Neustift: Abbey History, Wine and Hiking Trails

When planning a trip to Neustift, three themes take center stage: the abbey’s history and architecture, its wine-making tradition, and hiking trails through cultural landscapes and vineyards. Depending on whether your focus is culture, wine or hiking, you can make a guided tour, a tasting or a hike spread over several days the centerpiece of your visit. The options also differ in their requirements: advance booking is required for the vineyard tour, while the Keschtnweg can be divided into daily stages.

Abbey, Museum and Abbey Garden

The Augustinian Abbey of Neustift was founded in 1142 by Blessed Hartmann near his episcopal seat in Brixen. The Basilica of Novacella received the title of Basilica Minor in 1956. The two dates mark different milestones: the founding of the abbey and the basilica’s later title. Wine production has been an integral part of life at the abbey since 1142, and its winery is among the oldest in the world.

You can explore the abbey complex on your own. The museum presents almost 900 years of architectural and art history. Its tour takes you through the abbey church, cloisters, courtyard with the Fountain of Wonders, abbey garden and magnificent Baroque library hall. This visit lets you discover both the history of the complex and its different rooms and areas.

The historic abbey garden was faithfully restored in 2004. Its three areas each have a distinct character: the arboretum features a pavilion, the herb garden is home to around 75 medicinal and culinary plants, and the Baroque ornamental garden includes a fountain, a bird chapel and a historic fishpond. The different sections bring plants, design and historic features together in a compact space.

For unguided visits, a time slot from 10:00 to 17:00 is available Monday to Saturday. Check in advance whether this time slot applies to your visit.

Wine Tradition and Tasting

Allow around 90 minutes for the vineyard tour followed by a tasting of four wines. Participation is only possible with advance booking. Check dates and booking details before making plans. At the Stiftskeller bar, you can also sample juices, herbal teas, wine and spirits; Tyrolean snacks and light meals are served as well.

The vineyard tour combines an introduction to winegrowing with a tasting, while the Stiftskeller bar also offers drinks other than wine as well as light meals. When planning your visit, you can therefore decide whether to include a pre-booked tour with a set time commitment or opt for the bar’s food and drink.

Hiking Trails Around Novacella

The Keschtnweg is a moderately challenging trail of almost 90 kilometers that can be divided into several daily stages. It begins at Novacella Abbey, at an elevation of 560 meters, and runs through centuries-old chestnut groves toward Ritten, Bolzano and Terlano. Its length and the option to split it into stages make it a different kind of trip to plan than a circular route. Check trail conditions and seasonal access before setting out.

By contrast, the Törggelesteig near Novacella is a circular route through ancient cultural landscapes and terraced vineyards. The hike starts at the large car park at Novacella Abbey and passes the Chapel of St. Michael, also known as “Engelsburg.” If you plan to take this trail, check trail details and parking conditions before setting off. The main factors in choosing between the two trails are therefore the route type and the different level of planning required; no hiking time for the Törggelesteig is provided here.

Discover more destinations: Segonzano, Celledizzo, Taio, Crosano, Montesover, Bocenago, Moena, Telve

For the broader travel guide: Trentino.