Museums in the Dolomites regions

A fantastic experience for the whole family!

The Mineral Museum Teis is dedicated to the famous Geodes of Teis which formed thanks to volcanic activities more than 290 million years ago. Besides Geodes of Teis, there are also exhibited other alpine minerals (rock crystals, smoky quartz, garnets etc.). The collection is Paul Fischnaller’s lifework who dedicated his life to the minerals.

A short introductory film gives insight into the formation of the Alps and the minerals. In the well-assorted museum shop you can purchase books, souvenirs, gemstones and healing stones.

Join Paul Fischnaller on his search for Geodes of Teis! Every Thursday, reservation required.

Exhibition of sacred furniture from the baroque époque in the Tyrolean area. Next to the precious liturgical vestments and gonfalons painted by famous artists, the museum also stands out for its precious jewels from the 18th century.

The Tramin Village Museum emphasizes winegrowing, agriculture, housekeeping and crafts in the Unterland region, a large Gewürztraminer exhibition as well as local customs such as the "Egetmann" carnival parade in Tramin and the new central theme "Living between North and South"

The Plunacker Archeoparc is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Alps. The settlement remains span from the Mesolithic period to the Neolithic period, from the bronze age to the Roman period. That is a time span of about 7,000 years! The main attractions are certainly the extensive Roman and mediaeval remains of buildings.

It was discovered by chance in 1976 during excavation work, and during the 80s various buildings were gradually uncovered. The Villanders Archeoparc now covers an area of approx. 1,600 m². There is a permanent exhibit next to it with amphoras and many other discoveries.

Guided tours are also possible outside the opening hours.
Further information: Tel. +39 3355474663 or e-mail: mari.erlacher@gmail.com.

Monastery of Novacella was founded by the blessed bishop Hartmann in 1142 as an Augustinian monastery. Thanks to its monastery school it became one of the most important centre of education and art. In 1742 the monastery was the largest in Tyrol, the Romanesque abbey church of Abbazia di Novacella was redesigned in Baroque style. Unique at  the monastery of Novacella is the round building of Castello dell'Angelo, former hostel and defence facility. The Gothic cloister benefits from valuable frescoes, while the well in the courtyard depicts the wonders of the world. The 8th wonder is said to be Novacella. The Rococo library of the monastery  of Novacella is uniquely beautiful, the Pinacoteca houses medieval paintings by outstanding masters Michael and Friedrich Pacher and Marx Reichlich. The Turkish wall dates back to turbulent times. The mill, water buildings and wine cellar point to the economic importance of the monastery. The area around the monastery is the northernmost winegrowing region of Italy with the well-known white wines Sylvaner, Müller-Thurgau and Kerner.

Other information about the monastery of Novacella

Visit without guide from Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm

The historical garden: The historical garden is situated at the entrance to the monastery complex. It reopened in summer 2004 following extensive restoration work. The monastery garden can be visited indipendently from Thuersday to Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm

The monastery of Novacella is closed on Sundays and Catholic Holidays. 

Discover the train station! The entertainment train station at Naturno/Stava is the old train station of the Val Senales. It shows an electric train on an 800 m track, an original steam engine locomotive Waldenburg Switzerland, a tank engine locomotive, and two wagons of the Rhaetic train. The station is open every Sunday afternoon from Mai until October.

The spacious area beneath the Scheibkopf mountain offers a superb 180° panorama view of the Texelgruppe nature reserve. A telescope focuses the viewer’s attention on the Granatkogel (3,304 m) and the Hohe First (3,403 m) which stand out prominently from the eternal glacial ice.

Discover all about…

…the geology of the far end of the Passeiertal valley.
…the rocks.
…the Passeirer mountain goat.

 

The Nature Park Visitor Center of Villnöss brings visitors closer to nature and is the perfect place to dwell on. A walkable aerial photo gives visitors a bird‘s eye perspective of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. The exhibition area “Touch the mountains” focuses on the key topic - the geology of the Dolomites. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park has been designated the “Dolomites site office” because it is home to all of the rock types, deposits and weathering that are typically found in the Dolomites. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park in the Dolomites is estendet on a area of the 3 valleys: Gadertal valley, Gröden valley and Villnöss valley.  The “Nature’s treasure trove” on the second floor contains plenty to discover: animal fur, bird’s eggs, feathers, footprints, droppings, teeth, antlers, medicinal herbs … all of which - and much more - is on display and can be touched! The “Conquering Mountains” room is primarily dedicated to alpinism. The world’s probably most famous alpinist, Reinhold Messner, comes from Villnöss. He talks about his experiences in the mountains in a short film. The “Puez-Geisler Nature Park film” is also shown daily in the mountain cinema. Leave your stress at home, discover the world of the mountains, and feel like a hunter in the woods.

