Hotels in Vipiteno

Vipiteno, or Sterzing to the German-speaking majority who live here, is a compact South Tyrolean market town in the Wipptal valley, the last real stop before the Brenner Pass and the Austrian border. Its wealth came from trade along the Brenner route and from silver and copper mining in the surrounding valleys, and it shows in the handsome old town. The main street is lined with painted facades, bay windows and arcades and is anchored by the Zwölferturm, the tall medieval tower that serves as the town's emblem.

In winter the Monte Cavallo (Rosskopf) ski area is reachable by cable car straight from town, and summer brings straightforward hiking into the side valleys. Be honest: this is a small place with quiet evenings, and many visitors only pass through on the motorway or the Brenner railway, so it suits a night or two or a base for the mountains rather than a long city break. Stay in or beside the pedestrian old town to have the restaurants, the tower and the train station all within walking distance.