The Eisack Valley, known locally as Eisacktal, is one of South Tyrol's principal valleys, carved by the Eisack River. Here, terraced vineyards climb toward alpine peaks, and medieval towns offer a welcome pause between hikes. Brixen, the valley's largest town, makes an ideal base for exploring the surrounding mountains.

The valley's character shifts dramatically along its course - from the broad Brixen basin to narrow, gorge-like stretches near Klausen, before opening out again at Kardaun near Bolzano. To the west rise the Sarntal Alps, while the eastern side reveals the first glimpses of the Dolomites through side valleys like Val Gardena and Tiers Valley. Summers bring lush greenery and vineyard terraces, winters draw skiers to nearby slopes, and spring and autumn offer some of the most pleasant hiking conditions in the region.

• Brixen town center or municipal parking - easy access, suitable for most visitors, around 1-2 hours to nearby viewpoints
• Klausen - alternative starting point for the narrower, gorge-like sections of the valley, moderate difficulty

• The valley is well connected via the Brenner railway line and the number 1 Brenner-Salurn cycle route
• Ladin-derived place names and farm names still survive throughout the valley and its side valleys, a legacy of the region's earlier Rhaeto-Romance population

For centuries this valley formed part of one of Europe's key north-south transit corridors - first the Roman Via Raetia, later the medieval Kunterweg built in the 14th century, and today the A22 motorway and Brenner railway line.