Greetings, Lykkers! Have you ever dreamed of visiting two countries on a weekend?
The Brenner Pass, straddling the border between Austria and Italy, offers a unique opportunity to do just that.
In this lively guide, we'll take you on a journey through Innsbruck, Austria, and Vipiteno (Sterzing), Italy.
Both cities are rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty, making them perfect for a weekend getaway trip from the Brenner Pass.
<h3>How to Get There</h3>
<b>From Austria (Innsbruck):</b>
By car, it‘s a scenic 30-minute drive via the A13 motorway. Alternatively, the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) offers frequent trains from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to Brennero/Brenner station, with a journey time of around 40 minutes.
<b>From Italy (Bolzano):</b>
You can reach Brennero by car via the A22 motorway, or take a Trenitalia train from Bolzano, which takes approximately 50 minutes. Once you arrive at Brenner, it’s easy to continue your journey to either Innsbruck or Vipiteno.
<h3>Things to Do in Innsbruck</h3>
<b> 1. Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl):</b>
Located in the Old Town, this iconic landmark is a must-see. The Golden Roof is adorned with 2,657 gilded copper tiles, built in the 15th century to mark the wedding of Emperor Maximilian the First.
<b>Cost:</b> Free to view from outside, entry to the museum is around €5
<b>Address:</b> Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck
<b>Opening Hours:</b> Daily, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
<b> 2. Nordkette Cable Car:</b>
For breathtaking views of the Alps, take the Nordkette cable car from the city center to the mountain range.
<b>Cost:</b> Around €38 for a round-trip ticket
<b>Address:</b> Rennweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck
<b>Opening Hours:</b> Daily, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
<b> 3. Hofburg Imperial Palace:</b>
Dive into history with a visit to this 15th-century palace, once the residence of the Habsburgs.
<b>Cost:</b> €9 for adults
<b>Address:</b> Rennweg 1, 6020 Innsbruck
<b>Opening Hours:</b> Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
<h3>Things to do in Vipiteno (Sterzing)</h3>
Just a short drive or train ride from the Brenner Pass, Vipiteno is a picturesque Italian town with a unique blend of Austrian and Italian cultures.
<b> 1. Visit Zwölferturm (Torre delle Dodici):</b>
This medieval tower is a symbol of Vipiteno and offers panoramic views of the town.
<b>Cost:</b> €3
<b>Address:</b> Piazza Città, 39049 Vipiteno
<b>Opening Hours:</b> Daily, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
<b> 2. Multscher Museum:</b>
Explore the works of the Gothic artist Hans Multscher and learn about the town’s history.
<b>Cost:</b> €5 for adults
<b>Address:</b> Via Città Nuova 18, 39049 Vipiteno
<b>Opening Hours:</b> Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
<h3>Accommodation Recommendation</h3>
<b>Hotel Innsbruck (Innsbruck )</b>
For a comfortable stay in Innsbruck, consider the historical Hotel Innsbruck (which was built in 1870). Located in the city center, it offers modern amenities, a spa, and beautiful mountain views even from the city center.
<b>Cost:</b> From €150 per night
<b>Address:</b> Innrain 3, 6020 Innsbruck
<b>Contact:</b> +43 512 59868
<b>Hotel Lilie (Vipiteno)</b>
In Vipiteno, the Hotel Lilie provides a cozy and traditional Italian experience with excellent service and a central location.
<b>Cost:</b> From €120 per night
<b>Address:</b> Via Città Nuova 49, 39049 Vipiteno
<b>Contact:</b> +39 0472 764330
<h3>Dining Recommendation</h3>
<b> Stiftskeller (Innsbruck)</b>
For a delightful dining experience, visit Stiftskeller, offering traditional Austrian cuisine in a historic setting.
<b>Cost:</b> Main courses from €15
<b>Address:</b> Stiftgasse 1, 6020 Innsbruck
<b>Contact:</b> +43 512 570706
<b> Prantneralm (Vipiteno)</b>
Slightly outside Vipiteno, there is Prantneralm, a scenic farmhouse restaurant, ready to highlight your weekend with a breathtaking mountain view and a delicious traditional meal.
<b>Address:</b> Fam. Gogl, 39049, Vipiteno, Valle Isarco
<b>Contact:</b> +39 338 495 9084
<b>Website:</b> www.prantneralm.com
<b>Email:</b> info@prantneralm.com
<h3>Useful Tips and Guidance</h3>
<b>Weather Check:</b> Monitor weather forecasts for optimal outdoor activities.
<b>Local Transport:</b> Explore the area with ease using local buses and trains.
<b>Currency:</b> They use Euro (EUR); ATMs are available for cash withdrawals.
<b>Language:</b> German and Italian are commonly spoken; English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Enjoy your journey through the Brenner Pass, exploring the best of Southern Austria and Northern Italy in a relaxing unforgettable weekend!
