On a sunny hill northeast of Bressanone lies Elvas with its “Witches’ Slide” and the wonderful orchards all around
Orchards and vineyards and in the middle the houses of Elvas - this is how the small district of Bressanone presents itself to its visitors. From the district of Kranebitt in Bressanone or via the apple plateau of Naz-Sciaves, you can reach the sunny village by car. The Church of St. Peter and Paul stands on the edge of Elvas - a wonderful place to enjoy the view on Bressanone and the Valle Isarco valley floor. In the evening, the lights of the town can be seen from here.
Numerous prehistoric objects were found all around. At the Pinàz Hill, an ancient cult site, a cup-marked stone was found that is covered with small basins and signs. It is a so-called fertility slide, the meaning and purpose of which researchers are still puzzling over. Another slide, the one at the Kreuzplatte rock, is known as the Witches' Slide (Hexenrutsche) and is a popular hiking destination.
Other hills such as the Collina di Elvas and the Walderer Bühel were formed by ice age glaciers. In spring, a walk on the Pinàz Trail is recommended: It is the time of the apple blossom, when the trees transform the landscape into a sea of blossoms. Bressanone can be reached on foot from Elvas: Hiking path no. 1 takes you down to Stufles, the oldest part of the town, and over the Ponte Aquila bridge (Eagle Bridge) to the centre with the Cathedral Square and the Bressanone Arcades. Also some of the most interesting theme trails of the area - the Bressanone Vineyard Trail and the Archaeological Trail - lead past Elvas. In winter, the famous Plose Skiing Area opens its doors.
