The Karlspromenade in Bressanone is named after the last Austrian emperor, Charles I, who loved walking here
Image gallery: Hike on the Karlspromenade
This spring walk runs from Millan through the deciduous forest down into the Rienza Gorge and into another district of Bressanone, its oldest: Stufles. To finish, we walk along the Isarco River to Novacella, where you can visit the well-known Benedictine abbey. We start at the Pilgrimage Church of Our Lady on the Sand in Millan, located above the settlement. This is where the Karlspromenade begins, lined with reflective verses from the Psalms Path.
The signposts lead us into the forest - where the trees thin out, we enjoy a beautiful view of the episcopal town of Bressanone. The path eventually descends into the Rienza Gorge and crosses the Andreas Hofer Bridge to the other side of the valley. After a short climb, we reach road no. 1, which leads us down into the historic Stufles district of Bressanone. This area was settled long before Bressanone was first mentioned in 901, dating back to the Hallstatt period.
Stufles itself was first mentioned in documents in the 12th century. We walk through the Via Terzo di Sotto alley and stroll along the banks of the Rienza until it meets the Isarco. Although the town centre with its Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary and parish church is right on the other side of the Isarco, we stay on the eastern bank and follow the promenade path heading north.
Leaving the town behind, we pass blossoming apple trees to reach the walking and cycling path that leads to Novacella, which belongs to the neighbouring municipality of Varna. The grand Augustinian Abbey of Novacella is our destination, where you can visit the abbey museum, the wine cellar, the abbey garden, and the vineyards.
Summary: an interesting and flat walk from ancient sites of culture and religion through the countryside of Bressanone. We can then take the city bus to return to Millan.
Author: AT
Experienced: May 2013
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- Pilgrimage Church of Our Lady on the Sand in Millan (673 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 02:45 h
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- Total route length:
- 9,2 km
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- Altitude:
- from 561 m to 673 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +240 m | -229 m
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- Signposts:
- "Karlspromenade" (K), "Via Castellano/Seeburg", no. 1, "Novacella"
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- Destination:
- Novacella Monastery in Novacella near Varna (590 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- bars and coffee shops in the single quarters of the town
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike on the Karlspromenade
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks or stops. The dates apply to the walk from Millan to Novacella - the return journey is by city bus (n. 320.2 and 320.1, changing at Varna).
If you want to undertake this hike, we recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this hike!
