Discover Franzensfeste, Mittewald, Oberau

Franzensfeste ist a fortress as well as a locality named after it in South Tyrol near Brixen. It is the southernmost municipality of the Wipptal. Franzensfeste is located north of the reservoir built in 1940 and a very important train intersection: all international and long distance trains stop here; from here, trains take you to the Pustertal, to East Tirol and Carinthia, to Vienna. The fortress Franzensfeste, built 1833 to 1838 by Emperor Ferdinand I (and named after Emperor Franz I of Austria), was supposed to secure the important transport link through the Eisacktal and over the Brenner pass to the north. For a short period, the construction was considered the strongest fortress in Europe, even though it was never scene of a conflict or combat. In 1940, the reservoir next to it has been realized. Of course, Franzensfeste with i ts hamlets Oberau, Mittewals and Grasstein has various other attractions: wonderful hiking trips on the surrounding highs, alps and summits, tennis, wild water rafting and comfortable and tastful inns.

Hotel zur Brücke

Eisacktal