Brixlegg is a fabulous small Alpine centre of Austria which with all its charm and beauty is furthermore lively protagonist of the magic essence of a Tyrolean Christmas Market which is one of the most characterful and pleasant of the entire country.
That charming town of approximately 3,000 inhabitants situated at 534,0 metres of altitude in the the district of Kufstein in the Austrian Tyrol at just 47,0 kilometres from the stunning Innsbruck (I wrote a post about that destination in the case you are interested) in the Inn Valley a short distance from the the beautiful lake Achensee.
Located in correspondence of the the entrance of the green and picturesque Alpbachtal,a valley famous for its Alpine Ski areas and beautiful peaks such as the Grossen Galtenberg,the Gratlspitze and the Wiedersberg Horn apart its history,magnificent landscapes that municipality is strongly rooted and famous for its outstanding traditions linked to that its old long and unique tradition called Christmas Market.
Everywhere you are going all around the Austrian territory during Advent period you can admire several charming and beautiful Markets also in small towns and villages and all that for the long secular history started in the 17th century and Brixlegg is undoubtedly one of those centres which grow with that culture grow,conserved and preserved since then the deeply rooted identity of those traditions and nowadays continues to show with pride alive all that with all its most genuine and true spirit.
Historically Brixlegg despite the local territory was already inhabited by ancient Celtic populations and later integrated in the vast and large territory established by the Roman Empire and called Noricum which included also that land.
After the fall of Rome the land lived a very peaceful period under Frank rule who established a feudalistic system organised in landlords who governed groups of villages and the life of that small Austrian former
former humble settlement mainly lived of agriculture,populated by farmers and shepherds with small operations of trades mainly devoted to livestock and agricultural products trades developed along the Inn Valley.
It started to be an important centre of Tyrol in the Middle Ages when in the mountains surrounding its boundaries were discovered some copper mines and the extraction of that mineral gave that small town fame all around the country changed the economy and importance of Brixlegg.
The history of the current town is also linked to the different occupations and disputes highlighted by the Bavarians and the Austrian -Hungarian Empire who always fought to keep that strategic territory in their domains which after secular claims and wars moved under influence of the Hapsburg House and in the course of its history integrated in the Tyrol and the Republic of Austria with a brief occupation by German troops during the 2nd World War in which period also suffered several bombings and many of its artistic heritage monuments was greatly destroyed.
The name Brixlegg means within valleys deriving from the ancient name Prisslech a denomination assigned in the late 8th century exactly in the year 788 due its geographic position surrounded by valleys such as the Alpbachtal,the Ziller and the Unterhintal the lower Inn valley crossed by the Inn river.
During its history the current centre increased its local economy thanks to other activities as the mineral water Silberquelle,Winter Sports and Tourism.
Regarding the first mentioned activity Brixlegg also became a great a SPA destination thanks to the proximity to the the sources of healing mineral waters of Mehrn and since long time ago it is a more than prestigious centre for curative and therapy purposes boasting today a modern complex providing several facilities such as beauty and Wellness,solarium,saunas,massages,programmed sessions of therapies thanks the strong compounds of those waters rich in sulphur and very famous for its baths.
Skiing in that area as in the major part of Austria is as a sort of religion and Brixlegg apart the many network of slopes in its immediate surroundings is also the birthplace of a distinguished champion specialist of downhill Stefan Eberharter and obviously such presence and name helped to increase furthermore flows of tourism to practise Alpine Ski in a place where born that famous figure for long time one of the best and competitive athletes in the FIS World Cup and star in the Austrian team.
The fantastic network formed by 145,0 kilometres of ski tracks almost 50 complexes of ski lifts and several other facilities developed in that huge space called Ski Juwel Albachtal Wildschönau is certainly a superb opportunities to enjoy those wonderful blue,red and black slopes suitable for every skier from the beginners to the most experienced Masters.
The tracks due the long traditions and the exigences of the visitors are very well battered,the skis never sink for the total absence of accumulation of very soft snow,there is fun for everybody with challenging curves,long steep stretches but also gentle tracks with inferior gradients and more appropriated to find
the right coordination and to try later some more difficult section.
Another special feature is that Brixlegg is a sort of cradle of skating on ice in Austria with its famous Skating Arena which hosts several relevant competitions and it obviously favourite destination for all the lovers of such spectacular sport.
