Speciale activiteiten van de regio's in Zuid-Tirol

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.

At the entrance to the village of Colfosco, a peaceful area surrounded by nature awaits – the perfect place to relax and enjoy time with your family under the shade of larch and fir trees. Along an easy path, you’ll meet geese, rabbits, chickens, sheep, and alpacas, and reach a small educational hut which was once a grain mill. In the heart of the park, you’ll find a little lake and a watermill – symbols of old farming traditions and the transformation of grain into flour. Kids can play in the fortress-shaped playground, where they are free to climb and play safely.  The park is open every day, all year round. In winter, most of the animals stay warm in the barn, but the park remains open and offers you a chance to enjoy nature in every season.

Industrial plant in the high mountains A unique monument to industrial revolution The Ridnaun site is a unique monument to the industrial revolution. Here, 150 years ago, a state-of-the-art ore processing plant was created, with huge machines to break and crush the rock and large flotation pools to convey the ores to the surface. Impressive braking inclines and horse tracks form part of what is the world’s largest above-ground conveyor, leading to the ore district high up in the mountains. The Poschhaus Gallery bores 6 km diagonally through the mountain into the Passeier Valley.

Lake Lago di Dobbiaco is situated at 1259 m in the Val di Landro which links Dobbiaco with Cortina. It is located in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. The lake with its varied lakeside vegetation is the ideal resting and breeding place for many kinds of water birds, including those which breed in South Tyrol only rarely and infrequently. During the bird migration periods in the spring and the autumn several rare migratory birds can be spotted here.
Lake Dobbiaco is a safe and relatively undisturbed habitat and one of the few remaining wetlands in South Tyrol.

A nature discovery trail with 11 stations around the lake provides important informations on the vegetation, wildlife and geomorphology of the area. The viewing platform on the western shore offers a place to rest and views of the lake’s plants and wildlife and of the silted areas. Walking time approx. 2 hours from Dobbiaco.

In the summer the lake is refreshingly cool for tired feet. Boat trips (contact boat hire: +39 0474 973 267) and fishing are also recommended: fishing licenses for foreigners can be obtained from the Tourism Association Dobbiaco, day tickets in the restaurant by the lake.

In winter you can enjoy ice stick shooting, curling and ice skating.

The Hill of the Holy Sepulchre is the most beautiful viewpoint of Tiso. The Holy Grave Chapel was built as a baroque building at the end of the 17th century. In it, the suffering and death of Jesus Christ was worshiped. After the entry of Italy into the First World War in May 1915, fortifications were built here on the order of the Austrian Empire army. They should serve as a defense against a possible invasion of Italian troops in the Isarco Valley, if the Dolomite front should fall. The trenches and a bunker were built by Russian prisoners. However, the defenses were not used during the First World War. However, during the final months of World War II, the bunker was used by the village population as protection against air raids and bombing.

The tiny church founded in 1744 by the mine owner, Michael von Jenner, is nestled in extraordinary countryside. The altar paintings by Franz Sebald Unterberger from the Fleim Valley are particullary noteworthy. The church is privately owned and the access is subject to a fee.
However, the church remains closed. 

Please do not enter the meadows surrounded by fence.

How much habitat we let nature? Until the mid-20th century, the estuary was a 100-acre natural paradise in the ever more intensively used Adige Valley.

The whole Adige Valley was once a giant natural paradise full of ponds, riverside forests and bogs. People would keep away from the marshlands and its bad smell and instead settled on the elevated plains, hills and mountains of the area - not least because of the many floods. That explains the village development in many modern municipalities like Lana, Postal or Gargazzone.

Yet in the middle of the 20th century about 100 hectares of the lands in the river delta of the Valsura lay fallow. In the course of the German and Italian economic miracles the area experienced an unstoppable industrialisation that nearly upset its natural balance. When people started to rethink this ‘progress' in the 1970's the remains of the river delta of the Falschauer were declared a protected biotope.

Today the delta covers about 32 hectares, it is a refuge for many endangered animals and an irreplaceable habitat for more than 230 species of bird, including 50 breeding birds, amphibians, colubrids, fish and water insects, as well as for numerous rare plants.

