AEGEE-Brescia SU 2026: Brixtreme: Born to be Wild

Alpine peaks, hidden lake islands and castle-moat raves: AEGEE-Brescia is organising the Summer University “Brixtreme: Born to be Wild” from 23 July to 2 August 2026. 20 adventurers will conquer the Italian Pre-Alps and the stunning lakes of Lombardy. The fee is 190 Euros, with an optional 50 Euros for an underground city exploration and a high-adrenaline rope park challenge. Stefania Morandini, Vice-President of AEGEE-Brescia, explains why you can’t miss it.

GT: What is the main idea behind your SU?
Stefania: We want to showcase the raw beauty of our territory! It’s a 10-day journey through lakes, hills, mountains and islands – yes, even in Northern Italy! We start in our historic city, Brescia, uncovering its secrets, history and tradition by day and night, before moving into the Pre-Alps to get fully immersed in nature. That’s why we’re “Born to be Wild!”

GT: What’s included in the fee?
Stefania: Accommodation, almost all activities, legendary parties and games, and a whole day at one of the region’s biggest water parks. The optional fee includes the Brescia underground tour and the rope park.

GT: Which landmarks are you visiting? Any hidden gems?
Stefania: We’re visiting Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest lake, and Lake Iseo. The real hidden gem is Monte Isola—one of the largest lake islands in Europe. It has crystal-clear water and landscapes you won’t find anywhere else. Then, we will spend half the SU in the Pre-Alps, hiking mountain paths and bonding around campfires at night.

GT: What’s a local tradition you can only experience at an SU?
Stefania: Dancing in a castle moat! Brescia has a one-of-a-kind castle that turns into an open-air nightclub in the summer. It’s a must-attend highlight of our event.

GT: What is the single most epic activity?
Stefania: Our final mountain hike. Imagine standing at the peak, surrounded by a unique landscape, blue sky and other mountains with green grass and rocky tops. During a previous SU we descended all together while playing soundtracks from adventure films—we felt like true explorers!

GT: Imagine it’s the third SU day. Where am I, what am I eating, and what does the air smell like?
Stefania: You’re by a lake, enjoying stuffed bread after a long hike to the top, surrounded by breath-taking views. We’ll probably be sweaty, but it won’t take long before we’re cooling off with a refreshing swim in the lake!

GT: How do you turn 20 strangers into a family?
Stefania: We start with shared experiences that bring people together, like fun activities and challenges. But it’s in the mountains that the real magic happens. When you’re in a remote house surrounded only by nature, you truly disconnect from the world and connect with each other. Through this authentic environment, strangers quickly become more like a family than anything else.

GT: What makes a remote cabin better than a 5-star hotel?
Stefania: Everything! You aren’t divided into small rooms, so bonds strengthen instantly. Plus, you get to sing around a bonfire under a sky full of stars. You can’t get that in a hotel.

GT: What is the “vibe” drink of the trip?
Stefania: In Brescia, we have a famous and unique drink called Pirlo that is definitely going to become the ONE during the SU. No spoilers—you have to come and find out for yourself!

GT: AEGEE is famous for its Spirit. How would you describe it to a new member?
Stefania: The AEGEE Spirit is unique, it makes you feel home even if you’re far away from your beloved. It’s knowing that you’re among strangers that are in your same place for the same reasons: having fun, explore and getting to know each other. It’s the certainty that those strangers are soon becoming a family and that you’re experiencing one of the best adventures with them.

GT: What’s the most “extreme” thing about Brixtreme?
Stefania: All our activities are extreme – and we face your fears! You suffer from vertigo? We’ll bring you to the Rope Park! You’re claustrophobic? We’ll explore the underground of our city! Afraid of swimming? You’ll can’t wait to refresh in beautiful lakes. Don’t like hiking? You’ll spend five days in the mountains!

GT: Who is your ideal participant?
Stefania: Someone who never tires of exploring, loves nature, and still has the energy for wild parties at night—and can do it all again the next day!

GT: What makes AEGEE-Brescia famous?
Stefania: We are famous in the network mainly for our international events, first of all the Summer University! Notice that our local has been organizing SUs every year since 1999!

GT: What’s your 10-second voice note to a hesitant applicant?
Stefania: “Pota! You need to come! Ten days, twenty strangers who won’t stay strangers, wild mountain adventures, and bonfires under the stars. You’ll come back with stories you’ll never forget—and you’ll also learn what Pota means!”

Check out the course description at the official SU application page. The application period ends on 30 April 2026.