Chiusa
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Latest page update: 28 August 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Chiusa
Chiusa offers a small but appealing selection of established hotels, supported by its historic centre, mountain backdrop and convenient position along the Isarco Valley. The best-reviewed options focus on comfort, character and easy access to both the town and the surrounding walking routes.
Hotel Goldener Adler, in the centre, is one of the most established choices, appreciated for its traditional interiors, welcoming service and practical position for exploring Chiusa on foot (€€€). Hotel Bischofhof, just outside the town, provides a refined alternative with a peaceful setting, panoramic views and a respected restaurant, making it popular with guests combining food and relaxation (€€€€). For those seeking a countryside stay nearby, Hotel Gnollhof offers wide views, wellness facilities and a tranquil atmosphere in the hills above the valley, giving guests a scenic base for touring the Dolomites (€€€€).
Hotel Goldener Adler, in the centre, is one of the most established choices, appreciated for its traditional interiors, welcoming service and practical position for exploring Chiusa on foot (€€€). Hotel Bischofhof, just outside the town, provides a refined alternative with a peaceful setting, panoramic views and a respected restaurant, making it popular with guests combining food and relaxation (€€€€). For those seeking a countryside stay nearby, Hotel Gnollhof offers wide views, wellness facilities and a tranquil atmosphere in the hills above the valley, giving guests a scenic base for touring the Dolomites (€€€€).
Where is
Where is Chiusa?
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The town of Chiusa (Klausen in German)is situated within the Province of Bolzano in the region of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol. It stands at an elevation of 523 metres and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy).
Chiusa is also an official comune that covers an area of 51 square kilometres and had a population of 5,196 on 1 January 2024. |
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Comune di Chiusa
Gemeinde Klausen
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Province: Bolzano
Region: Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol Population: 5,196 (in 2024 - source) Size: 51 km² Elevation: 523 metres Highlights: Ponte Sant'Andrea, Torre del Capitano, River Isarco Close by: Castelrotto, Bressanone, Ortisei, Siusi allo Sciliar |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: La Cittadina degli Artisti sull'Isarco (The Little Town of Artists on the Isarco River)
Listing headline: La Cittadina degli Artisti sull'Isarco (The Little Town of Artists on the Isarco River)
What People Ask About Chiusa (Klausen)
Where is Chiusa (Klausen) located?
What is Chiusa (Klausen) known for?
How do you get to Chiusa (Klausen)?
What is the Sabiona Monastery?
Is Chiusa worth visiting?
Related links
Discover
Discover Chiusa
Chiusa or Klausen?
As is the case with much of the South Tyrol region, more than 90% of the population of the village regard German as their first language and consider themselves residents of Klausen rather than Chiusa. As such, the village does have a very Austrian feel to it, not only in the language you hear or see written on shop signs, but also with its cuisine and architecture.
This may cause a slight scratching of heads to modern-day visitors but is put into context when you consider South Tyrol was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire right up until it was annexed by Italy in 1919. It was shortly after that date that a process of Italianisation took place with the renaming of places including rivers, towns and places of interest. A linguistic quirk of Chiusa is that it means "Closed" in Italian and therefore causes all sorts of problems when trying to find the village on Google!
This may cause a slight scratching of heads to modern-day visitors but is put into context when you consider South Tyrol was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire right up until it was annexed by Italy in 1919. It was shortly after that date that a process of Italianisation took place with the renaming of places including rivers, towns and places of interest. A linguistic quirk of Chiusa is that it means "Closed" in Italian and therefore causes all sorts of problems when trying to find the village on Google!
Sightseeing Chiusa
Chiusa's centro storico (historic centre) occupies an area between the River Isarco (Tinnebach in German) to the south and the Sabiona Hill to the north which partially explains its "closed", as in "hemmed-in" name. Proudly sitting at the top of the hill is the Monastero di Sabiona which is enclosed by a crenellated wall embellished with a series of watchtowers. The land that traces up the hill from the village is lined with neat rows of vines creating the perfect backdrop for the historic centre below.
At the foot of the hill lies the Torre del Capitano (Burg Branzoll in German): a small fortress that's privately owned and not always open to visitors. The little castle lies just to the north of the village's main area of interest: Piazza Parrocchia. The main building on the Piazza is the Parrocchia di Sant'Andrea Apostolo church which dates back to the 15th century and from which the square takes its name.
