Families - South Tyrol experiences for young and old children
The fabulous Dolomites to explore on foot, by climbing and on skis; 800 castles and fortified manors; knödel and spaghetti; family-run hospitality establishments ranging from farmhouses to hotels specialised in catering for families; child-friendly leisure activities from camps for nature detectives to the King Laurin ski tours; the Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, Europe’s vastest expanse of Alpine pastureland and in winter one of the top ten family ski resorts in the Alps. Many children who spend holidays here with their parents return regularly as adults. In addition to 300 sunny days per year, it is the general milieu which really attracts families.
News
South Tyrol: a Winter Paradise for the Young and Young at Heart
Ski schools with comprehensive day care, easy runs, and creative programme ideas: South Tyrol’s ski areas are truly a paradise for children. more...
Museums, trains, buses and cable cars with one ticket
The museumobil Card combines two offerings, the South Tyrol-wide travel card and admission to South Tyrol's museums. more...
Combining adventure and nature
Walking with children
Here llamas browse, while over there goats, sheep and cows are grazing: South Tyrol’s Alpine pastures are a paradise for children and many are accessible to pushchairs. On the eastern side of the Val di Fosse/ Pfossental marmots seem to whistle from behind every second larch tree. Afterwards you can reward yourself for your efforts with a visit to the Ötzi Park. Or if you still have enough stamina, why not follow the chamois up to a summit, surrounded by small waterfalls and extensive pastureland? Walks and hikes for parents and children amid unspoilt nature – even the PlayStation can take a holiday. more...
On the trail of nature…
Secure and roped up
Paradies for children of all sizes and ages
Climbing
High jinks among the tree tops with hanging bridges, ropes and safety nets several metres above the ground. Climbing in its various forms is an excellent way to help children develop confidence, endurance and skill, and South Tyrol’s mountains provide the perfect backdrop. The first experiences are best gained in climbing gyms and on high ropes courses. For ambitions young mountaineers the next step is to try skills in the real mountains and adventure world, preferably climbing up to a summit and back with an experience guide or along an easy secured climbing route. And there plenty of those in South Tyrol. more...
The Catores Alpine School
The Catores Alpine School is an excellent partner to teach you how to scale steep rocky terrain using the same techniques as those employed by top rock climbers. For a whole day instructors will introduce children, their siblings and parents to this exciting leisure activity. A course can be booked for a minimum of three persons.
moreRespite from the heat
Bathing lakes in South Tyrol
As the barometer rises we long for refreshment in a cool mountain lake, preferably at the end of a day’s walk. Many are surrounded by woods and meadows and can be explored in rowing boats, from where the biotope’s fauna can be observed without disturbing the creatures. Keen bathers are spoilt for choice, from natural lakes to the Merano/Meran Thermal Baths. more...
Laghetto di Fiè/Völser Weiher
Take a dip amid superb natural surroundings remote from the crowds. The small lake at Fiè/Völs is one such gem which has to be seen to be believed. On a jetty at the edge of the forest at 3,400 ft elevation this is the perfect idyllic place to escape the searing heat of the valley.
Discover Laghetto di FièMagic
The best-known legends
Legends and mystical places
Rugged Dolomite massifs, including the Sassolungo/Langkofel, the Rosengarten, the Odle/Geisler and the Fanes massifs are steeped in myth and legend. Many of these stories originate from the Ladin culture. Two of the best known are that of the dwarf King Laurin and the water nymph of the Lago di Carezza/Karersee lake. Walkers in the Rosengarten and Latemar massifs can explore the scenes of both. With over 530 kilometres of walking and hiking trails this area is eminently accessible. more...
Walks to spectacular destinations
At your destination you will be rewarded with the unique spectacle of a natural or man-made wonder. Here are three tipps for walks ending in places of unique natural beauty.
moreJourney back to the Middle Ages
Castles and noble residences
South Tyrol‘s 800 castles and fortified manor houses surmount rocky spurs and ledges high above the valley floor or nestle among lush vineyards. They accommodate museums and collections to the delight of the whole tribe. Over 50 coats of arms can be seen in Churburg Castle, while medieval tournaments in August bring varlets, page boys and castle maidens to life. Children are suitably both scared and fascinated in the haunted room and torture chamber in the mighty Castello di Tures/Taufers Castle dating from the 13th and 15th centuries. Here South Tyrol’s history is brought to life. more...
The finest castle hotels
Cultural adventure
Museums
Live a day like Ötzi the glacier mummy, or don a helmet with a head lamp to explore a mountain mine; learn about the way of life of frogs and toads or explore the fascinating world of bees in the Natural Sciences Museum – just a small sampling of the multitude of experiences on offer in South Tyrol’s 80 museums. Holidaymakers who purchase the Museum Mobile Card have access to the museums as well as all types of public transport. Children aged under 6 enjoy free admission to museums and free use of public transport. more...
