Andreas Hofer hid for one and a half months with his family at the Pfandler Alm mountain hut, above St. Martin/S. Martino. On January 28, 1810, he was captured and taken to Bozen/Bolzano and Mantova.
The Pfandler Alm is only accessible on foot.
This fortress was built around 1250. After the fire in the year 1671 the lock remained a ruin, until it was bought and rebuilt in the year 1895 by the well-known castle friend Dr. Otto Piper. An inspection is not possible, since the lock is inhabited by a family from Klausen.
The Town Hall of Sterzing is considered a true gem in the entire Tyrolean region. It was built in the years 1468 - 1473, and the distinctive bay window was added in 1524 during a renovation. The Gothic council chamber, with simple paneling and beamed ceiling, is considered the most beautiful in all of Tyrol. The rooms of the Town Hall have been repeatedly used for historical meetings: in 1525, the emergency council met in the council chamber during the peasant uprising (whose famous leader, Michael Gaismair, is a native of Tschöfs near Vipiteno), and from the 15th to the 17th century, several sessions of the Tyrolean Landtag were held there. Additionally, members of the imperial family were received there (Emperor Maximilian, King Philip of Spain, Archduke Ferdinand, Maria Theresa, Joseph II, and many others).
In the courtyard, flooded with light by flat arch windows on the south wall, various museum objects related to the city's history are exhibited. The Town Hall is connected to a citizens' hall, named after Vigil Raber, born in Sterzing and the first theater publisher in the German-speaking world.
In the courtyard at the end of the ground-level gallery, finds from the history of Roman settlement are displayed. A copy of the "Mithras stone" found in Mauls in Freienfeld bears witness to the well-known mystery cult practiced by many Roman soldiers. The adjacent Roman milestone (circa 200 AD) confirms the expansion of the Roman road along the Brenner Route under Septimius Severus.
The courtyard and the historic council chamber are open to visitors during the Town Hall's opening hours.
Tyrol Castle is the most historically significant castle in South Tyrol. Its origins stretch back into the late 11th century.
Since 2003 Tyrol Castle has housed the South Tyrolean Museum of History. Its main focus is the history of the province from its beginnings to modern times.
The oldest structural elements can be found in church excavations in the outer bailey (three building phases, three-apse chamber from the 9th century). The south palace contains the two Romanesque portals. The two-storey castle chapel is dedicated to St. Pancras and is famous for its gothic frescoes. What is believed to be the wedding chamber of Countess Margarethe of Tyrol, known as Maultasch (literally “bag mouth”), is situated in the Mushaus. The keep, which was only completed after 1902, now houses an exhibition of the history of the 20th century depicted over twenty separate levels. The historic estate buildings house special exhibitions.
The castle of Salorno stands imposingly on the rocks above the village and is the symbol of the village. Its position makes it one of the most impressive ruins in the Alps. It was built in the Middle Age and during the time it was constantly enlarged. It was in possession of different nobel families and since the 17th century it belongs to the descendants of Earl Zenobio-Albrizzi from Venice. Thank to their help the castle was restored. Since 2003 it can be visited during summer. Nowadays there take place many cultural events during the warm season.
There is a path called "Way of visions" which leads to the hill of the castle in 20 minutes (by foot).
