Discover Prissian: churches, castles and hiking trails between history and nature
Accommodation in Prissian
Prissian combines church and castle history with woodland paths, viticulture, chestnut culture and Kneipp treatments. If you are looking for a place where different interests can come together for a varied stay, you will find specific opportunities here to explore culture, active pursuits and the local way of life.
History between church, bridge and castle
St. Martin’s Church was first mentioned in historical records in 1380. It is probably older, as Goswin already recorded it as existing in 1159 in his Marienberg Chronicle. Around 1630, the church was given its present form; the altar was later renovated and furnished with a painting by Baroque painter Stefan Kessler. At the centre of Prissian stands the historic stone bridge, locally known as “Stuanbogen”, which was first mentioned in 1308.
Castel Katzenzungen also reaches far back into history: in 1244, it was first mentioned in historical records under its owner Henricus de Cazenzunge. The Casatsch Pfeffersburg ruins offer a wonderful view of the Adige Valley. In Prissian, you will therefore encounter several historic sites that can be treated as individual destinations or as stops along a hike.
Woodland paths and a hike to Castel Katzenzungen
The approximately 1.5 km circular Erlebnisweg Vorbichl trail follows wide woodland paths and returns to the “Löschteich” pond. Several stations and information boards focus on the history and nature of Vorbichl. Several picnic areas along the route invite you to linger, offering an opportunity to combine the circuit with short breaks.
The “Schloss Katzenzungen with Versoaln grapevine and Roter Weg” hike begins at public car park no. 4 in the centre of Prissian. It follows trail marker no. 17 across the old stone bridge with a wooden roof. After approximately 500 m along the pavement, you reach St. Martin’s Church; the paved road then leads downhill to Castel Katzenzungen, before the route follows trail marker no. 17 again.
Versoaln grapevine, wine and chestnut culture
On the northern slope of the castle, the more than 360-year-old indigenous Versoaln grapevine spreads across a traditional pergola made of chestnut wood. Its leafy canopy covers 300 m². Regular winery tours are offered at the Großkemat Winery by appointment. Upon request, a guided tour of Castel Katzenzungen and the Versoaln grapevine can also be booked. This includes the owner’s collection of works by important South Tyrolean artists of the recent past, fossils and petrified wood, followed by an aperitif.
The KESCHTNRIGGL Chestnut Days date back to 1998; they take place annually in late autumn. The event is held in Tisens-Prissian, Völlan and Lana, offering insights into the region’s culture and customs as well as the chestnut and its importance to local residents. Participating restaurants serve traditional and modern chestnut dishes. For your travel planning, this creates a seasonal focus where regional history and cuisine come together.
Kneipp treatments and public transport
Water treatments and their invigorating effects are at the heart of the Kneipp health facility in Prissian. During guided tours, visitors receive tips on the health teachings of Father Kneipp, including at a Kneipp coffee gathering. If you choose accommodation at a participating establishment in the Tisens-Prissian holiday area, you will receive the South Tyrol Guest Pass free of charge. With this benefit card, you can use all public transport in South Tyrol free of charge.
For more travel ideas: Soraga, Albiano, Passo Rolle, Nomi, Rundscheinberg, Andalo, Giustino and Passo Del Tonale.
For the higher-level travel overview: Trentino.
