once you’ve arrived at an altitude of over 2,000 m above sea level, a magnificent panorama opens up in all directions. As you ski the southern slopes of the Plose and the Pfannspitze mountains, you’ll have a clear view of the Dolomites’ distinctive rock pinnacles. To the north, the main chain of the Alps towers in the distance. Will you have the courage to venture down the 9-km legendary "Trametsch" valley ski run? Ways to explore the snow-covered landscape are limitless: Hike along the numerous hiking trails and ski tourers will discover untouched powder snow on the slopes of the Gabler in the Puez Geisler Nature Park. On the "RudiRun," one of the longest toboggan runs in South Tyrol, fun is guaranteed for the entire family. From the mountain station to the valley, speed down nearly 10 km and descend 1,000 metres in altitude.

This leisurely bike tour offers top-class views from start to finish. The gravel path, which is shared with hikers along the entire route, starts at the Plose Looping at the mountain station of the Plose cable car and leads along a simple and easy path to the Rossalm, where a stop is definitely worthwhile. The return journey is along the same route.

The Pustertal Valley Bike Route is particularly suitable for bicycle tours and family cycling tours, not only for beginners but also for experts. The paved bike path starts in Rio Pusteria-Mühlbach and leads via the villages of Vandoies di Sotto-Niedervintl, Vandoies di Sopra-Obervintl, Chienes-Kiens, Casteldarne-Ehrenburg and S. Lorenzo-St. Lorenzen to Brunico-Bruneck. This first section is very flat and 25.5 km long.

From Brunico, it takes about Perca-Percha, Valdaora di Sotto-Niederolang, Valdaora di Mezzo-Mitterolang, Valdaora di Sopra-Oberolang, Ried, Villabassa-Niederdorf and Dobbiaco-Toblach to San Candido-Innichen. This second section is again very flat, 33.5 km long, and suitable for everyone.

The third section takes us from San Candido on Versciaco-Vierschach to Prato Drava-Winnebach where you cross the Austro-Italian border. Now follow along the Drava River to Lienz. This last subsection is 44 km long, very easy, and ideal for families. For the return, we can use the train to come back to the starting point. If the total distance is too long, you can also take only a small part of the track, and the rest you can travel by train.

The Gitschberg-Jochtal skiing and Alpine pasture region welcomes guests where the Pustertal valley meets the Eisacktal valley. The lifts connect Mühlbach/Rio di Pusteria in the valley with the villages of Maranza/Meransen and Valles/Vals, both of which are situated at about 1,400 m above sea level. Small wonder that there are three viewing platforms here: More than 500 peaks can be discovered from these vantage points, in particular the Pfunderer Berge mountains, the adjacent Zillertal Alps and the Dolomites. In the Mühlbach skiing and Alpine pasture region, the focus is on families. While little ones attempt their first ski turns at the award-winning children's ski schools, beginners and novices can practice carving on the gentle slopes of Valles. Meanwhile, experienced skiers can carve down the demanding slopes into sunny Maranza. The nearly 7-km toboggan run is definitely not just for kids! Romantics can go on a winter hike through the picturesque Altfasstal valley or to the Fane Alm Alpine farm.

Sterzing, Italy’s northernmost town, invites you to discover its historic old town with splendid bourgeois houses and Gothic churches.
The medieval atmosphere and hiking trails around Reifenstein Castle make Sterzing a truly unique destination.
The cycling route leads via Brixen and the picturesque Eisack Valley to Klausen.

Klausen, with its charming old town, narrow alleys, and historic buildings, is a paradise for explorers.
The route ends in the medieval artists’ town of Klausen, also known for its wine culture – especially worth visiting in spring, when the region’s culinary specialties are in bloom and the inclines are gentle.

Tom Pro and Co. literally rolled up their sleeves when constructing the Palm Pro Line: It is hand built from top to bottom and a dream for fans of challenging lines. The line challenges advanced riders with some features, jumps and steeper passages. The length of 2.5 km is more than impressive for a hand-built line. The Palm Pro Line is one the most difficult lines in Brixen Bikepark and its name stands for the breathtaking view from Palmschoß to the UNESCO world heritage of the Dolomites.

 

Level of difficulty: Red – intermediate
Line built for technically experienced mountain bikers with good braking and cornering technique. Good jumping technique and the ability to master sharp bends is a must. The lines include different types of ground and loose soil.

In addition to unique landscapes, imposing mountains and traditional villages, you can expect different types of terrain: Roads, gravel and forest paths will lead you through the Villnöß valley up to the Dolomite giants of the Odle mountains. Once at their foot, the traditional alpine huts reward you with a cosy atmosphere and South Tyrolean delicacies.

Brixen Bikepark on the Plose has four mountain bike trails varying from very easy to challenging. Three of the four descents were only opened in 2018. They were designed by Gravity Logic, which was founded by the legendary trail building team behind Whistler Mountain Bike Park in Canada. All the trails are superbly maintained, boast some fantastic corners and offer plenty of airtime and riding challenges.
4 lines: 2 difficult, 1 medium, 1 easy
Accessibility: Plose gondola lift, Palmschoß chairlift

The pleasant bike tour to the Pfannspitzhütte is perfect for both mountain bike and e-mountain bike. The tour leads over gravel roads first along trail no. 14. until you turn left after about 1.5 kilometers. Now it continues uphill, turns right at a fork in the road and follows the path straight ahead, which leads directly to the Pfannspitzhütte.

