Neustift: Monastic Culture, Wine and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Neustift
Neustift offers several ways to experience culture, regional wine and hiking trails. At the heart of it all is the history of the Augustinian Abbey, complemented by gardens, museum spaces and culinary offerings. There are also trails through terraced vineyards and ancient chestnut groves. If you like to shape your trip around different interests, you will find both more leisurely sightseeing options and specific trails and tastings here.
Monastic Culture, Basilica and Historic Gardens
The Augustinian Abbey of Neustift was founded in 1142 by Blessed Hartmann near his episcopal see in Brixen. The Basilica of Novacella was granted the title of Basilica Minor in 1956. Both dates mark important points in the abbey's long history, which you can trace in Neustift through its buildings, collections and landscaped outdoor areas.
A special part of the complex is the historic abbey garden of Neustift Abbey. It comprises an orchard with a pavilion, a herb garden with around 75 medicinal and culinary plants, and a Baroque ornamental garden with a fountain, bird chapel and historic fishpond. The garden was faithfully restored in 2004.
The Neustift Abbey complex can be visited independently. The tour leads through the abbey church, cloister, museum and famous library hall. The Neustift Abbey Museum presents almost 900 years of architectural and art history. The museum tour includes the abbey church, the cloisters, the courtyard with the Wonder Fountain, the abbey garden and the magnificent Baroque library hall.
Wine Tradition and Tyrolean Specialities
Wine production has been an established part of life at Neustift Abbey since 1142. The winery of Neustift Abbey is one of the oldest wineries in the world.
On a vineyard tour in Neustift, you can then taste four wines. The tour lasts around 90 minutes; participation is only possible with advance registration. For a shorter tasting visit, the Stiftskeller Bar offers a selection of juices, herbal teas, wine and schnapps. Tyrolean snacks and small dishes are also served.
Hiking Trails Through Vineyards and Chestnut Groves
The Keschtnweg is a moderately difficult trail almost 90 kilometres long that can be divided into several daily stages. It begins at Novacella Abbey at an elevation of 560 metres and runs through centuries-old chestnut groves towards Renon, Bolzano and Terlan. This gives you a longer route for your planning, with stages that can be spread over several days.
The Törggelesteig near Novacella is designed as a circular trail through ancient cultural landscapes and terraced vineyards. The hike begins at the large car park of Novacella Abbey. Along the way, the Törggelesteig passes St. Michael's Chapel, which is also called “Engelsburg”.
Sightseeing and Personal Trip Planning
At Neustift Abbey, self-guided visits are available from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00. If you are considering a hotel or other accommodation for your trip, you can base your choice on your personal focus: the abbey complex and museum represent culture, the vineyard tour, winery and Stiftskeller Bar stand for wine and regional specialities, while the Keschtnweg and Törggelesteig offer different forms of hiking.
More Places for Your Trip Planning
Cavalese, San Lorenzo In Banale, Caderzone, Nogaredo, Locca, Bocenago, Ossana, Tozzaga
To the higher-level travel overview: Trentino.