Museum of man’s journey through time
From flint blades to sheaf-binders, from corn to bread and from livestock farming to popular piety - the farmstead ‘Ansitz am Orth’ displays over 2,000 exhibits documenting 10,000 years of rural culture.
Fun on snow and ice
Where even the smallest enjoy the winter fun
Winter for children
Family tickets - courses and deals such as ‘Special for kids’ – enable families to get the most out of their winter holidays at very reasonable prices. In the company of a ‘family ski instructor’ children aged between three and six can discover the finest spots in the winter wonderland little by little while still in the company of their parents. Youngsters love South Tyrol’s snowparks. And if you decide to take a break from the ski slopes there are plenty of toboggan runs with an absolute guarantee of snow. more...
Gliding on ice
Dart across the Ritten ice arena in a racing suit, turn sweeping elegant pirouettes like Carolina Kostner, or enjoy a game of Bavarian-style curling on the village pond: ice sports look back on a long tradition in South Tyrol. There is plenty of choice: frozen lakes, outdoor arenas with natural ice and indoor rinks with artificial ice. Most rinks hire out skates.
Ice skating on the RittenOn your bike!
Cycling
South Tyrol is a favourite holiday destination for families. There are countless activities on offer for families with young children, and not only climbing and mountain hikes. South Tyrol’s valley floors are criss-crossed by an intensive network of cycling paths for both leisurely or long-distance rides amid stunning landscapes. more...
Bike Mobilcard
The new Bike Mobilcard provides the owner with unlimited access to South Tyrol’s integrated transport system: buses, local train services, certain cable cars and includes a single use of a rented bicycle.
Learn and muck in
Farm holidays
How often is a meadow mown in summer? And what does a chicken do all day? 1,480 family-friendly farmsteads provide families with hands-on experience of farming life. Children (and parents) learn how to treat pets and livestock and discover where eggs come from, how bread is baked and what happens to milk before it is bottled or ‘tetra-packed’. And given that farming families in South Tyrol are themselves enthusiastic about families, children are allowed to join in the work as well as frolick around the farmyard. more...
Farms for Families
Visiting the animals in the barn, enjoying the farm's playground, feeding the animals, and playing on the lawn: nature and rural life offers all sorts of discoveries for curious and adventure-loving kids.
moreExplore South Tyrol on horseback
Riding
The Haflinger horse, instantly recognisable by its chestnut coat and blond mane, is South Tyrol’s very own horse breed. Originally bred as a mountain work horse, this sure-footed animal is famous for its good nature and patience with children. Even small children feel safe in the saddle on a Haflinger. For competent riders South Tyrol offers a wealth of adventures in the Great Outdoors. Riding opportunities from single lessons to treks lasting several days are available. more...
Farm riding holidays
Young riders develop confidence in themselves and the horse through their relationship with horses. They sense the importance of achieving a balance between control and freedom, while the natural surroundings take on a fresh appearance viewed from the back of a horse. Families will find numerous farmsteads with stables offering riding holidays, including made to measure offers.
Farm riding holidaysWith the tribe in tow
Familienhotels
South Tyrol’s 25 Family Hotels (‘Familienhotels Südtirols’) are specialised in catering for families with children. To be admitted to the group hotels are subjected to regular strict controls and offer family programmes abounding with variety: guided walks and hikes, mountain bike rides, climbing outings, tobogganing, snowshoe hikes and plenty more
more...
The Gelateria Avalon
It is officially one of Italy’s top five ice cream parlours – the Gelateria Avalon. Paolo Coletto is an artisan ice-cream maker who only uses fresh, seasonal fruit (strawberries, apricots and berry fruits from Val Venosta/Vinschgau), preferably organic.
How to get thereOther items that may interest you
Family holidays
The “fun-bob” on the Monte Baranci/Haunold mountain
Tobogganing fun in summer, too: The “fun-bob” on the Monte Baranci/Haunold mountain in San Candido more...
Book recommendation
Family holidays in South Tyrol
South Tyrol is full of adventures for the entire family. Here are the ideas. more...
Family holidays
NATURAronda in Solda/Sulden
An extraordinary oasis in the heart of Passo Stelvio/Stilfserjoch National Park, located at an ... more...
climbing
Climbing Park Sant’Ippolito/St. Hippolytus
A climbing paradise with very steep, vertical wall inclines made of porphyry rock, which is very ... more...