The grapevines that are tended at the Strasserhof Estate Winery in Varna are up to 45 years old. From the grapes of these vines, Hannes Baumgartner, winegrower at the Strasserhof and, at the same time, president of the Independent Winegrowers association, makes youthful-fresh wines. White wines, of course, since we are in the Valle Isarco after all.

The strictly white assortment of the Strasserhof Estate Winery is a thankfully broad one. It ranges from Müller Thurgau and Grüner Veltliner to Sylvaner, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer all the way to Zweigelt. And of course includes Kerner, upon which Baumgartner has placed particular focus. “Our characteristic Valle Isarco wines can without a doubt be described with three attributes: a strong mineral quality, great juiciness, and pleasant, youthful freshness,” Baumgartner says.

Since 2003, he has been producing wine at the Strasserhof, an operation whose history in any case dates back much further. “The farmhouse was already built in the eleventh century,” the winegrower explains. Today, the estate winery encompasses five hectares of vineyards that are distributed over sunny locations with a southwestern exposure at elevations from 650 to 700 meters. “The lightly sandy gravel soils contribute to the elegant, fruity freshness of our wines,” says Baumgartner with conviction.
Thus around 45,000 bottles of white wine are produced each year, for which the chairman of the Independent Winegrowers in Alto Adige has developed a broad market. So today, wines from the Strasserhof are drunk not only in Italy, Austria, and Germany, but also in the Netherlands, Japan, and the USA.

Thanks to a few jumps and some nice back and forth action, the Hammer Line guarantees airtime and variety at a length of 1.9 km and 165 metres of height. This line is sensational – it is awesome fun. The name of the line – Hammer – is the name of the landowner who has allowed Gravity Logic to construct the line in his woods.

 

Level of difficulty: Blue – easy
Line suitable for mountain bikers with safe, advanced riding technique and proficiency in jumping. There are artificial obstacles such as banked curves, wall rides, steep steps and jumps.

With an area of six hectares, the Jöchler famliy at the Tschiedererhof in Varna grows apples, grapes, and vegetables. The grapes are for the most part processed through a cooperative winery, but they make their own interesting wine from a small portion of them. And what is unusual for the Valle Isarco: they are red.

The community of Varna lies on a south-facing glacial moraine in the Valle Isarco which is known in the wine world for its white wines. Sylvaner, Kerner, Müller-Thurgau, Gewürztraminer: they all find the best conditions here and see to it that the northernmost cultivation zone of Alto Adige has established itself on the winegrowing map.

But at the Tschiedererhof, they swim against the stream. Located for more than 200 years on the western side of the Varna glacial moraine, the estate has been in the possession of the Jöchler family for seven generations. They take care of not only the apple plantation and vegetable beds, but also the vineyard that is located at an elevation of around 600 meters. Within that context, “take care of” does not mean “only” a lot of work. It also means having passion in winegrowing. “On our estate, we tend everything ourselves with heart and soul and offer our products for sale in our farm shop,” the family says.

Processing their own raw materials into quality products runs through all of the agricultural areas that are covered by the Tschiedererhof in Varna. And the grapes are no exception – much to the joy of their red wine friends in the Valle Isarco. Or friends of Valle Isarco red wine.

“Good wine requires one thing above all else: character.” This conviction leads Peter Wachtler with his work at the Taschlerhof in Bressanone. Since the early 1990s, this has consisted of making four white wines whose longevity, fruity bouquet, and a trace of the exotic have been attested to.

Wachtler himself asserts that the Taschlerhof at the southern part of Bressanone works “with the right portion of passion and a tiny bit of boldness.” In plain language, that means that he is pleased to exchange information with his winegrowing colleagues throughout all of Europe, but he still follows his own path in the vineyard and the winery.
That all begins in the Taschlerhof’s vineyards at an elevation of over 500 meters, where the not very fertile slate soils, southeastern exposure, and intense rays of the sun are ideal for white wines. Wachtler places great value here upon purposefully reducing the yields and only harvesting the grapes “at their absolute physiological maturity,” since, “Only in that way are the quality and the typical characteristics of the extreme growing locations maintained.”

At the Taschlerhof in Bressanone, the concentration is on four varieties: Sylvaner, Riesling, Kerner, and Gewürztraminer. Around 60 percent are matured in large acacia barrels, and around 40 percent in stainless steel tanks. “My young wines mature through late spring with constant contact with the fine yeast,” Wachtler says, “and for that reason they are only ready to drink by late summer.” Individual wines, as we learn, need time.

The Puster Valley Cycle Path offers a diverse route through the stunning landscapes of South Tyrol. From picturesque villages to the Austrian border, it provides numerous opportunities to experience the nature and culture of the area up close. Whether you are a sporty cyclist or looking for a family-friendly ride, there’s a perfect section for everyone.