The Dolomites are renowned all around the world for their unique -beauty. No other place can boast such contrasts between steep rocks and grassy pastures. Michael Wachtler presents the evolving of the Dolomites and their unique genesis in the historical Villa Wachtler. THE BIGGEST MUSEUM ABOUT THE DOLOMITES It will take you from the mysterious world of myths and legends to the bottom of our existence. “Megachirella wachtleri”, the ancient ancestor of today‘s snakes and lizards. The mysterious evolution of plants. Cavern bears in the Dolomites. NEW! DINOSAUR WORLD New researches yielded that in the Dolomites originated the ancestors of the dinosaurs. Beautiful dioramas and original skeletons show you their sensational ascension. NEW! THE LEGENDS OF DOLOMITES From Aurona, the land of gold and the lights to the Snow Queen Samblana. From the legend about the "Pale Mountains" to the Croderes, the people of stone. NEW! TREASURE DIGGING ALL THE YEAR Become an adventurous gold miner and crystal hunter yourself. You might just find a dinosaur, fossils, gold or a crystal of your own.

The heritage museum in Laatsch/ Laudes located in a once-abandoned parish barn, opened its doors in 2004. Over four decades, a passionate collector from Laudes collected farming and household utensils and implements. All kinds of odd and also very special items could thus be preserved from decay, and today provide visitors with an insight into their use, and the customs and traditions of the Upper Vinschgau Valley.

Discover Nature – Information Point in Kasern at the End of the Ahrntal Valley

At the car park in Kasern, at the very end of the Ahrntal valley, you’ll find the information point of the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, housed in a modern, minimalist wooden structure that blends beautifully with the alpine surroundings.

On the ground floor, a lovingly curated exhibition introduces the local craftsmanship and agriculture of the upper Ahrntal. You’ll also discover an overview of South Tyrol’s nature parks. A 3D relief map provides orientation – and the panoramic view of the valley’s end will spark your wanderlust.

The lower floor features a magical, interactive exhibition that immerses visitors in the fascinating world of the remote Prettau valley.

The film “Prettauer Leben” (Life in Prettau) gives voice to the local people and their stories.
At the heart of the exhibition are four cross-border hiking routes that showcase the region’s natural and cultural richness.
In the cinema room, a short film offers a stunning glimpse of the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, while “Panorama Prettau” captures the majestic high-mountain landscapes in breathtaking images.

A place to marvel, explore and continue your journey – perfect for nature lovers, families and those curious about Alpine life.

At several stops along the Timmelsjochstraße street there are five architectural sculptures dedicated to the nature, history, culture, society and economics of the region.

It is possible to experience these from early June to late October.

For years, Luis Weger from Malles/Mals collected numerous pieces of equipment, skis and an enormous amount of knowledge about skiing and cross-country skiing. In the exhibition room "The history of skiing in the Upper Venosta Valley" in the old building yard of Malles/Mals, all these numerous pieces are now on display. 
In addition to a variety of skis, ranging from wooden skis to skis belonging to the Italian King Umberto II, the greatest athletes and legends of skiing and cross-country skiing in South Tyrol are also honoured with their own wall of fame.

The exhibition room can be visited all year round on request.
Meeting point: Mals railway station
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Minimum number of participants: 8 people
Price:€ 4.00 for adults and € 2.00 for children up to 14 years of age
Registration at the Mals information office, tel. +39 0473 831 190

The Brixen Pharmacy Museum leads into the past of a Brixen townhouse with splendid wall panelling, murals and tiled stoves. The house containing the Peer Pharmacy holds a rich store of rare medicaments that relate the diversity and imagination of the healing art. This wonderful little museum is also highly recommended for all lovers of architecture and modern art.