Tip
Visitors who walk around in the accessible part of the mostly untouched delta can take a break at the ponds or bogs and listen to the countless number of birds and frogs.

A visit is possible throughout the year!

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.

A stimulating all-round experience combining art, gourmet delights and much more. The special atmosphere at the Kränzelhof is truly amazing! Regenerate in the outdoors, in harmony - in South Tyrol. 

The art of contemporary winemaking in action: inspired by a master wine-maker, and those involved in each step of the process. All our passion and skills go into making our wines!

For our wine tours on Monday and Wednesday: If the weather does not cooperate, you have the option to reschedule your garden visit for another day. To facilitate this, you will receive a note on the paid voucher of your tasting. You can simply present this on the day of your garden visit. Please note that registration for the wine tour is required, as usual.

The Völser Weiher Lake is located at the foot of the Schlern mountain in the middle of the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, a little way from the village of Völs am Schlern. It covers an area of 1 hectare and is located at an altitude of 1,036 m above sea level with a maximum depth of 3.5 meters. The reflection of the Schlern on the water's surface and the dense coniferous forests that reach to the shores give this natural spectacle a powerful aura. The public bathing jetty and the sunbathing lawn invite you to a relaxing break in both winter and summer.

Völser Weiher Lake was originally created in the 16th century by Leonhard von Völs for carp breeding. Today, fishing in the lake is forbidden, and a part of the lake is designated as a biotope. The remaining part of the lake is used for swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Völser Weiher Lake is considered one of the most beautiful bathing lakes in South Tyrol.

Spread across 500 square metres, it offers a diverse programme featuring exhibitions, readings, performances, concerts, and more. But Kunsthaus Meran isn’t some lofty, exclusive space – it’s a welcoming meeting place for everyone: art lovers, locals, international visitors, and even those just passing by.

Since 2001, the art association Kunst Meran-Merano Arte has showcased contemporary art in all its forms here – visual arts, photography, architecture, new media, music, and literature. The aim? To amplify diverse perspectives, especially those that have been overlooked in traditional art history. There’s a special focus on female narratives and voices from the Global South.

The building itself is a fascinating blend of old and new: narrow, winding passageways, a nod to the structure’s historic past, contrast with sleek, modern interior design. Light floods through the glass ceiling, creating a bright, inviting space where you’ll want to linger.

A visit is always worthwhile – even if it’s just to soak up the unique atmosphere. You can also browse the museum shop for books and catalogues to take a piece of the experience home with you.

Whether you’re ready to dive deep into the artworks or simply looking for a little inspiration, Kunsthaus Merano welcomes you with open arms. Stop by, let yourself be surprised, and discover just how multifaceted contemporary art can be.

With the exception of a small projection room on the third floor – which you can only reach via a few steps or a mobile ramp – Kunsthaus Meran is fully accessible throughout. A modern lift (120 x 120 cm) takes you safely and comfortably from one floor to the next. You can easily pick up the key at the front desk.

And if you’re looking for an accessible toilet, you’ll find one in the basement – of course, easy to reach as well.

Admission fees
Adults € 7.00
Reduced fee € 5.00
Students up to age 26 € 2.00
Children up to age 14 free admission

Online guided tours
For groups of ten or more, Kunst Merano Arte offers guided tours of its current exhibitions in German and Italian by prior arrangement. To make arrangements, please contact info@kunstmeranoarte.org or call during the gallery's opening hours.

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).

Over 12,000 plants are grown in our 6,000 m² greenhouse, including more than 500 different species of orchid, producing a kaleidoscopic effect of natural colours, forms and scents. 

At the Raffeiner Orchid World, children have their own designated area in which to let off steam, while a number of didactical-learning stations show how orchids are grown. 

Our nurseries are open to visitors who wish to know about how these diverse flowering plants.

In the farmer's shop you will find good, healthy and homemade products from Villnöss Valley. Various products are on sale in the village centre of St. Peter (Viel Nois Guest House). Open all day from Tuesday to Sunday; the shop is closed on Monday. 

Schwarzbach Waterfall – where nature meets art

Just above Luttach/Lutago, the Schwarzbach Waterfall plunges 15 meters through a narrow rock crevice into a stunning blue lagoon – a breathtaking natural spectacle!

