Sights in the Tauferer Ahrntal

Baroque church St. Johann
Built in the 18th century (1783-1785), consecrated in 1788. The paintings are made by Franz Joseph Schöpf while the main and the side altars were created by Jakob Santer.
Bergbauernmuseum "Zum Falkenstein" in Prettau
Es ist ein besonderes Erlebnis nach einem Fußmarsch von 20 Minuten in der herrlichen Bergwelt von Prettau den Falkensteinhof zu erreichen. Kulturell Interessierte besichtigen das kleine Bergbauernmuseum und lassen sich in die Vergangenheit zurückversetzen.
Bergbaumuseum Prettau
Am Rötbach in Prettau wurde mehr als 500 Jahre Kupfer abgebaut. Heut ist der St.-Ignaz-Erbstollen zum Besucherbergwerk ausgebaut. Die Grubenbahn bringt die Besucher über einen Kilometer in die zauberhafte Welt des Unterirdischen. Inszenierungen zur Bergwersarbeit entlang von zwei Rundgängen im Berginneren vermitteln einen Eindruck von der schweren Arbeit der Knappen in früherer Zeit. Im Stollen wird heute noch Zement- kupfer gwonnen, und zwar mit Hilfe von Bakterien auf eine "alternative" Art. Das "Schienerhaus" vor dem Stollenmundloch ist einer der typischen, alten Knappenhäuser.
Eröffnung des Klimastollens in Prettau im August 2003: ... ich atme: Reine, allergen- und pollenfreie Luft einatmen, dem eigenen Körper und den Atemwegen nur Gutes tun.
Path of reflection of Saint Franciscus
The path of reflection of Saint Franciscus leads along the three Reinbach-Waterfalls - from Bad Winkel to the chapel Franz und Klara. The accompanying sign of the path ist the "T", the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the "tau".
Walking time: altogether approx. 2 hours. Half-day walk on good, partly steep paths. Difference in altitude: 350 m
Taufers Castle
This powerful medieval fortress structure makes its historical significance evident. Formerly the castle of the lords of Taufers (Tures), it came into the possession of the South Tyrol Institute of Castles in 1977. It was extended in the 15th and 16th cen. into a spacious residential fortress. Completely furnished and very well preserved, this castle is among one of the largest and most beautiful in all of Tyrol. It contains a noteworthy collection of furnishings and art objects of different eras (from the 12th to the early 17th cen.). Around two thirds of the 64 rooms are paneled in wood. The frescoes in the castle chapel, painted by Friedrich Pacher, are particularly precious.
Presentation of lace making and selling exposition in "Haus Prettau" in Prettau.
Lace making in Prettau exists for more than 100 years and is still done in the same working method. The lace making pillow consists of fabric, filled with sawdust.
South Tyrol Museum of Mining - Granary Ahrntal
Copper has been mined in Prettau for over 500 years. The administrative center of the mines was in Steinhaus (Cadipietra). The former granary, the food warehouse for the mines, has been the home of the Steinhaus Mining Museum since autumn, 2000. The highlight of the presentation is the extensive collection of the Enzenberg family. The history of mining in the Ahrn (Aurina) Valley is brought back to life through precious wooden models of mining equipment, paintings and artistically decorated plans of the pits, books, documents, and archeological finds from the mines. 15 km. (9 mi.) away at the Prettau mine exhibition, more than 20 tunnels and shafts lead to the areas of ore deposits, from 1,400 to 2,100 m. (4,600 - 6,900 ft.) above sea level. The visit includes a ride on the 1.1 km. (3/4 mi.) long mining rail in the St. Ignaz shaft in which copper is still being mined. In 2001, an asthma therapy station was also set up in this shaft.
Museum of manger Maranatha in Luttach
Primarily, visitors come across three main focuses: a vast collection of alpine, oriental and modern representations of the manger on an exhibition area of 500 square metres. You will experience an amazing wandering through the world of manger. The representations range from the traditional manger from Tyrol through the ancient oriental nativity place to the most recent representations of modern art. You will admire the life-size sculptures made of wood and the art of the traditional carving accompanied by atmospheric light and sound.