The historic centre of the town in mainly developed behind the shore of the river Inn and the E60 Inntal Autobahn the motorway which from west to east crosses the municipal boundaries and with Innstrasse, Dorfstrasse and Kirchfeld which are the main streets forming the core of the town while Wienberg Wies is the most important access on its eastern side.
On the other side of the Inn in the immediate extra radius you can admire the splendid lake Reintalersee which is another of the scenic attractions in the immediate surrounding of Brixlegg which also has in its proximity other two smaller such as the Buch See and the Krummsee all with some campings in their vicinity.
One of the most relevant historic attractions is Unsere Liebe Frau Kirche a charming Religious building which is also the local Parish Church and dedicated to Our Lady St Virgin Mary.That captivating Sacred construction represents a stunning example of Romantic Style very common in Austria and Germany highlighted by a high light bell tower developed on a square plan an a long thin pyramidal red roof placed over a circular watch and the belfry with a series of arched windows.
The Central body established adjacently is characterised by its white walls developed around a large irregular polygonal base and covered by scenic dark gray roof with a very austere exterior decoration.
In the municipality you can also see different votive chapels one of them is Wolfenkapelle a small white shrine erected as a charming hut covered by a dark roof with a arched doorway and a curved opening hosting a sort of vaulted portico with a large stained glass windows.
Another one is Mühlbichl Kapelle very charming for its entrance behind a stoned walled perimeter and a short step.Despite its very sober exterior consisting in immaculate white walls notable is the symmetry of the elements as a rectangular doorway beneath a portico covered by a polygonal roof.
You will notice in that structure a vague attempt of Neo Romanesque style inspiration in part linked to a rose window in the middle of the front side and a turret of brown tonality inserted in the middle of the upper facade completing a gable dark gray roof. Close to that Chapel you can see the Memorial dedicated to the victims of the war established in a scenic position facing a magnificent mountainous chain of extreme beauty.
Friedhofskapelle is a further one situated adjacent the local cemetery showing a beautiful facade with an ample arched doorway surmounted by a small stoned roof beneath the main and bigger topped by a turret with a scenic domed onion with pinnacle.The result is a building pretty captivating for the different architectonic elements placed in a very scenic way,nothing is bizarre or peculiar but pretty showy in particular in its upper section.
In Marktstrasse a street just behind the Parish Church you can admire some houses which reflects the typical Tyrolean architectonic consisting in constructions erected on two stories highlighted by painted shutters,doors and balconies with wooden details and symmetric rectangular windows placed on its facades.
One of the most scenic buildings is situated in Herrnausplatz a charming square of Brixlegg and it is Gasthof Herrnaus a spledid constructions hosting a guesthouse providing accommodations and a delicious local cuisine highlighted by its wide clear facades with lines of windows with wooden shutters and two scenic onions domes placed on the extremities of its frontal side at the level of the roof appearing from far as two towers.
The town loyal and to pay homage to its historic heritage has a Museum which hosts an exhibition dedicated to the Metallurgic and Mining activies narrating the history of those relevant industries which characterised the golden ages of the former village since the 15th century when the name of Brixlegg reached notoriety all around the Tyrol and Austria.
That exhibition is pretty interesting to learn more how in different historic stage the municipality consolidated its economic position in its more important steps also inside the Austrian Empire becoming an important source for the Hapsburg House.
Schloss Lanegg is one of the most historic local constructions dating back the 16th century and residence of the noble family Faber von Lanegg who lived in that high building since the year 1588 from which derives the name.Located in a verdant and picturesque hilly verdant plateau,the building restored in some occasions was developed on an irregular square plan and you will notice on its light facades series of lines of rectangular windows with coloured shutters perfectly symmetric,all that beneath a sort of dark trapezoidal roof topped by a pinnacle.
On the shore of the river Inn as further and relevant witness of the local secular culture closely related to the agriculture which was the first local activity you can see the Granary building which represents with its presence the rural soul of the municipality.
Regarding the first mentioned activity Brixlegg also became a great a SPA destination thanks to the proximity to the the sources of healing mineral waters of Mehrn and since long time ago it is a more than prestigious centre for curative and therapy purposes boasting today a modern complex providing several facilities such as beauty and Wellness,solarium,saunas,massages,programmed sessions of therapies thanks the strong compounds of those waters rich in sulphur and very famous for its baths.
Skiing in that area as in the major part of Austria is as a sort of religion and Brixlegg apart the many network of slopes in its immediate surroundings is also the birthplace of a distinguished champion specialist of downhill Stefan Eberharter and obviously such presence and name helped to increase furthermore flows of tourism to practise Alpine Ski in a place where born that famous figure for long time one of the best and competitive athletes in the FIS World Cup and star in the Austrian team.
