Explore land and people…
Southern, Mediterranean landscape…
Definitely our greatest gift. From the gentle valley floor, covered with fragrant blossoms and varieties of fruit, and the leisurely wine slopes full of sweet grapes, the landscape vaults upward, to magnificent plateaus for hiking, offering breath-taking views and inviting Alpine inns. Even higher up are the high altitude hiking trails and the eternal ice of the Schnalstal glacier, and finally the deep blue sky. That’s Southern tyrol!
Excursions
Juval Castle - Reinhold Messner
Just a few kilometres from Naturns, Juval Castle, owned by the extreme mountain climber Reinhold Messner, towers up on a rocky peak at the entrance to Schnals Valley. The castle houses a large art collection with exhibits which in large part come from Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Along the path leading up to the castle is Messner’s vineyard. Four different types of wine are cultivated, tasted and sold here.Ötzi museum in Bozen
The exhibition of the Southern tyrolean Archaeology museum is set up chronologically, and documents the entire history of the Southern tyrol region, from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods up until the Carolingian period. Set in the historical framework, the man from the ice and the other findings form the central exhibition. Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Like paradise: A new Garden of Eden
Around Trauttmansdorff Castle – above Meran, where Empress Sissy once used to stroll – the Garden of Eden magically draws you near: It consists of sun gardens, water and terrace gardens with a sensory garden, lily pond and orchid house, Southern Tyrol landscapes and wooded areas. Eleven artistically constructed pavilions also grant fascinating views into the botanical world. Here nature enthusiasts can find answers to many botanical questions. St. Valentin Street 51 in Meran. Open from March 1th April 2010, from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Cultural City Meran
The charming, old cultural city is surrounded by castellated peaks, orchards and vineyards. At one time, everyone who was anyone in the world came to this Mediterranean health resort area. Today, Meran, with a climate conducive to healing, is still considered to be one of the most notable health resorts on the south side of the Eastern Alps. In particular, the grape treatment – previously only available in autumn – has long since become available year-round. Everyone who comes, however, also loves walking around and “looking for friendship with the sun”.Castles and Chateaus
Southern tyrol has one of the largest troves of castles in Europe. In the Vinschgau, in particular, which ha been traversed by an important military and trade route for ages, you can explore a number of fortified castles and chateaus. Witnesses to an important past.Bozen, the shopping city
Shopping in Bozen. Who doesn’t love the opportunity here to get a hold of the forerunners of Italian fashion and design ideas – in this small city which is regarded as the cultural centre of the predominantly German-speaking area of Southern Tyrol? Tourists and locals alike rave about Bozen’s romantic old quarter. From the fruit market to the arbours, the architecture, which dates back to the 15th century, is fascinating. The museum for modern art, which offers an attractive contrast, is also worth a visit.Wine Cellar Tradition
You’ll need quite some time to take in the Southern Tyrol wine road. For a good 40 kilometres between Bozen and Salurn, it offers a great deal of variation. The area is gorgeous and the views of the vineyards, castles, chateaus and chapels are worth making stop after stop. You should also take time to sit and enjoy a glass of wine in these notable and quite possibly most important wine growing regions of the country. Wineries everywhere will welcome you and in autumn the traditional and beloved Törggelen festival always leads to new tasting parties. It is recommended to go onto the old farms and let yourself get swept away not only by the delicious wines, but also by the charm of the historic taverns.Verona and its arena
Verona is – coming from Brenner – the first notable Italian destination. Goethe was impressed with it in his day and in Roman times, Verona was considered one of the most magnificent cities of the world empire. The legendary palace of the East Gothic king Theoderic was here. In the Middle Ages, Verona experienced a revival. In the still well-preserved amphitheatre, the famous opera festival takes place annually. Since 1999, the focus has returned to stars and great productions without lapsing into carrying on traditions at all costs.