Open air museum "Anderter Alpe":
Many areas of the Dolomites are in the process of setting up projects to enhance the historical testimony of the Great War. Sesto di Pusteria was both victim and protagonist of this tragedy. Sesto di Pusteria is the only place of Germanic language and culture belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire to find itself at the front line, undergoing forced evacuation and displacement, and then, together with other places of the South Tyrol, being annexed to Italy. This chance set of events makes Sesto an emblematic place to tell the history of this period, not only for the Tyrolean citizens of today but for all the inhabitants of Europe. The vicissitudes of the civilian population and of the soldiers during this extremely important moment in history have so far surprisingly been neglected, undoubtedly because of the upheaval following the end of the war and annexation to Italy. Given the considerable interest in the First World War that is now emerging in Europe, Sesto has unique and inestimable contribution to make. The Associazione Bellum Aquilarum (Bellum Aquilarum historical association) aims to save from oblivion the surviving testimony to this tragedy in order to preserve it so that it can be handed down to future generations, not only to the young people of Pusteria, but also to those living in places once belonging to the former Austro-Hungarian Empire that were the scenes of battle here. The tragedy experienced so deeply at Sesto and in Pusteria is askin to that of many other areas of Europe which were on the front line or which, after the war, witnessed the havoc brougth on by territorial annexation. The ensuing cultural, historical and political schism was immense; without doubt, these events changed Pusteria but also Europe itself, and today - in a European perspective enabling the age-old tensions issuing from the war to be overcome - preserving these memories can aid us in the construction of our common future.
Ansitz Heufler by Norbert Niederkofler
Ansitz Heufler, located in the picturesque Antholz Valley in South Tyrol, is a historic manor house dating back to 1580. Built by the noble family Hohenbühel zu Heufler, the estate is regarded as an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture and has been carefully preserved to maintain its historical value.
The wood-paneled rooms on the first floor are among the most atmospheric in the entire region—most notably the historic “Hearnstube”, adorned with an intricately crafted ceramic stove bearing the Heufler family coat of arms. Celebrated as one of the most beautiful parlors in all of Tyrol, it impressively blends artisan craftsmanship with living tradition.
On the door to the Hearnstube, one can see a fine engraving of the south façade of Ansitz Heufler: a square, three-story structure surrounded by four diagonally positioned corner towers with characteristic gabled roofs.
The old “Rauchkuchl”, now transformed into a stylish lounge bar, was once a traditional open kitchen where food was cooked and smoked over an open flame or in a smoke channel – a method that added rich flavor and ensured long preservation.
Among the most distinctive architectural features are the bay windows and the towers themselves, all topped with steep gabled roofs. The large windows on the first floor are decorated with finely wrought iron grilles, adorned with elegant floral motifs.
Today, Ansitz Heufler presents itself as a refined residence offering luxurious hospitality and culinary excellence. Guests are immersed in a unique experience where historical charm meets modern comfort – an authentic journey back in time through the preserved spirit of an ancient noble home.
Since May 2025, the estate has been led by South Tyrolean Three Michelin Star chef Norbert Niederkofler, who has breathed new life into the residence, infusing it with his signature philosophy, “Cook the Mountain”. Ansitz Heufler features 10 rooms, a public restaurant, and a bar with a scenic terrace.
Due to the special circumstances, the castle is usually closed.
However, the Andrian Tourist Association organizes special openings.
For more information, please contact the Andrian Tourist Association.
“It is wonderful here and definitely invigorates soul and body....” so wrote Mahler during his summer stay in Toblach.
During the sommermonth between 1908-1910 Gustav Mahler composed some of his most famous works in this simple wooden cabin in the heart of the Dolomites: the 9th and 10th symphonies and the "Lied von der Erde".
“How can people forever think,” cried Mahler “that Nature lies on the surface! Of course it does, in its most superficial aspect. But those who, in the face of Nature, are not overwhelmed with awe at its infinite mystery, its divinity (we can only sense it, not comprehend or penetrate it) -- these people have not come close to it. […] And in every work of art, which should be a reflection of Nature, there must be a trace of this infinity.”
More informations about composing house
In his honour the town organises the annual Gustav Mahler Music Weeks, when the most famous and beautiful pieces by this famous composer are played.
Dobbiaco also has the Cultural Centre Euregio, where many other concerts and events take place in a historic setting.
The castle has always guarded over the entrance to the Val Casies-Gsieser Tal valley. It was first documented in 1126 and was the main administration castle of Welsperg for about 800 years until 1907. It is open for visitors in summer.
