On March 20, the International Day of Happiness, it is worth taking a look at a town that does not seek happiness in grand gestures, but finds it in small rituals. Brixen, the oldest town in South Tyrol, is nestled between vineyards and Dolomite peaks - and for centuries has lived at a pace that many people today have lost. Here you can see that happiness often begins where you stop looking and start noticing.
Nature that erects
Spring marks the beginning of the first steps outdoors around Bressanone/Brixen. Hikes with sweeping views of the Dolomites, paths through blossoming vineyards, silence between tall tree trunks - the landscape around the episcopal town is like a gentle invitation to pause for a moment. A walk in the woods here is not just a leisure activity. It is a reset for body and mind. Some hosts in the region have recognized this and consciously integrate guided forest bathing into their programme - as an invitation to slow down and feel the rhythm of nature again.
Water also plays a special role in Brixen. The Kneipp facility in Vahrn, fed by the Schalder stream, invigorates with clear, cold mountain water. A simple stimulus that gets the circulation going and clears the mind - without technology, without effort, just with what nature provides.
And then there are the first picnics of the year. A cheese sandwich, an apple, maybe a glass of white wine. In a meadow, on a bench by the side of the road. Eating outside intensifies the flavor and transforms a simple meal into a small ritual of pause. It's more than just food - it's a moment when the world stands still for a moment.
Pleasure hike - Fridays, April 24 to May 29, 2026 Cheese art by Hansi Baumgartner, selected wines and insights into distillate production at the Knöspele distillery.
Art on the mountain - Fridays, June 19 to July 3, 2026 Quiet mountain churches on the Plose and Pfeffersberg, historic paths and impressive frescoes.
Schrütten lakes in the Schalder valley - 14. JEmerald-green mountain lakes as places of power with panoramic views of the Sarntal Alps and the Dolomites.
Pleasure makes happy
When the Neustift Spring is celebrated in April, exercise is combined with the tasting of award-winning white wines. Winegrowing around Brixen dates back to 1142 - today, nine family-run wineries and the historic Neustift monastery continue this tradition. Here, wine is not just a product, but an expression of a way of life: patient, careful, rooted.
But happiness has many tastes. Beer tastings at the Hubenbauer or the Viertel Bar reveal a different side to the city's pleasures. For those who like it high-proof, the modern distillery Knöspele offers distillates that capture the character of sun-ripened fruit. The cheese rarities at Degust in Vahrn tell stories of alpine pastures and traditional maturing. And at Benjamin Profanter, South Tyrol's only bread sommelier, bread baking becomes an art - each loaf is unique, shaped by the hands and knowledge of generations.
What unites all these moments of pleasure is that they are the result of honest craftsmanship, a few good ingredients and a deep connection with the region. In Brixen, you don't just taste the product - you taste the story behind it.
Neustift Spring 2026
April 25 and 26, 2026 - Tasting of award-winning white wines, encounters with winegrowing families and walks through the vineyards around Neustift Monastery.
...
Cultural highlight 2026
Water Light Festival
23 artists from 13 nations transform Brixen's historic old town into a poetic parcours with installations, projections and light art. The theme of the upcoming edition: peace.
April 29 - May 16, 2026
...
Stories everyday Happiness
Happiness is not a big word in Brixen. It manifests itself in everyday life - in careful handiwork, in honest conversation, in shared amazement. These are people who give others a smile with what they do. Three of them tell us what happiness means to them.
„Taking a guided tour through Brixen is an absolute feeling of happiness. Together we immerse ourselves in the multifaceted past. It's a privilege for me to bring history to life and put a smile on people's faces.“
Martina Rabensteiner - City guide
Martina's enthusiasm for the history of her home town is infectious. Walking with her through the alleyways of Brixen is not a dry history lesson, but a lively journey through time - told with heart, humor and a pinch of South Tyrolean charm.
„It's this mixture of craftsmanship and emotion. A small moment of happiness in everyday life is created from a few honest ingredients. When people eat my ice cream, they stop working for a moment. A spoonful, a breath - and then that smile.“
Elisabeth „Lisi“ Stolz - Ice cream maker, Hubenbauer
Lisi knows that true craftsmanship knows no shortcuts. Her ice creams are not mass-produced, but small works of art made from just a few ingredients - made with the conviction that a single spoonful can make the difference between a normal day and a good one.
„For me, upcycling is a way of reducing waste and doing business sustainably. At the same time, we give disadvantaged people an opportunity for integration. For me, happiness means shopping consciously without a guilty conscience.“
Doris Raffeiner - WiaNui social cooperative
Doris shows that happiness can also mean responsibility. At WiaNui, new things are created from old - and the result is not only a sustainable product, but also a bridge for people looking for a new beginning. Conscious consumption as a source of satisfaction.
One Invitation
The International Day of Happiness may just be a date in the calendar. In Brixen, however, it is clear that happiness often lies in the little things. In walking. In tasting. In wonder. If you take your time, you will find it - step by step, bite by bite.
Brixen does not wait. It is simply there.
Map: Brixen, South Tyrol
FAQ: Spring in Bressanone
When does spring start in Bressanone/Brixen and what is the weather like?
Spring in Bressanone/Brixen typically begins in mid-March and lasts until the beginning of June. Temperatures rise from around 10-14°C in March to a pleasant 18-22°C in May. Thanks to its sheltered valley location, Brixen enjoys plenty of sunshine - ideal for excursions without the summer heat. It can still be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so onion-look clothing is recommended.
What blooms around Bressanone/Brixen in spring?
From the end of March to mid-April, thousands of blossoming apple and apricot trees transform the Isarco Valley into a veritable sea of flowers. Wildflowers sprout along the hiking trails and crocus and alpine roses soon appear on the alpine pastures around Plose and Lüsen. A special insider tip is the flower festival in Natz-Schabs at the beginning of April.
What activities are recommended in spring?
Spring is ideal for hiking and cycling: The Eisack Valley hiking trail and the Puster Valley cycle path are already well accessible. The cable car to the Plose opens in April - there is still snow at the top for spring skiers. In the town, a stroll through the Romanesque arcades, a visit to Brixen Cathedral and an excursion to Neustift Monastery are well worthwhile.
What should tourists bear in mind when planning their trip?
Spring is low season - prices are cheaper than in summer and the sights are less crowded. Sturdy hiking boots are a must for excursions in the surrounding area. Some cable cars and mountain huts only open at the end of April or beginning of May. Brixen can be easily reached by train via the Brenner Railway or by car via the A22 highway.
Video: Spring in Brixen
Experiences & sights
Note: Disclaimer - Italien.news is not the owner or organizer of the sights, accommodations and events published here and therefore not responsible for program changes, cancellation of the event and possibly incorrect information. The editorial team of Italien.news always endeavors to provide detailed and accurate information. However, it is possible that events, attractions, etc. may be changed and not updated promptly. Exact details of dates, times and programs can be obtained directly from the owner of the attractions and accommodation.
Please also check the website or social media of the attractions and events for updates before you travel! Our blog articles contain our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something via the links or simply click on them, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. Content and texts © Italien.new & KI / Photos © Canva.com / shutterstock.com / Unsplash.com / Pixabay.com / Pexels.com / Others. Please also visit our Italy Shop!