The fantastic network formed by 145,0 kilometres of ski tracks almost 50 complexes of ski lifts and several other facilities developed in that huge space called Ski Juwel Albachtal Wildschönau is certainly a superb opportunities to enjoy those wonderful blue,red and black slopes suitable for every skier from the beginners to the most experienced Masters.
The tracks due the long traditions and the exigences of the visitors are very well battered,the skis never sink for the total absence of accumulation of very soft snow,there is fun for everybody with challenging curves,long steep stretches but also gentle tracks with inferior gradients and more appropriated to find
the right coordination and to try later some more difficult section.
Another special feature is that Brixlegg is a sort of cradle of skating on ice in Austria with its famous Skating Arena which hosts several relevant competitions and it obviously favourite destination for all the lovers of such spectacular sport.
The historic centre of the town in mainly developed behind the shore of the river Inn and the E60 Inntal Autobahn the motorway which from west to east crosses the municipal boundaries and with Innstrasse, Dorfstrasse and Kirchfeld which are the main streets forming the core of the town while Wienberg Wies is the most important access on its eastern side.
On the other side of the Inn in the immediate extra radius you can admire the splendid lake Reintalersee which is another of the scenic attractions in the immediate surrounding of Brixlegg which also has in its proximity other two smaller such as the Buch See and the Krummsee all with some campings in their vicinity.
One of the most relevant historic attractions is Unsere Liebe Frau Kirche a charming Religious building which is also the local Parish Church and dedicated to Our Lady St Virgin Mary.That captivating Sacred construction represents a stunning example of Romantic Style very common in Austria and Germany highlighted by a high light bell tower developed on a square plan an a long thin pyramidal red roof placed over a circular watch and the belfry with a series of arched windows.
The Central body established adjacently is characterised by its white walls developed around a large irregular polygonal base and covered by scenic dark gray roof with a very austere exterior decoration.
In the municipality you can also see different votive chapels one of them is Wolfenkapelle a small white shrine erected as a charming hut covered by a dark roof with a arched doorway and a curved opening hosting a sort of vaulted portico with a large stained glass windows.
Another one is Mühlbichl Kapelle very charming for its entrance behind a stoned walled perimeter and a short step.Despite its very sober exterior consisting in immaculate white walls notable is the symmetry of the elements as a rectangular doorway beneath a portico covered by a polygonal roof.
You will notice in that structure a vague attempt of Neo Romanesque style inspiration in part linked to a rose window in the middle of the front side and a turret of brown tonality inserted in the middle of the upper facade completing a gable dark gray roof. Close to that Chapel you can see the Memorial dedicated to the victims of the war established in a scenic position facing a magnificent mountainous chain of extreme beauty.
Friedhofskapelle is a further one situated adjacent the local cemetery showing a beautiful facade with an ample arched doorway surmounted by a small stoned roof beneath the main and bigger topped by a turret with a scenic domed onion with pinnacle.The result is a building pretty captivating for the different architectonic elements placed in a very scenic way,nothing is bizarre or peculiar but pretty showy in particular in its upper section.
In Marktstrasse a street just behind the Parish Church you can admire some houses which reflects the typical Tyrolean architectonic consisting in constructions erected on two stories highlighted by painted shutters,doors and balconies with wooden details and symmetric rectangular windows placed on its facades.
One of the most scenic buildings is situated in Herrnausplatz a charming square of Brixlegg and it is Gasthof Herrnaus a spledid constructions hosting a guesthouse providing accommodations and a delicious local cuisine highlighted by its wide clear facades with lines of windows with wooden shutters and two scenic onions domes placed on the extremities of its frontal side at the level of the roof appearing from far as two towers.
The town loyal and to pay homage to its historic heritage has a Museum which hosts an exhibition dedicated to the Metallurgic and Mining activies narrating the history of those relevant industries which characterised the golden ages of the former village since the 15th century when the name of Brixlegg reached notoriety all around the Tyrol and Austria.
That exhibition is pretty interesting to learn more how in different historic stage the municipality consolidated its economic position in its more important steps also inside the Austrian Empire becoming an important source for the Hapsburg House.