Equally as appealing however, are the colourful medieval buildings that make up the rest of the Piazza from which you can walk down to the river. If you cross the Ponte Sant'Andrea bridge to the other side, you can turn around and get some lovely photos and pick out the Monastery high up on the hill.
Leading north and south of Piazza Parrocchia is the village's main thoroughfare which divides into two different names at that point. To the north it's called Via Città Alta denoting the "Upper Town", and to the south it's called Via Città Bassa for the "Lower Town". This is a beautiful street lined with characteristic Tyrolean medieval buildings housing shops, restaurants and other businesses.
At the northern end of Via Città Alta is the village's main car park which works on a pay and display basis. From the car park it's just a 3 minute drive to the A22 motorway junction from which you can head north to Bressanone or south to Bolzano.
At the foot of the hill lies the Torre del Capitano (Burg Branzoll in German): a small fortress that's privately owned and not always open to visitors. The little castle lies just to the north of the village's main area of interest: Piazza Parrocchia. The main building on the Piazza is the Parrocchia di Sant'Andrea Apostolo church which dates back to the 15th century and from which the square takes its name.
Equally as appealing however, are the colourful medieval buildings that make up the rest of the Piazza from which you can walk down to the river. If you cross the Ponte Sant'Andrea bridge to the other side, you can turn around and get some lovely photos and pick out the Monastery high up on the hill.
Leading north and south of Piazza Parrocchia is the village's main thoroughfare which divides into two different names at that point. To the north it's called Via Città Alta denoting the "Upper Town", and to the south it's called Via Città Bassa for the "Lower Town". This is a beautiful street lined with characteristic Tyrolean medieval buildings housing shops, restaurants and other businesses.
At the northern end of Via Città Alta is the village's main car park which works on a pay and display basis. From the car park it's just a 3 minute drive to the A22 motorway junction from which you can head north to Bressanone or south to Bolzano.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Chiusa
- Historic centre is a collection of pastel-coloured buildings, wrought-iron signs and cobbled lanes set along the banks of the River Isarco. The layout reflects Chiusa’s medieval origins, with narrow alleys and arcaded streets. Cafés, galleries and artisan shops occupy many of the old houses. The town has long been a source of inspiration for artists.
- Parish Church of Sant’Andrea stands at the edge of the old town and features a tall Gothic bell tower and richly decorated interior. Frescoes, altarpieces and carved wooden fittings reflect South Tyrolean religious art. The church square is a gathering place for events and markets. It remains active for local services and cultural occasions.
- Säben Abbey sits on a hilltop above the town and was once one of the oldest Christian settlements in Tyrol. The complex includes chapels, a convent and a pilgrimage path marked by stations of the cross. While the abbey itself is closed to the public, the site can be reached on foot. The viewpoint offers wide panoramas of the valley and Dolomites.
- Walking trails and panoramic paths link Chiusa with surrounding vineyards, alpine meadows and forests. Routes vary from short circular walks to more demanding hillside climbs. The Chestnut Trail (Keschtnweg) is especially popular in autumn. Signposts and rest areas are well maintained throughout the area.
- Wine tastings and local produce markets take place in and around the town, with a focus on Eisack Valley white wines. Cellars and farm shops offer tastings of Sylvaner, Müller-Thurgau and Kerner varietals. Autumn festivals celebrate the harvest with traditional food and music. Local specialities also appear in weekly markets and seasonal events.
Tours and Activities
Chiusa Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Chiusa
- Gasthof Klostersepp: Located close to the centre of Chiusa, this traditional inn offers South Tyrolean specialities such as speck platters, dumplings, and game dishes. The rustic dining room features wood panelling and mountain decor, with outdoor seating available in summer. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Restaurant Walther von der Vogelweide: Situated in a historic building in the old town, this restaurant combines Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Dishes include homemade pasta, local cheeses, and seasonal mains, served in an elegant yet informal setting. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Torgglkeller: A popular spot in the town centre, Torgglkeller is known for its cellar-style interior with vaulted ceilings and wooden furnishings. The menu offers traditional Tyrolean fare, including sausages, sauerkraut, and hearty soups. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Gassl Bräu: Found in the pedestrian zone of Chiusa, this small brewery and restaurant serves house-brewed beers alongside a range of local and Bavarian-style dishes. The atmosphere is casual and lively, especially in the beer garden. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria Restaurant Schoberhof: Located in Gudon (approx. 5 km north of Chiusa), Schoberhof offers wood-fired pizzas and regional dishes with views over the valley. The family-friendly setting includes a terrace and a menu suitable for both adults and children. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Chiusa Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Chiusa
- Klausen Abbey (Monastero di Sabiona) (approx. 2 km south of Chiusa): Perched on a hill overlooking the town, this historic monastery is one of the most significant religious sites in South Tyrol. It features centuries-old chapels and offers sweeping views across the Eisack Valley.
