The leaning tower of Barbian
The leaning tower of Barbian lies on a high plateau above Waidbruck in the valley of Valle Isarco, providing a great view over the Schlern area. The sunny heights in the midst of hamlets, waterfalls and wine taverns offer a great many walking paths. A particularly interesting walk leads up to Ritten and mountain “Rittner Horn” along the old Emperor’s Road which is still plastered today. Ritten was a popular summer holiday destination for personalities such as Sigmund Freud, Christian Morgenstern or Franz von Defregger. Another road leads up to the wild waterfalls of Barbian, to the neighbor villages of Villanders and Feldthurns or high up to the alpine heights of Villanderer Alp, one of the largest plateaus in Europe.
In autumn the so-called „Törggele-Paths“ are particularly worth-while; then, the wine taverns invite to taste the new wine, the roasted chestnuts and the savoury South Tyrolean home cooking. Winter sports enthusiasts find here access to a selection of ski areas: Plose in Brixen, Alta Badia and Seiser Alm. Here, visitors can indulge in all sorts of winter sports variations and after an active day relax in the hotels in Barbian.
An overview of the valley
Down in the valley lies a long-standing castle first built in the 12th century: Castle Trostburg. The medieval minnesinger and knight Oswald von Wolkenstein was supposedly raised here. Bikers find here the South Tyrolean cycle path, constructed along the river Eisack leading in both parts of the region. The nearby city of Klausen and its beautiful old town is well worth a visit. In summer the city and the surrounding villages offer various events as the farmers’ markets, flea markets, music and firemen’s festivals. If you would like to discover the South Tyrolean village with the leaning tower, find here the most beautiful hotels in Barbian in the valley of Eisacktal.
FAYN garden retreat hotel