Schloss Lanegg is one of the most historic local constructions dating back the 16th century and residence of the noble family Faber von Lanegg who lived in that high building since the year 1588 from which derives the name.Located in a verdant and picturesque hilly verdant plateau,the building restored in some occasions was developed on an irregular square plan and you will notice on its light facades series of lines of rectangular windows with coloured shutters perfectly symmetric,all that beneath a sort of dark trapezoidal roof topped by a pinnacle.
On the shore of the river Inn as further and relevant witness of the local secular culture closely related to the agriculture which was the first local activity you can see the Granary building which represents with its presence the rural soul of the municipality.
That secular historic culture local culture closely linked to the Christmas Market continues to live as in the past its popular and genuine traditions.According the opinion of many people Brixlegg has one of the best Christkindleinzung, a procession performed in the streets transporting the figure of the child Jesus Christ to celebrate his birth in Bethlehem.
That fantastic and suggestive event is celebrated exactly one week before Christmas Eve the day 17th December and it is also corresponds to the day when the children express their desires and wishes with the ritual of the letter directed to Santa Claus and posted in the mailboxes of the town.Those two events linked to the most deep Religious faith and that Nordic tradition linked to the story of that legendary and folkloric character the old Father Christmas fill the atmosphere of the town of a very enjoyable and suggestive air
conquering everybody.
The magic essence of a Tyrolean Christmas Market as that one of Brixlegg is furthermore linked to the pure and real tradition to arrange and represent as in the past old bakeries and pastry barracks and the market displaying the products with a massive participation of the population in a very festive atmosphere which involves all children and adults and that continues today keeping alive everything after centuries of history.
That fantastic and suggestive event is celebrated exactly one week before Christmas Eve the day 17th December and it is also corresponds to the day when the children express their desires and wishes with the ritual of the letter directed to Santa Claus and posted in the mailboxes of the town.Those two events linked to the most deep Religious faith and that Nordic tradition linked to the story of that legendary and folkloric character the old Father Christmas fill the atmosphere of the town of a very enjoyable and suggestive air
conquering everybody.
The magic essence of a Tyrolean Christmas Market as that one of Brixlegg is furthermore linked to the pure and real tradition to arrange and represent as in the past old bakeries and pastry barracks and the market displaying the products with a massive participation of the population in a very festive atmosphere which involves all children and adults and that continues today keeping alive everything after centuries of history.
The town provides stalls where it is possible to taste the delicious cakes and specialities such as the traditional Kiachin,the sweet and fragrant Krapfen,Strudeln and the chance to have a glass of Glühwein the warm red wine prepared with sugar and spices and much more.In the four weeks of advent before the celebration of Christmas Day,Brixlegg also offers a beautiful general view with its small centre packed by charming and shining lights which delight the visitor at first sight.
The tradition is also to live that magic atmosphere and essence in the families with candles placed in many houses,there are several preparations and usual traditional operations such as the classic Christmas tree and in Brixlegg as in all the Tyrol people loyal to something extremely rooted use real and true pines,there are not imitations or vulgar symbolic replicas and many of the lights to create a real atmosphere consists in the traditional use of original wax candles.
Christmas according the ancient traditions transmitted generation by generation in those places has to be lived as a feast remaining next to the real history and culture developed centuries ago and everything reproduced as the ancestral made and it is still a must by locals avoiding peculiar strange reproductions.
Also the Church becomes a highlight during the advent with a great participation of the inhabitants and Christmas Religious songs performed by great choirs of adults and young people.
Christmas according the ancient traditions transmitted generation by generation in those places has to be lived as a feast remaining next to the real history and culture developed centuries ago and everything reproduced as the ancestral made and it is still a must by locals avoiding peculiar strange reproductions.
Also the Church becomes a highlight during the advent with a great participation of the inhabitants and Christmas Religious songs performed by great choirs of adults and young people.
Brixlegg is of course a great destination for everyone who want to live a real Austrian ad Tyrolean Christmas Market,no imitations,no artificiality,Brixlegg and its market lives the ancient tradition after centuries in the traditional way.That is the magic essence which also created the suggestive,magnificent and unique image and historic prestige of something absolutely stunning to live once in your live and why not organising and planning a trip to admire all that which will surprise and conquer you,a place which will pleasantly mark your memories.
Tirol and Austria so famous worldwide.
Tirol and Austria so famous worldwide.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Accomodations in Brixlegg and Surroundings
Gasthof Hernnhaus
Apartment Brunnerberg
Sporthotel Sonneuhr (at Kramsach)
Hotel Landgasthof Gappen (at Kramsach)
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Thanks a lot to read and note.