Discover Burgeis

Burgeis offers several distinct reasons to stay: Marienberg Benedictine Abbey above the village, churches and chapels featuring evidence from several centuries, and trails that start in the village or at the abbey. When planning, you can decide whether the focus should be the abbey’s history, sacred architecture or a hike. For some destinations, you should also take the season and specific dates into account.

Marienberg Abbey

Marienberg Benedictine Abbey stands at about 1,350 metres on the mountainside above Burgeis, along the road towards Schlinig and Watles. The monastery was founded in the 12th century and remains a Benedictine abbey to this day. It can be reached via a short detour from the Etsch cycle route.

The “Ora et labora” museum at the abbey is open to the public; admission is charged. Check the latest visitor information before your visit. The museum, abbey shop and abbey church are accessible. This information applies to these three facilities.

Churches and medieval buildings

The medieval Fürstenburg complex in Burgeis was built in the 13th century by Bishop Konrad of Chur. One striking architectural feature is the keep, whose walls are three metres thick.

The cemetery church of St Michael has a Romanesque semicircular apse set into the thickness of the wall. Traces of 13th-century frescoes have been preserved on the north wall of St Michael’s Chapel. The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Burgeis was built at the end of the 17th century.

Remains of 13th-century frescoes have been preserved in St Nicholas Church. According to an inscription, the church was first consecrated around 1199. Guided tours take place there every Friday at 5 p.m. from 10 April to 30 October 2026. Check the dates before your trip.

Trails around Burgeis

The Sonnensteig themed trail starts at Marienberg Abbey at an altitude of 1,338 metres. The section from the abbey to Burgeis is dedicated to the Benedictines. Information boards along the trail cover Saint Benedict, the irrigation channels, nature and the legends of the Upper Vinschgau.

The circular hike to the mountain lake starts at the information office in Burgeis. It first follows Trail No. 3 to the mountain lake above the village, then returns to the village via Trail No. 4. The short Benedictine Trail leads from Burgusio to Marienberg Abbey.

Seasonal activities and getting there

The seasonal play lake is located at Watles above Burgeis. The 1,500 m² facility offers children a wooden raft, a spring, a two-metre-high waterfall and a small stream, all free of charge. As this activity is seasonal, plan your visit accordingly.

Burgeis can be reached by City Bus 274 and regional bus 273. If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetables before setting off.

Discover more destinations: St. Valentin a.d. Haide, Kastelbell-Tschars, Schnals, Goldrain, Kapron, Prad am Stilfserjoch, Schlanders, Latsch

Back to the broader travel overview: Vinschgau.