Feel the cool mist on your skin, breathe in the refreshing air, and admire the colorful reflections dancing in the sunlight.

The path to the waterfall is lined with wooden sculptures created by international artists during the annual Ahrntal Sculpture Symposium. A unique fusion of nature and art – a feast for all the senses.

The South Tyrolean traditional costumes are renowned for their beauty. It is interesting that almost every village and town has its own costume. These pieces of clothing are worn at every festive occasion, such as religious festivities or at processions. During the time of Charles the Great, it was not permitted for farming folk to wear expensive clothing. People of the lower ranks of society were not allowed to wear more than a Loden jacket. The farmers had to wear clothes made of materials they could produce themselves. Expensive fabrics such as silk and brocade were reserved for the richer people in society. Only when Empress Maria Theresia came to power, was this law amended so that the population could wear traditional costumes of any style. This resulted in a variety of traditional costumes that are still used to this day.
Kastelruth costumes for men: Men wear a shirt, cardigan and jacket with trousers and costume shoes. Their hat is decorated with a carnation and some leaves. The top button of the cardigan and jacketremain open.

Kastelruth costumes for women: Women wear a long black skirt and a black velvet corset. During the winter, they also wear a black small cape and during the summer a white jacket. On top of these, there is a silver or coloured shawl with long fringes. With the jacket, they need to wear a blue apron and with the small cape a black, water-silk apron. In addition, they wear fashionable ribbons that look well with their shawl. Married women wear their hair up, with a silver hairpin and a type of stylish comb, which helps to keep their hair in a knot. Unmarried women wear pigtails that are arranged in a type of Gretl hair style and incorporate this with a black velvet ribbon.

Deep Underground – Discover the Copper Mining Heritage of Prettau/Predoi

In the remote village of Prettau/Predoi, nestled at the head of South Tyrol’s Ahrntal valley, copper ore was mined for over 500 years along the Rötbach river. Today, the St. Ignaz drainage adit has been transformed into an impressive visitor mine– part of the South Tyrolean Provincial Mining Museum.

Hop aboard the mine train and travel over a kilometre into the mountain, where you’ll enter a captivating world beneath the surface. Along two circular tours, realistic installations and immersive scenes bring the hard lives of miners from centuries past vividly to life.

But this is more than just a museum: copper is still extracted here today – in a sustainable, innovative way using bacteria to produce what’s known as cement copper.

Just outside the entrance tunnel, the historic Schinerhaus– once home to local miners – welcomes visitors as a silent witness to Prettau’s rich mining legacy.

Visitor Information

• Visits by advance booking only
• Last entry at 3:00 PM
• For groups of 15 or more: guided tours available after 3:00 PM upon request
• Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
• Closed in winter (until Easter)

👉 The current opening times and prices are available on the website

Step into the depths of history – authentic, educational, and unforgettable.

The climbing crag by the Adolf Munkel trail is situated beneath the north face of the Furchetta Mountain and it offers climbing routes for almost every difficulty level. The area around the climbing crag is child-friendly and the view of the Odle/Geisler Mountains is breathtaking. • Starting point: Zannes/Zans; hiking time: 40 min to the climbing crag; difficulty of the routes: 3 to 8a; rock: dolostone

The most prominent artwork of Tramin and at the same time one of the finest masterpieces of Tyrolean art can be found in the small St. Jakob church situated on a hill above the village.

It contains a well- preserved Romanescue fresco cycle dating back to about 1220. The figures portrayedin the colourful frescoes are quite atypical in painting since they are usually represented as stone sculptures. In fact, on the walls of the small chancel you can admire bizarre hybrid creatures with both human an beastly attributes, fabulous figures emanating from the myths of medieval times. They all seem to represent the sinful antagonism of the overlying scenes showing a graceful depiction of the Twelve Apostels with the enthroned Crist in the Mandorla, the almond- shaped aureole.

The southern annex of the chapel contains yet another jewel: here the painter Ambrosius Gander executed some bright and valuable murals, amongst which the well-known legend of the Pilgrims. The inscription tells us that these paintings were completed 1441.

