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from 75 €
Pension Sonnenhof
Familiar atmosphere | Meransen in the Eisacktal
from 80 €
Hotel Tonnerhof
Dreamlike natural landscape | Ratschings in Eisacktal
from 135 €
Hotel Edelweiss
Holiday paradise | Meransen in Eisacktal
from 52 €
Appartement Hotel Gurnatsch
Ferienwohnung | Vals in Eisacktal
from 124 €
Naturhotel Rainer
Hiking Hotel | Ratschings in Eisacktal

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.

Current holiday offers

from 110 €
Hotel & Spa Falkensteinerhof

Only 300 meters from the nearest ski slope incl. ski pass service at the hotel.

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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.

Internet Consulting

Attractions in Franzensfeste

Selected tips

When it is cold outside...
Vitalpina Hotels Südtirol

...and cosy warmth awaits you inside. The Vitalpina Hotels Südtirol offer retreats where you can find peace and quiet – with an enchanting panorama.

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Selected accommodations in Franzensfeste

Gasthof Thaler - Restaurant - Franzensfeste in Eisacktal

Gasthof Thaler - Restaurant

Franzensfeste in Eisacktal
4.4 Very good

The perfect choice for motorcyclists with intresting offers and in central position!

from 40 € per day
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