Neustift near Vahrn

Hotel Pacherhof nestles amidst green vineyards in Neustift near Vahrn, not far from Brixen.

This locality on the old Brenner road was mentioned in a document more than one thousand years ago. Innkeepers and tradesmen have made a living from the brisk trade on this important north-south interconnection since the Middle Ages. Several aristocratic residences, built by nobles and senior officials of Brixen’s prince bishop, still give distinction to the village landscape today.

Tips for excursions in Neustift / Vahrn:

• Augustinian Abbey of Neustift
  The history of the foundation of the Augustinian Abbey of Neustift began in 1140. During this year, Hartmann, the provost of Klosterneuburg monastery near Vienna, was appointed Bishop of Brixen by Archbishop Konrad of Salzburg. He was very keen to have an abbey near to him in which he could go on retreat. In Tyrol there was not a single Augustinian abbey in 1142. Something that Hartmann must have been acutely aware of. The abbey was built 3km north of Brixen, not far from the road that leads into the Puster valley on what was then an insecure and rough place in complete solitude. The abbey’s location was not chosen without reason. It is at the northern end of the Brixen valley basin at the intersection of the important north-south junction over the Alps and the east-west traffic routes from the Puster valley. On the one hand, the abbey was far enough away from noisy residential areas, on the other hand, the Augustinian monks, could practise their Hospitalitas Augustiniana. A hospital was also established next to the abbey. Travellers, pilgrims, the sick and the poor were treated here. Originally, Neustift was a monastery and a convent. Historical sources often make reference to women in the abbey, admittedly only up to about 1300. Today, the Augustinian Abbey of Neustift near Vahrn is the biggest and most famous in the whole of Tyrol. Thirty canons still live and carry out their duties there. The abbey library and basilica, herbal garden and wine cellar are particularly worth seeing! More information on the Augustinian Abbey of Neustift