What do you think of when you picture Italy?
It could be Rome’s Colosseum, picture-perfect Amalfi beaches, or perhaps stuffing yourself with endless plates of sinfully tasteful pasta and pizza capped off with cheap wine.
While that all sounds like a trip of a lifetime, what you may not picture are Italy’s gorgeous Dolomite mountains, especially a storybook town where the primary language is German, so you can’t even sing That’s Amore after a few aforementioned glasses of wine.
Bummer.
The good news is that you can reset the following morning at numerous cafes’ heavenly cappuccinos in the oldest city of South Tyrol, a breathtaking region of picturesque mountain villages blending German, Austrian, and, of course, Italian heritage.
Frommer’s, one of the travel industry’s most respected names, just released their annual ‘Best Places to Go’ list.
Topping the list for Italy is none other than Brixen, an unknown destination to most, but one that will rock your socks off with its supreme natural beauty, blended cultures, and timeless streets.
A Side Of Italy You Didn’t Know Existed
Italy is one of Europe’s most multi-faceted nations. You have incredible culture, ancient sites, world-class cuisine, masterful art, lakes, beaches, and yes, stunning mountains and quaint riverside towns worthy of mass postcard production.
Brixen makes for a cozy base to explore the Dolomites, often overshadowed by Italy’s endless list of more popular attractions and destinations.
But this historic town is long overdue to take the spotlight as one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Gatekeepers know of Brixen’s delights as there are tons of gloating reviews ranging from local cuisine, historical landmarks, to breathtaking hikes.
As a majority of travelers will explore Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, Brixen is one of Italy’s last frontiers waiting to be discovered with a surprising blend of cultures nestled along Austria, yet speaking primarily German.
Despite being tucked away at the foothills of the Dolomites, Brixen is relatively easy to reach by train or lesser-known airline, SkyAlps, in nearby Bolzano, connecting from major cities, London, Berlin, and Copenhagen, among others.
Castles, Wineries, And Free Transportation: What’s Not To Like?!
If Europe is on your radar, chances are you love castles, wine, and an array of fascinating cultures. Brixen checks off all those boxes and then some.
In fact, what about wineries inside of castles? You won’t find that in Napa!
There are a plethora of astonishing castles to visit dotted throughout the region, but Castel Tures may be the one you shouldn’t miss out on with guided tours offered to showcase its incredibly preserved Medieval history and captivating atmosphere nature lovers and history buffs will both ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over.
Same goes for wineries – you have lots to choose from, but top-rated Burgerhof arguably beholds the best views and offers short-term apartments on-site.
Perhaps best of all, Brixen helps out travelers by taking a page out of Luxembourg’s playbook and offering free transit.
While in Luxembourg you simply hop on and hop off, no questions asked. Here, you will need a ‘Guestpass‘, so you wander Brixen proper as well as surrounding villages.
Not to mention, this pass gives you access to the Acquarena pool, a public pool backdropped by jaw-dropping landscapes.
Enjoy Brixen’s Tranquility With No Crowds
As you are probably aware by now, as global travel has made an epic comeback after coming to a screeching halt, problems have risen in many popular destinations largely in part to overcrowding.
Italy is certainly one of them, highlighted by Venice, which has taken action into its own hands with new entry fees and tighter regulations.
Point being Italy’s household names come with an unwanted attachment – crowds. Many travel reports confirm travelers are seeking out new destinations, so what better place than Brixen?
Enjoy timeless, pastel-shaded streets, astounding, inviting nature, delightful villages nearby, historic landmarks, and multi-cultural cuisine fusing German, Austrian, and Italian delights all in one place.
Plus, despite the historical aspect and lack of eyesore chains, travelers will love the revamped hotels popping up, such as Fink, housed in a centuries-old home transformed into new posh digs featuring an incredibly unique spa.
And just know if you want to fit in around Brixen, many opt to get around by bike to enjoy the crisp mountain air, but it’s also easy to wander on foot.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.