Castel Monguelfo is not only a particular castle complex, but is also the oldes castle of Alta Pusteria. Castel Monguelfo, also called Castel Welsperg, is undoubtedly a particular castle complex and it is a core castle. One of the oldest parts of the castle is the high donjon, which has been constructed in 1126. The brothers Schwikher and Otto von Welsperg had this castle built. In these days the Lords of Welsperg were one of the most significant noble families of Tyrol. Due to their smart commercial activity and administrative work as well as their wedding politics they build up a fortune and increased their importance. For this reason in 1359 Georg von Welsperg purchased the castle on the opposite, Castel Tesido. Consequently both castles were in possession of the Lords of Welsperg. In the 15th and 16th century Castel Welsperg was considerably enlarged and also reconstructed. In 1765 there was a fire which destroyed parts of the castle complex, including the great hall and the commercial building. Despite of the fact that there were renovation works, the castle started decaying and has no longer been inhabited.
Today the castle complex is venue for numerous concerts and exhibitions, organised by the board of trustees.
10 meditational spots are found along the side of the path until you reach the "Franziskus and Klara" chapel, the ruin from the Toblburg Castle.
The remarkable Baroque residence of the Barons of Longo dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. It presents a simple façade and a Baroque portal which can be reached through a two-winged staircase. The stone frame of the portal is decorated with two putti and a female bust. The interiors are richly decorated: high reliefs in stucco by Franz Hannibal Bittner and frescoes by Giacomo Antonio Delai, two artists who worked in the Bolzano/Bozen area from 1730. The palace also includes a unique park that extends to the forest behind the village.
Above the village is the Malerhaus. Besides the three fresco paintings that adorn the main facade of the building, nothing reminds us that more than 100 years (1719-1845) have passed since a painting school was located here.
Tip: still-existing works can be found in the Pfarkirche St. Martin parish church and the Turmhaus building in the village square.
An alley leads to the church between the Steinbock inn and the village smith. The alley is called “Defregger-alley” due to the fact that the history painter Franz von Defregger (1835-1921) used this idyllic subject as a background for his famous painting “Das letzte Aufgebot – the last array”. This alley, which depicts the ensemble of both churches and the cemetery, was left unchanged in the last 500 years.
Witches'spring: adventure path with the witch Curadina to the sulfur springs
The Zeilheim raised hide was built in the 17th century. Since 1977 the town hall is located in this historic building. Since 1977 the town hall of the municipality of Taufers has been located in there. The public library of Taufers “J. A. Jungmann” and the nature park house Rieserferner Ahrn are located in the modern building, built in 2001. The Zeilheim cannot be visited.
In 1940-41 by the fascist regime was built this bunker for reasons of defence. It is an impressive underground structure made on several storeys with a tight net of tunnels, that joins shooting ranges and inner rooms. In the front area there is an exhibition of photographs (Gampen Gallery), whereas the central part hosts an exclusive collection of minerals.
The majestic high building shows four corner towers (square at the bottom and round on the top) ...
... regulated rows of windows and a high roof, symmetrical room divisions and huge hallways with vaulted ceilings on the main floor, where the year 1584 can be seen. Upper floors entail flat ceilings where the walls and ceilings in the rooms are wood-panelled. The ceilings in the small oriels are arched and ridged. The wooden statue “ Mary with her sword” (XIV century) stands on the altar in the chapel, which is dated back to the year 1730. Very interesting is the extremely high roof truss, a proof of the superb knowledge of the builders themselves. The residence was begun in 1582 by Hans Fieger, Lord of the Courts of Taufers. The building was finished in 12 months. It was restored in 1864 by Johann von Ottenthal.
The castle is privately owned and is not open to the public.
The building in baroque style became the residence of the Venetian Counts Zenobio in 1729, after they acquired it from the Cazan lords. The façade is decorated with the coats of arms of the family that held the court of Enn and Kaldiff between 1648 and 1830. The interiors are arranged symmetrically around a central staircase and have magnificent stuccoed ceilings.
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