The Alessandro Casciaro Art Gallery is an international art gallery presenting modern and contemporary masterpieces by some of the most significant Italian as well as central European artists, selected for the quality of their quest and the uniqueness of their pictorial language, alongside works by emerging young artists, promoting them and developing their international profile. Founded in Bolzano in 2015 by Alessandro Casciaro as a successor to the Goethe Gallery, the first art gallery in South Tyrol (founded in 1964 by Ennio Casciaro), the Alessandro Casciaro Art Gallery can now look back on more than fifty years of important exhibitions, independently curated catalogues, collaborations and arts fairs, with the aim of providing varied and intense stimuli and objectives for the future of contemporary art in both Italy and Europe.

On a hill above Mareit near Sterzing rises Wolfsthurn Castle, described by the Tyrolean historian Johann N. Tinkhauser in the 19th century as “the most beautiful castle in all Tyrol”.

The baroque castle has since its building been in the possession of the Sternbach family, and since 1996 has accommodated the South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing.

The Museum displays the originally furnished ceremonial rooms as well as a rich cultural and historical collection on the history of hunting and fishing.

The interesting “Forest and Water” walking trail leads to the castle.

Walther von der Vogelweide is the most successful and most quoted singer of the Middle Ages and, according to historical research, almost certainly Lajen's most famous citizen from a past century. About 500 stanzas have been preserved by the master of „Minnesang“ and have been preserved for posterity in various manuscripts. On the basis of his song texts, it is possible to reconstruct his eventful life, his values and his role in medieval society. Walther was an admirer of women, a mouthpiece of his time and sometimes a strenuous contemporary due to his sharp tongue.

The interactive exhibition in the Minnehus is dedicated to the life and work of the medieval star in more than 40 interactive, creative, acoustic and visual stations. Visitors soon realize that although Walther lived in the 12th and 13th centuries, his echo still resonates today.

 

The Artists' Association has been active in the Province of Bolzano since 1922, first under the name of S.I.A.B.A. (Italian Union of Fine Arts Artists) and later as F.I.D.A. (Italian federation of artists). In 1985 the Association drew up a new statute and took its current name. The aim of the Association is to coach and bring together artists from the three language groups operating in the Province. It is a non-profit organisation and carries out its activities thanks to the commitment of its members who enable the realisation of the various activities through their voluntary work.

It represents established artists and new talents through publishing activities, organising events and using internet as a means of information and communication.
The Artists' Association is also involved in the formation of art enthusiasts for whom it organises image education courses, especially in oil painting, watercolour, graphics, drawing and experimental painting. The teaching staff is made up of artists almost all of whom were trained at Fine Arts Academies. During the year they also offer visits to the most important exhibitions and art fairs.

The South Tyrolean Folklore Museum is the oldest of the provincial museums in South Tyrol and offers a view of social life in the past. The noble residence “Mair am Hof”, built in the 17th century, gives you the opportunity of following a striking itinerary through the refined world of local aristocracy. The stately rooms of the landed gentry and the collections of the museum are located inside the residence. Translocated original farm houses, craft workshops and cottage gardens are situated on the three hectares of the green area. A walk through the open air site takes you into the everyday world of various peasant groups of the past: from the self-sufficient farmers to rural craftsmen, cottagers and labourers.

The small but fine School Museum at Tagusens shows visitors and interested people the life of the pupils between the years 1933 and 1993 and is a unique collection of furnishings and teaching documents that have been preserved on site.

The school life in Tagusens did not mean an encounter with the "foreign" world for the "ABC-Shooters". The children in the lonely place knew each other, only the teacher changed year after year. Furnishings and teaching objects were less worn than elsewhere and thus remained intact. Nostalgic feelings and memories are certainly not absent here and seduce to a bygone era.

On the first floor of the school museum can be visited, the old shoe factory from the `50s, of the master shoemaker "Peterlunger Gustl" from Siusi allo Sciliar.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Mount Kronplatz is already a success story – and still, there is always room for yet more potential in both summer and winter. With the MMM Corones project, Kronplatz has now written another historic chapter which adds a distinct cultural flavour to this outstanding example of Alpine competence. Inaugurated in 2003, the striking Concordia 2000 peace bell was a first step towards a wider cultural offer. And now, with the MMM Corones, an exciting new milestone has followed suit. The museum was designed and built by world-renowned Zaha Hadid, by many considered the most talented and innovative architect of our time. Zaha Hadid, Reinhold Messner and Kronplatz – that’s an impressive three key brands joining forces for this exciting new project. Adults: 14,00€, children 6–18 years: 6,00€, students (under 28 years): 12,00€, Seniors over 65 years: 12,00€, family ticket (2 adults + children under 14 years): 32,00€, mini-family ticket (1 adult + children under 14 years): 18,00€, groups min. 15 people: 12,00€/person, school classes 6–18 years: 6,00€/person
People with disabilities: 12,00€
LAST ADMISSION 15.30 O'CLOCK

