The small pass village on the border between Austria and Italy is situated at 1,370 metres above sea level. It has an eventful history, is very charming, and is ideal for exploring in a short time. The Brenner Pass is one of the oldest transport routes in Europe – and also one of the most important. There has always been and still is a great deal going on here. Stroll through the village where the German and Italian cultures embrace one another, visit the two churches and experience the hospitality of the locals. The Brenner is also a base for cycling adventures and hikes in the most spectacular natural surroundings.
Explore this historic and charming pass village
The Brenner: perfect for a short stay
The small pass village on the border between Austria and Italy is situated at 1,370 metres above sea level. It has an eventful history , is very charming , and is ideal for exploring in a short time. The Brenner Pass is one of the oldest transport...
Direct shopping fun
Designer Outlet Brenner
Seventy international brands present their products in an architecturally appealing building and also a pleasant atmosphere. In between browsing the shops, the café is a welcoming spot for visitors to rest for a while and sample delicious Loacker chocolate wafers of all kinds. Countless special offer campaigns at certain times of year (e.g. summer or winter sales) make shopping even more attractive. Exciting exhibitions such as recent ones on Jules Verne and the dinosaurs, as well as informative information panels on the history of the Brenner, offer variety and expand your horizons.
Hunting for a bargain at the
Brenner Market
You can find all kinds of useful things and delicious treats here. The market is open on the 5th and 20th of the month all year round from 8 am to 2 pm. If this day falls on a Sunday or public holiday, then the market will be held the day before. There are also a few shops in the village that add extra interest to a walk there.
The restaurant next door
La Vecchia Locomotiva
Directly opposite brenner24, “the old locomotive” – the English for the name of the restaurant – serves typically Italian and delicious Mediterranean dishes at lunchtime and dinnertime, including pizzas, pastas, gnocchi and countless vegetarian dishes, a varied menu and delicious portions at a fair price.
Opening hours:
Mon: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Tues, Weds, Thur, Fri: 11:30 am – 3 pm, 6 – 9 pm
Sat, Sun: 11:30 am – 9 pm
Tel: +39 0472 055 290
For wine lovers
Enotria Vini
Enjoy a pleasant evening together and treat yourself to a wine tasting with the connoisseurs in the wine shop. You are sure to find sophisticated wines whose names are as new to you as their taste. The entrance is just 20 metres from the hotel, so literally round the corner! At lunchtime simple dishes of the day are also served.
Opening hours:
Mon, Tue closed
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm
Tel: +39 334 998 35 78
Good things right by the station
Pasta e Pizza da Andrea
The finest Italian cuisine just 200 metres away. The way there can double as a walk through the village, on which you can discover many lovely corners and features of the Brenner Pass.
Opening hours:
Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun: 11 am – 9:50 pm
Weds, Thur: Closed
Why not take a stroll around the block so that you can discover the other excellent restaurants on the Brenner Pass?
Tips from the locals
All kinds of things to do
Events
Are you staying a little while longer? That’s great too! Thanks to many discounts with the active CARD, you can take part in numerous event s nearby at a heavy discount or even free of charge .
Are you staying a little while longer? That’s great too! Thanks to many discounts with the active CARD, you can take part in numerous events nearby at a heavy discount or even free of charge.
Suggested Excursions
The Sattelberg mountain and alpine restaurant
Hiking, tobogganing, back-country skiing – it’s well worth a trip in both summer and winter!
It is impressive not only because of its beautiful high plateau but also thanks to its history. In days gone by, an important smuggling path ran through here. The rustic Sattelbergalm spoils visitors with culinary delights. The starting point of this trip is the car park in the centre of Brenner, a little to the south of St. Valentine’s Chapel, very close to the train station. Track 3B starts on the mountainside and winds uphill through the forest. Once you have completed the first steep section, the terrain opens out, and you will come to a forest track (no. 3A), which passes uphill over open terrain. At a fork in the track, remain on forest trail no. 1, which ascends to the Sattelberg. At the end of the forest trail, there is a short section along trail no. 13 to the summit with cross.
Enzianhütte on Zirogeralm
Like the Sattelberg, but on the Italian side: a hikers’ paradise with sledge rides in winter
Sunny location directly alongside the Transalp route, wonderful panoramic view of the Stubai Alps and the three majestic Tribulaun peaks. In summer, the hut is the perfect base for undertaking a mountain tour of the Wolfendorn (2,776 m), the Flatschspitze (2,566 m), the Rollspitze (2,850 m) and the Amthorspitze – also known as Hühnerspiel. In winter there is the opportunity to sledge. How to get there: The starting point is directly on the state road between Pontigl and Brennerbad. Pass beneath the motorway to the eastern side, where the road to the Kreit-Hof begins (sign pointing to “Enzianhütte”). Pass the former lift station over a small bridge onto trail no. 4 to Badalm. From there follow the signs for “Enzianhütte 4A”.
Duration: approx. 3 hrs
Highest point: 1,898 m
Distance: 9.3 km
Lake Obernberg
Hike or cycle ride to the turquoise natural gem overlooked by the Tribulaun peaks
This lake is a real top tip! It shimmers turquoise blue and is situated in the “Obernberger See - Tribulaun - Nösslachjoch” conservation area. In summer you can also cool off here with a quick swim. You can enjoy the lake from every angle on a round trip along the shore. The diversion to the little church of “Maria im See” is well worth the extra 10 minutes of walking time. This is how to get there: Follow the B182 (Brenner Bundesstrasse) to Gries am Brenner; there in the middle of the village follow the signs / Obernbergtal fork. Drive via Vinaders to Obernberg to the head of the valley. There you will find the Waldesruh car park. Service bus to Obernberg in accordance with the VVT timetable.
Rest stop in the Venntal Valley
Leisurely trip, fantastic for children too
Hardly anyone would guess that there could be such a natural idyll directly alongside the Brenner Pass. Yet actually, the Venntal Valley is very little known, but at least as beautiful. It is ideal for a trip with small children. The snack bar with playground and petting zoo for the little ones is open all year round (closed Thursdays). It serves all kinds of tasty treats, made with ingredients grown on the farm. And this is how to get there: from the state road on the Austrian side directly at the Pass. The walk begins near the sign marked “VENN”; after approx. 25 minutes’ walk you will reach the rest stop. There is a small car park as you go into the valley. You can also leave your car at the hotel and cover the entire way on foot. But be careful when crossing the road.
Spend half a day on a steep rock face
The three via ferratas near the Brenner Pass
Via ferratas are perfect for getting a workout in a short amount of time – provided that you have a head for heights and are sure-footed . Of course the weather has to be good too. Outdoor clothing and shoes can be obtained from the Outlet Center...
Via ferratas are perfect for getting a workout in a short amount of time – provided that you have a head for heights and are sure-footed. Of course the weather has to be good too. Outdoor clothing and shoes can be obtained from the Outlet Center Brenner, and via ferrata sets can be hired from various places.
Feel like a coworkation?
On the way down to the sunny south and still got a Zoom meeting? Then why not check out what we’ve got free?