Leave the city behind you and get close to the mountains: Whether summer or winter, there’s nothing better than packing your suitcase, grabbing your kids, travelling to higher altitudes, and living life to the full. The landscape in the mountains is as intensive, glorious, and colourful as it is varied. And with our tips, you can make the most of your time on holiday.
Following in the footsteps of knights. The most beautiful castle in South Tyrol, Coira/Churburg, impresses its visitors with its well-preserved structure and one of the largest armouries in the world. Over 50 fully intact suits of armour complete with weapons give a profound insight into the lives of knights and the Middle Ages. It’s absolutely worth a visit. Daily tours are offered, closed on Mondays.
The medieval town of Glurns is one of the smallest towns in the world. Its completely intact curtain walls, three imposing gate towers, the stunning arcades, and the town centre exude medieval flair. Tip: A walk through the arcades and around the town walls will help you unwind and immerse yourself in the Middle Ages.
“Amongst The Fish – A Journey Into A Strange World ” shows the Alpine habitats stream, river, lake, marsh, and pond in 12 naturally designed aquariums. Visitors gain insight into the world of local fish through large panoramic windows, with 30 different species on display. The focus is on species native to South Tyrol.
In the Benedictine Marienberg abbey, life has followed the Rule of Saint Benedict for over 900 years. With its crypt and Romanesque depictions of angels, it is one of the greatest examples of Romanesque art in the Alps. “Ora et labora” (in English: “Pray and work”) is also the name of the abbey museum, which gives interesting insights into everyday life behind the abbey walls.
According to legend, Charlemagne laid the foundation stone for the convent. He was caught by a snowstorm on Passo dello Stelvio/Stilfserjoch and, out of gratitude for having survived, founded the convent in Müstair in 775. The church is home to the largest and best-preserved series of frescos from the early Middle Ages and the 1,200-year-old history is brought to life in the convent museum.
In Juval castle, his private residence, South Tyrolean extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner has opened one of six impressive museums. The exhibition gives interesting insights into the religious aspect of the mountains, and besides an extensive adventure library and Tibetica collection is also home to a gallery of paintings of the world’s holy mountains, a collection of masks from five continents, an expedition cellar, and many other highlights.
At MMM Ortles, Reinhold Messner tells tales of ice and darkness, of snow people and snow lions, as well as skiing, ice climbing, and expeditions to the Poles. The museum is located underground, meaning visitors actually find themselves inside the mountain, and they can get an impression of ice mountains, the Arctic and Antarctic, and the power of avalanches. The world’s largest collection of Ortles/Ortler paintings awaits you here.
The distinctive tower in the lake is not only a popular photo subject, but also has a moving history. You can experience Lago di Resia/Reschensee in a number of ways: The 14km-long lakeside promenade can be explored on foot (also with a pushchair) or by bike – or on the water: with the MS Hubertus that sets sail every day from mid-July to October.
Contact:
Captain Elias
T +39 347 8523590
Trafoi looks like it’s been taken straight from the pages of a nature book: enchanting panoramas, splashing streams, rolling Alpine meadows. Stunning flora: Alpine roses, gentian, and edelweiss, as well as wild orchids such as the Turk's cap lily, lady’s slipper, and fire lily. Plus rare species of animals: Roe deer and red deer, eagles and bearded vultures, ibexes and chamois, foxes and hares can all be seen outside our Bella Vista.
Ötzi, the most famous individual from the Stone Age, lived in this area some 5,000 years ago. The archeoParc open-air archaeological museum explains where and how Ötzi lived here in the mountains 5,300 years ago and the chain of events that led to his discovery on our glacier. At the archeoParc, visitors learn about contemporary and prehistoric times in an exciting way.
The Ancient Romans knew how important it was to take a break. In the Bagni Vecchi in Bormio, relaxation and wellness have been on offer for some 2,000 years – in the large outdoor pool with views of the surrounding mountains. Another impressive feature is the San Martino steam grotto, a natural Turkish bath that is formed of two tunnels that were excavated over 50 metres into the rock.
