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Holidays in Franzensfeste

The small village of Franzensfeste in the narrow part of middle Eisacktal Valley was named after the eponymous fortress. Franzensfeste is majorly known as railway junction as well as an ideal place for a travel stopover.

The municipality Franzensfeste is the southernmost village of the Wipptal and it includes also the hamlets Oberau, Mittewald and Grasstein – starting points for many hikes through the surrounding mountains. Due to its central position, Franzensfeste is generally a good point of departure for excursions to all directions, such as to the episcopal city of Brixen, hikes and bike tours.

Franzensfeste
Franzensfeste

Franzensfeste in Wipptal is famous for its historical fortress.

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For active travellers

Franzensfeste is surrounded by steep valley flanks. In the northeast, there are the southern peaks of the Zillertal Alps, whereas the Sarntal Alps can be found in the southwest: both are ideal for magnificent hiking tours and summit experiences. A famous destination for excursions is Lake Puntleider.

Cyclists can access Brenner cycle path directly from Franzensfeste or discover as well the cycle path leading across Pustertal Valley. Climbers will look forward to the climbing park above the fortress.

In winter, the nearby and family-friendly ski areas of Gitschberg Jochtal and Plose offer sunny slopes and modern ski lifts.

Franzensfeste fortress
Franzensfeste fortress

View to the fortress in Franzensfeste

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History & culture in Franzensfeste

The imposing Franzensfeste fortress is located above the water reservoir of the same name. It was built by command of emperor Ferdinand I. during the first half of the 19th century, in order to protect the important north-south-link. Today, the impressive fortress is part of the provincial museums of South Tyrol and shows changing exhibitions for instance. Time and time again, there are concerts and events.

In fact, the area around Franzensfeste has been a transit area much earlier – proved by the remains of the ancient Via Raetia as well as several coins found along the ancient Roman road.

Another place of historical significance can be found a bit north of Franzensfeste, between the districts of Grasstein and Mittewald: the Sachsenklemme. During the Tyrolean freedom fight in 1809, the enemy troops such as Frenchmen, Saxons and Thuringian were lead into trap at this narrow part of Eisacktal by 500 Tyrolean guided by Andreas Hofer. Here, they were welcomed with rocks, tree trunks and bullets. Today, right at this place there is a popular tavern with in-house brewery.

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Hotel & Spa Falkensteinerhof

The hotel in Vals for your skiing and pleasure holiday.

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Images

Franzensfeste Fortress
Franzensfeste Fortress

View of Franzensfeste Fortress near Brixen

Landesmuseum Festung Franzensfeste - Stefan Schönweger
Franzensfeste Fortress
Franzensfeste Fortress

Chapel in front of Franzensfeste Fortress

Landesmuseum Festung Franzensfeste - Alfred Tschager
Franzensfeste fortress
Franzensfeste fortress

View to the fortress in Franzensfeste

Benshot / Fotolia.com
Franzensfeste
Franzensfeste

Franzensfeste in Wipptal is famous for its historical fortress.

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Attractions in Franzensfeste

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Vitalpina Hotels Südtirol

Mountains are life. We share your passion for the outdoors and show you South Tyrol's mountain and natural landscapes from their most sustainable side.

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BikeHotels South Tyrol

With the sun on your face, the wind in your hair and South Tyrol in front of your eyes, a holiday on the sunny side of the Alps is the purest pleasure.

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Selected accommodations in Franzensfeste

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