Ladin Museum - Tor Castle In the very heart of the Dolomites live more than 30,000 Dolomite Ladins whose identity is characterised mainly by two important features: the uniqueness of their language, which derives from popular Latin, and the extraordinary mountain landscape at the heart of the southern Alps. It is only thanks to the physical characteristics of this landscape that the Ladin language has survived today. It is the eldest of all languages spoken in this region and is restricted by the Italian and the German cultural and linguistic areas that surround it. The way through the museum focuses on some significant aspects of the present and past lives of the Dolomite Ladins, highlighting the important influences of cross-regional events on the lives of the population and pinpointing the existing interrelations between landscape forms and lifestyles. The museum is housed in the Ciastel de Tor, a castle dating back to 1230, created as a fiefdom of the Bishops of Brixen.

The castle is available as a wedding venue for couples interested in crowning an unforgettable day and experiencing a fairytale moment in a medieval castle.

A real paradise for fans of the Habsburg Monarchy with a fantastic collection of antiques and other interesting items! Bad Egart is South Tyrol’s oldest spa watering place. The health-giving waters here were first mentioned in 1430 but it is believed that water cures have been popular here since Roman times. Visitors today can see some of the medicinal springs, various wood-panelled rooms which house the rich Habsburg collection, a complete Biedermeier-style kitchen and various other folklore items and antiques.

Special Exhibition Sisi & Franz:
The special exhibition is dedicated to Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph I. Franz Joseph, who ruled the Habsburg monarchy for over 68 years, and his wife Elisabeth, known as Sisi, were popular figures of their time. The couple embodied the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918. Sisi, marked by contradictions and a life away from the strict court ceremonial, became a cult figure. The exhibition sheds light on their lives through over 4,000 exhibits and invites you to discover the myth of this imperial couple.

PRICES 2024

• adults € 13,50
• family ticket (2 adults with children up to 18 years) € 32,00
• reduced admission (restaurant guests, groups of 15 or more, disabled persons, seniors (aged 65+)) € 12,50
• scolars € 6,50

The visit of the chapel is free.

The particular homey character of the feudal Taufers Castle astonishes around 70,000 visitors every year. 

As early as 1136 a noble-free family is named Taufers. In the 1220's the family built a new, generously arranged lord house, whose donjon with an attached living tower is constructed against the mountainside, as this was thought to be the possible attacking side. The powerful Taufers Castle is a dynastic seat of the Barons of Taufers with impressive and interesting fortified grounds.

Another great hall (later used as grain storage room) is located at a secured area in the western part of the castle. The naturally given construction space is delimited by a surrounding curtain wall, where there are different living complexes, attached to it.

In the 15th and 16th centuries the grounds were renovated into an expansive castle residence, most of them built in the early 16th century. The impressive weir system, although, dates back to the 15th century.

Taufers Castle has been in the possession of the Südtiroler Burgeninstitut since 1977. The entire furnished and well preserved castle numbers among the greatest and most beautiful castles of the entire Tyrolean region.

Prices:
Adults:
10€
13€ (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Students/Pensioners (over 65 years old):
7€
9€/Person (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Children (6-16 years old):
5€
6€ (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Special exhibition: “German Peasants' War - the pursuit of freedom 500 years ago"
18.04. - 02.11.2025

Knights' festival at the castle: 29.06.2025

South Tyrolean Wine Museum in Kaltern - How could it be otherwise? The South Tyrolean Wine Museum is located in Kaltern! Innumerable objects impress the visitor with the history and significance of wine in South Tyrol. There are impressive wine presses, wine barrels and other wine production tools and equipment. You will hear informative stories and legends about wine - for example the importance of the “Saltner” as the guard of the vineyards.

Juval Castle, the summer residence of the world-famous mountaineer, Reinhold Messner and the Messner Mountain Museum.

