Barbian: Hotels for Hiking and Cultural Experiences

Barbian is a destination for travellers who want to include hiking trails, waterfalls and historic religious buildings in their holiday plans. At 85 metres, the lower waterfall is the highest in the series. There is also a circular hike to Briol and Bad Dreikirchen, as well as churches and chapels with diverse architectural and artistic histories.

Waterfalls and hikes

The “Wasserfall Dreikirchen-Runde 2” circular hike leads from the village centre of Barbian to the two Barbian waterfalls. The route continues via Katzenleiter, Kasserol and Stangen to Briol and Bad Dreikirchen. A wild and romantic trail also leads from the last cascade of the Barbian waterfall to the upper waterfall. The description of the circular hike outlines its route, but does not specify a walking time or difficulty level.

Some steep and narrow sections, particularly at the Upper Waterfall and along the Katzenleiter, require sure-footedness and suitable footwear. Trail conditions may change after rain; check conditions before setting out. If you plan to travel by bus, line 346 connects Klausen, Waidbruck and Barbian. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Churches and chapels

The parish church dedicated to Saint James the Elder has been documented since 1378. It was remodelled in the Gothic style and consecrated in 1472. Its interior features a copy of the Crucifixion of Wechselburg, twelve apostle windows, a rose window above the main entrance and several wooden sculptures from the 16th and 17th centuries. This building brings together a long-documented history and a richly varied interior.

The Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre is located below the road from Ponte Gardena to Barbian, near the “Wohlaufhof” farm. Its simple Baroque altar is the defining feature of the small place of worship. The chapel was probably built in the 17th century in connection with a Way of the Cross; three crosses along the route are also a reminder of this.

The churches in Dreikirchen also have distinct historical features. The Church of Saint Gertraud was first mentioned in 1237, while the choir of Saint Nicholas Church is richly decorated with frescoes. Built towards the end of the 15th century, the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is late Gothic, now without frescoes, and the largest of the three churches in Dreikirchen. Visitors interested in religious buildings will find a range of architectural periods and artistic features here, rather than just one uniform image of a church.

Seasonal experiences

At the pine-mountain-pine oil distillery on the Barbianer Alm, free guided tours are offered every Wednesday from 20 May to 28 October 2026, between 10:00 and 16:30. Each tour lasts 20 minutes. Check whether the tour is taking place before travelling there.

Fifty different herbs are grown according to organic guidelines in the organic herb garden at the “Oberpalwitterhof”. As cultivation information may change, ask for the latest details before your visit. The guided plum excursion focuses on the Barbian plum. In 2026, this seasonal hike is rated easy to moderate and takes about 3.5 hours. It is scheduled to start at 10:00 in front of the Barbian information office. Check the current date and starting point in advance; the walking time and difficulty may change.

Discover more destinations: Villanders, Lüsen, Rodeneck, Lajen, Brixen, Natz-Schabs, Klausen, Feldthurns.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Eisack Valley.