Biathletes, cross-country skiers, amateur athletes: The new biathlon training centre is situated in Rein, at 1600 metres above sea level, at the heart of a large network of cross-country skiing trails. A challenge for stamina, concentration and precision.
Make fast or steady circuits on cross-country skis, using the double-pole technique, in classical or skating styles. Or take a walk in the wintry high valley. And then onto the range - for the shooting! Breathe calmly, aim for the target, and keep a steady hand - what fun!

The team at the Rieserferner Ski School is now offering an insight into the world of biathlon in Rein in Taufers. Under the guidance of the former Italian national team biathlete and one of the most accurate shooters in the field, Barbara Ertl, the target plates will fall!

The holiday region of Lake Resia is among Europe’s most popular snowkiting destinations. On the frozen surfaces of Lake Resia and Lake Haider, both beginners and advanced riders enjoy ideal conditions: steady winds, wide snowfields, and a breathtaking Alpine panorama with views of Mount Ortler. The kite spots at Graun (Lake Resia) and San Valentino (Lake Haider) are easy to reach and provide plenty of space for safe launches and long glides. Depending on wind direction, both lakes can be used – Lake Haider, with its compact area, is particularly beginner-friendly, while Lake Resia offers vast, dynamic riding opportunities.

Snowkiting is permitted only when the lake surface is officially open. Local kite schools provide up-to-date information on wind, ice conditions, and safety, and also offer courses, rental equipment, and guided training sessions.

Kiteschools & Contact

• Caramba Kiteschool
  📞 +39 371 326 3902 ✉️ hello@carambakiteschool.com 🌐 www.carambakiteschool.com
• Kitejunkie
  📞 +49 176 43344249 ✉️ schule@kitejunkie.com 🌐 https://kitejunkie.com/pages/snowkiten-reschensee
• PROBOARDER Kiteschool
  📞 +39 340 185 8582 ✉️ info@proboarder.eu 🌐 www.proboarder.eu

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:
12€
15€ (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Students/Pensioners (over 65 years old):
9€
12€/Person (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Children (6-16 years old):
6€
7€ (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

There is a very special vantage point in "Hochkreuz" in Lagundo, located on the popular Via Claudia Augusta bicycle path: the Trauttmansdorffer Throne. The view of Merano and the surrounding area, including Forst Castle (and the brewery with the same name) and one of the most modern churches in the entire Alpine region, the San Giuseppe Parish Church, is breathtaking in its splendour. Ideal for photographs and an absolute must-see for every tourist in Merano. Especially cyclists often stop here for a break to enjoy the view with a picnic before continuing their journey towards Val Venosta (Vinschgau) valley or Merano. Visitors can see the famous Botanical Gardens at the Trauttmansdorff Castle with binoculars. This observation deck is the ideal starting point for a visit to the Botanical Gardens of the Trauttmansdorff Castle.

At the Wuhnleger you’ll experience one of the most stunning views of the Rosengarten – intense, close, and unique in the entire area. The meadow lies at 1,402 m in the heart of the Sciliar–Rosengarten Nature Park and is home to a rich variety of wildlife: the pond and its surroundings host frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, and many other small creatures.
History has also left its mark here: the so-called “bomb craters” date back to World War II and stem from an emergency bomb drop by an aircraft around 1943.

We are the ideal ski resort for connoisseurs, who, after various skiing experiences, have found this modern ski resort in the Italian Dolomites, where skiing as a sport is still the focus and where relaxed time with friends and family in a spectacular nature is of greatest importance.

Marienberg Abbey above Burgeis/ Burgusio dates back to the 12th Century. The highest located Benedictine abbey in Europe is situated at an altitude of 1,340 m a.s.l., since 900 years monks live here according to the rules of Saint Benedict of Nursia. Today, the main hall displays impressions about the daily life of the monks marked by Benedict's credo ora et labora. The exhibition displays also beautiful paintings such as the Romanesque Crypt frescoe with its unique depiction of angels.

Special exhibitions:

- Marienberg in front of and behind the lens
- Maria

Guided Tours
All information about guided tours and timetables can be found at https://www.marienberg.it/en/museum/guided-tours.html.

