This mighty fortress dominates the transport hub of Fortezza and the adjacent reservoir
Fortezza - the name represents two closely connected places. When you type it into a search engine, the first result is the imposing structure: Fortezza Fortress, the fortress of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. It dominates this strategically important point in the heart of South Tyrol.
The settlement that grew up alongside it also bears the name Fortezza and is a major transport hub. But it has even more to offer: From the village with its fortress and the reservoir, the area extends to Mezzaselva, the starting point for numerous hikes, and to Le Cave with the Andreas Hofer Brewery.
People recognised the strategic importance of this central location early on. The Romans built a road to Vipiteno and over the Brennero Pass, pilgrims passed through here on their way to Rome, and even in more recent history, this junction to the Upper Valle Isarco, Valle Isarco, and Val Pusteria has been of great significance. The so-called Sachsenklemme, the Saxons' Gorge, played an important role in the Tyrolean Rebellion of 1809.
Today, local and long-distance trains stop at Fortezza station, making the town an ideal interchange. A popular destination is Lake Pontelletto, a small mountain lake above the village. Clear water, fragrant alpine roses, the surrounding forest, and the staffed mountain hut on the shore in summer make it a refreshing spot for hot days.
South of the lake, alpine pastures stretch out, accessible from Mezzaselva, including the Lower and Inner Vallaga Mountain Huts. Down in the valley, next to the upper part of the Fortezza Fortress, there's a climbing garden, and on the lakeshore, benches invite you to relax. South Tyrolean cycle paths also intersect here: the Upper Valle Isarco Cycle Path towards Vipiteno and the Brennero, the Valle Isarco Cycle Path between Bolzano and Bressanone, and the Val Pusteria Cycle Path.