Medieval Juval Castle is situated on a prehistoric place of worship at the entrance to the pristine Val Senales. The castle was built around 1278 by Hugo von Montalban. In 1540, Juval Castle changed ownership and reached its heyday in those years. In 1913, the Dutch Colonial William Rowland turned up at the dilapidated castle and had it professionally restored. Since 1983 Juval Castle has been the residence of extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner and has turned Juval Castle into the main site of the MMM Messner Mountain Museum. The castle contains an extensive Tibetan collection as well as the Mountain Gallery and the ethnic mask collection with exhibits from five continents. Juval Castle also boasts some Renaissance-era frescoes that can be visited. Alpine fauna can sometimes be spotted wandering about in the castle grounds and there is also a farm with its own vineyards and a winery. The attached winery Unterortl, the organic farm Oberortl, and the Schlosswirt revitalize these small-scale cultural landscape in Lower Venosta Valley.

As South Tyrol's traditional and largest fruit producing municipality, Lana is the ideal location for the collection and display of information regarding the history of fruit-growing Thus the South Tyrolean fruit-growing museum gives an interesting overview on the fruit-growing aspects of agricultural life.

As South Tyrol's traditional and largest fruit producing municipality, Lana is the ideal location for the collection and display of information regarding the history of fruit-growing Thus the South Tyrolean fruit-growing museum gives an interesting overview on the fruit-growing aspects of agricultural life.

The „Apple Museum" is located in the medieval mansion Larchgut and offers approximately 1,000 square metres of exhibition space where you can find a host of information about this aspect of South Tyrolean cultural history.

The Larchgut Mansion's medieval keep was mentioned for the first time in writing in the year 1301 and it is now a listed building. Since fruit-growing followed winegrowing and crop production, the oldest items on display relate to these topics. Among others you can see the oldest wine press in South Tyrol from the year 1570.

The reclamation of the marshlands of the Adige Valley in the 19th and 20th centuries was the basis for the boom in fruit-growing. The evolution of agriculture, rural customs and every day life of the 19th century are documented through many original tools and objects. In the barn of the estate you can also see antique means of transport, tools and machines that give you an idea of the hardships of a farmers life in the past.

This incredible collection covers some 1,000 sq.mt. and extends over three floors. Older and younger visitors marvel at the model engines and coaches and can take turns driving some of them themselves. The nearby South Tyrol in Miniature Landscapes Museum is also a real hit. The railway museum, with over 20.000 exhibits, is one of Europe’s largest private model railway collections.

ENTRY PRICES 2025

12,00 € adults
8,50 € children (3 to 14 years) 
6,00 € school classes
9,00 € reduction for students, people with disabilities, senior citizens aged 65 and over, groups of 15 or more

25,00 € family ticket (2 adults + 1 child up to 18 years)      
29,00 € Family Card Plus (2 adults + max. 3 children up to 18 years)      

Children under 3 years free

Guided tours by reservation! For larger groups and school classes, different opening times are possible after prior registration. Please contact the train world museum.

Closed in winter.

Castel Velthurns is a unique historical building. It was built in 1580 as the summer residence of the prince-bishop of Bressanone, Johann Thomas von Spaur. Its uniqueness lies not so much in its architecture as in its furnishings. The ten rooms are decorated with wood panelling and wall paintings, making Castel Velthurns one of the best preserved Renaissance residences in the Alps. In the past, the residence also housed an aviary and a deer park.

This elegant complex was carefully restored in 1979/83.

The interior of Velthurns Castle reflects the quality of upscale representation of the late 16th century. It is a master example of a well thought-out interior design. In the wall paintings and paneling, the claim of a humanistically influenced variety of themes is visible. Special exhibitions in the Schreiberhaus complement the activities of Velthurns Castle.

In 1978 it became the property of the Province of South Tyrol and was renovated in 1979. On the first floor, the castle houses an archaeological museum with finds from Feldthurns and the central Eisack Valley.

On the ground floor, the castle houses an archaeological museum with finds from Feldthurns and the central Eisack Valley. In addition to the permanent exhibition with finds from Feldthurns, temporary exhibitions are held on a regular basis.

The village museum gives you an interesting view of the rural life in South Tyrol. The Gufidaun village museum has three main collections: the everyday rural culture, the crafts and the local art. The museum houses an original "soot kitchen" and various pieces of rural furniture and everyday objects, which are arranged into ensembles. A complete cobbler's workshop provides an insight into the versatility of this old craft. A special feature of the museum is the Telfner corner. The painter Josef Telfner, originally from Meran, lived in Gufidaun for many years. He painted watercolours with various views of the village and portrayed numerous people from Gudon.

On request visits possible all year round: tel. +39 0472 847 399 or +39 348 7747339 (Otto Schenk)