- Velturno (approx. 5 km north of Chiusa): A small village known for Velthurns Castle, a Renaissance residence once used by the prince-bishops of Brixen. The castle now houses a museum with art and historical exhibits, and the village is surrounded by orchards and vineyards.
- Villandro (approx. 7 km east of Chiusa): Set on a hillside above the Eisack Valley, Villandro is home to the Villanderer Alm, one of the largest alpine pastures in South Tyrol. The village also has a historic centre with churches and old farmhouses reflecting the region’s rural heritage.
- Bressanone (approx. 12 km north of Chiusa): The oldest town in Tyrol, Bressanone combines a medieval core with Baroque architecture. Its main highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Hofburg Palace, and lively streets filled with shops and cafes.
- Barbiano (approx. 8 km south of Chiusa): Known for its leaning church tower of St. James, Barbiano is a small village with traditional Tyrolean character. It is a base for hikes into the surrounding mountains and offers panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations
1. Lake Braies
2. Trento
3. Bolzano
4. Val Gardena
5. Riva del Garda
6. Lake Tenno
7. Bressanone
8. Rovereto
9. Glorenza
10. San Candido
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
1. Lake Braies
2. Trento
3. Bolzano
4. Val Gardena
5. Riva del Garda
6. Lake Tenno
7. Bressanone
8. Rovereto
9. Glorenza
10. San Candido
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Chiusa
By Rail: Chiusa has its own train station on the Brenner railway line, operated by Trenitalia and Südtirol Bahn. Regional trains connect the town to Bolzano in approximately 20 minutes and to Bressanone in about 10 minutes. The station is located just outside the historic centre and is accessible on foot.
By Road: Chiusa is located in the Isarco Valley of South Tyrol, approximately 25 kilometres north of Bolzano. The drive from Bolzano takes about 30 minutes via the A22 motorway. From Bressanone, the journey is around 15 kilometres and takes roughly 20 minutes. Public parking is available near the town centre and at the entrance to the old town.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Chiusa is located in the Isarco Valley of South Tyrol, approximately 25 kilometres north of Bolzano. The drive from Bolzano takes about 30 minutes via the A22 motorway. From Bressanone, the journey is around 15 kilometres and takes roughly 20 minutes. Public parking is available near the town centre and at the entrance to the old town.
Nearest International Airports:
- Bolzano Airport: The closest airport, located about 35 kilometres to the south. The drive takes approximately 35 minutes via the A22.
- Innsbruck Airport: Situated in Austria, roughly 85 kilometres to the north. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A13 and A22 motorways.
- Verona Villafranca Airport: Located around 170 kilometres to the south, with a driving time of approximately 2 hours via the A22 motorway.
Private Transfers
Chiusa Private Transfers
A private transfer to or from Chiusa offers a straightforward and comfortable way to travel through this part of South Tyrol. With a pre-arranged service, you can avoid train changes or delays and enjoy a direct journey to your destination.
Chiusa, also known by its German name Klausen, is located in South Tyrol, between Bolzano and Bressanone along the Brenner railway line. The town has its own train station, Chiusa-Klausen, served by regional trains connecting it with Bolzano (25 minutes) and Bressanone (10 minutes). For air travel, the nearest major airport is Innsbruck Airport in Austria (about 85 kilometres north, 1 hour 15 minutes by car), while Verona Airport lies around 175 kilometres south (just over 2 hours by road).
If you’d like to book a private transfer to or from Chiusa, please fill in the form below with your journey details.
Chiusa, also known by its German name Klausen, is located in South Tyrol, between Bolzano and Bressanone along the Brenner railway line. The town has its own train station, Chiusa-Klausen, served by regional trains connecting it with Bolzano (25 minutes) and Bressanone (10 minutes). For air travel, the nearest major airport is Innsbruck Airport in Austria (about 85 kilometres north, 1 hour 15 minutes by car), while Verona Airport lies around 175 kilometres south (just over 2 hours by road).
If you’d like to book a private transfer to or from Chiusa, please fill in the form below with your journey details.
