Spanning Brixen/Bressanone to Franzensfeste/Fortezza, this exciting and instructive theme trail focusses on the history and cultural landscape of the Eisacktal Valley. On the 24 information boards found along the way, there is much to learn about the art and history of the oldest settlement in Tyrol, as well as its natural environment and geology.
The History Trail (in German: Geschichtsparcours) has its start at the Heilig-Geist-Spital Church in Brixen (559 m), today a retirement home. After passing the Stadelgasse, Weißlahnstraße, the Hauptstraße underpass and Dantestraße streets, you arrive at the hospital. To the left, trail no. 2 crosses the motorway and follows the pass under the railway line, as far as Neuhäuslhof farm. Ascending through the forest, the trail leads to the Vahrn/Varna town centre (671 m). At the chestnut grove take trail no. 1 north as far as the Vahrner See lake (678 m, rest stop).
From there, take trail no. 3b through the forest as it winds its way uphill to the Obere Festung Upper Fortress (840 m – see info. board no. 21). Return to the Franzensfeste Fortress and take a little time to visit the museum (recommended – a few years ago the fortress museum reopened as a Provincial Museum). Now follow the cycle track to Franzensfeste (749 m), where the Alpenwall wartime bunkers are documented.
The theme trail ends at the old Roman road, where the markings created by the wheels of the horse-drawn chariots 2,000 years ago still remain. Return to Brixen by train or bus.