Located at 2,000 metres above sea level, visitors find true serenity and pure nature in the area of Prato Piazza. Thanks to its integration into the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, the beautiful Prato Piazza area surrounded by imposing peaks, has been able to maintain its naturalness and originality. Far from car traffic and any noise, the alpine plateau fascinates with a splendid view of the surrounding mountains like Picco di Vallandro and Croda Rossa, and in the distance you can admire the Monte Cristallo and Tofane Mountains. Hobby photographers find the best of motives in summer and winter. You can sit down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the variety of nature, or actively discover the surrounding nature. Walking, Nordic walking, hiking, climbing or by bicycle.

The mighty buildings of Castle Schenna just above the city of Meran are still partly surrounded by a moat. Using the bridge, you will come to the entrance of Castle Schenna and from there, if you pass the dungeon, you’ll arrive in the courtyard. An open staircase will lead you to the castle chambers. Castle Schenna in South Tyrol is open for guided tours. Only the wing containing the private rooms of the count’s family remains closed to the public. The halls and grand chambers are home to a painting and portrait gallery, a weapons collection, as well as numerous art-historic objects of Tyrolean history.

Guided tours:
Tuesday to Friday at 11.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. and every Monday and Thursday guided evening tours at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday closed.

Online registration required:
https://www.schloss-schenna.com/anmeldung-fuehrungen-831191.html

Discover at the Vuseum – the Vinschgau Museum – the versatility of this unique valley with its long history, and then take a hike to the prehistoric settlement of Ganglegg or along the old watercourses Leitenwaal and Berkwaal.

Experience the Vinschgau Valley …
The various film presentations and the walk along the water channels to the prehistoric site "Ganglegg" – well signposted – make the visit eventful. Additionally, the exhibitions in the museum change regularly.

… Understand the Vinschgau Valley
The exhibitions help visitors understand why the Vinschgau Valley is the way it is today and how the inhabitants, the “Vinschger,” have learned to cope with the harsh local conditions over millennia.

Ancient Vinschgau: The archaeological site near Ganglegg hill is an extraordinary testimony to the historical development of settlements in the Vinschgau Valley from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. The exhibition presents exceptional artifacts depicting the life, culture, religion, and craftsmanship of that time.

Travel and Stops in Roman Times: The permanent exhibition presents a series of unique finds along the Via Claudia Augusta in the Upper Vinschgau Valley, demonstrating the importance of the valley as a transit area.

Water Channels – Water for Irrigation: Vinschgau Valley is one of the driest valleys in the Alps. Concern for water has accompanied its inhabitants since time immemorial. Together, they built the “Waale” (traditional irrigation channels) with simple means and regulated the distribution of water by local statutes.
Today, much has been replaced by modern technology, but in some places the Waale system remains intact. In 2023, the Waale on the Mals Heath were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Swabian Children: Starting from the 17th century, poverty in the Vinschgau Valley forced parents to send their children on a very exhausting walk to Upper Swabia to find accommodation and work there. The exhibition traces the paths of the “Schwabenkinder” (Swabian children) and tells their story: from a simple life in the Vinschgau Valley to the hard daily life in a foreign land.

Travellers – “The Korrner”: Jenische, Dörcher, and Korrner were driven by hardship to distant regions. In the Vinschgau Valley, those who travelled with a cart and mostly worked as itinerant traders were called “Korrner.” They were typically registered in their home municipalities as fruit, vegetable, or livestock dealers. We distinguish between those who made their living this way and those who did so only seasonally or as a supplementary income.

Avelignese Stallion 249 Folie – The breeding of Avelignese horses in the Vinschgau Valley: In 1874, the stallion 249 Folie was born in the stables of Josef Folie and his wife Anna Fritz. Today, all purebred Avelignese horses descend from him. The documentary exhibition tells the story of Folie and his descendants in the Vinschgau Valley.

The 500 m long climb is perfectly secured with 1.000 m of steel cable and it is rated at medium difficulty (A – B – in some places B/C). Nevertheless, the last part of the via ferrata, the so-called Angel’s edge, presents a very impressive rock passage.

Due to the nature of the new via ferrata, the climb can be a bit of an adventure for less experienced mountaineers as well as mountaineering families with children who like walking and climbing. The minimum recommended height is 1.50 m.