Mineralogical Museum - Alpine Schätze
The formation of the Alps is shown in a fascinating manner through mineral strata from the Hohe Tauern National Park collected over the decades by Josef Kirchler. Over 750 examples of have been put on display from the areas of the Zillertal Alps and the Hohe Tauern: rock crystal as the epitome of crystal, whose clarity is reminiscent of the eternal ice of the highest peaks, as well as feldspar, rutile, purple amethyst, fluorite, sparkling apatite, emeralds, and sphene, with its enchanting deep green color will all enchant the observer. In addition to the largest piece of smoky quartz in all of South Tyrol, the 'contorted' rock crystal from the Prettau (Predoi) mine is a special attraction.
Oberkofler Brothers Memorial Museum - St. Johann
In the former Mesner feed barn, Gottfried Oberkofler has set up a memorial to the Oberkofler brothers of the Ahrn (Aurina) Valley. Johann Baptist (1895-1969) was a priest who attended the Academy of Art in Munich and dedicated himself throughout his lifetime to painting. Josef Georg (1889-1962) studied law and was employed as a lector in Innsbruck where later, as a freelance artist, he wrote poems and novels.
Naturpark Rieserferner-Ahrn
The Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park (313 square kilometers) was founded in 1988. It borders on the Hohe Tauern National Park (1,786 square kilometers). Together with the Zillertaler Hauptkamm area (372 square kilometers), they build up the biggest association of protected areas in Europe, with a total area of 2,471 square kilometers. Trans-national initiatives are frequently organized in order to promote responsible behavior towards the unique natural and cultural heritage.
Nature-park house and museum Rieserferner-Ahrn - Sand in Taufers
The Nature-park house fits in with the motto of the nature park "The limits of the nature and the limits of man". Already at the entrance a film out of the bird's-eye view imparts to the visitor first unused impressions of the area. A three-dimensional relief multimedially gives information about mountains, paths, huts, lakes and waterfalls. Through the time pendulum you can experience the history of the formation of the mountains whose structure can be found out through a kind of stone puzzle. Altitude grades until over 3,000 m, the retreat of the glacier, minerals, life-seized hand-carved birds of prey, undemanding lichen and the characteristic dialect of the valley let amaze, observe and admire. Visitor's information systems give info about nature and landscape as well as the history of development of the nature park region. For kids there are fairy tales and legends of past times.
Pfarrkirche St. Peter
Die Kirche am nördlichsten Ende von St. Peter, auf einem Felsen mit wunderbarer Sicht talauswärts, ist den Aposteln Petrus und Paulus geweiht. Die Kirche wurde um 1600 angebaut; der Turm ist gotisch. Gewölbebilder von H. Kloibenschädel um 1873. Altar, Kanzel, Kreuzgang neugotisch; Opferstock von 1616.
Die Spitzbogenöffnung und das Sterngratgewölbe in der Friedhofskapelle sind von 1600.
Pfarrkirche zum Hl. Jakobus in St. Jakob
Spätgotischer Bau, der um 1500 errichtet wurde. Die Einrichtung ist neugotisch, mit dem Altarbild von Franz Hellweger aus St. Lorenzen; am Hochaltar eine viel verehrte "Mutter vom guten Rate" aus dem 18. Jahrhundert. Im Presbyterium befinden sich zwei Gemälde des Priestermalers Oberkofler.
Taufers Parish Museum
The Taufers (Tures) Parish Museum is located at the north side of the parsonage garden in the village. The two story building dates from the era of the noblemen of Taufers (1559) when it was used as the depositary for grain tithes, which were divided between the lords of the manor and the priests. In 1984, Deacon Munter collected a variety of artworks from the churches and chapels of Taufers, as well as objects on loan from public and private collections. The objects on display are not, strictly speaking, museum pieces, but are used in the liturgy from time to time. The visit is rounded out by a tour through the parish church, a masterpiece of the Puster (Pusteria) Valley Late Gothic style.
Holy Ghost Church
Built in 1450 and consecrated by cardinal Nikolaus Cusanus; Holy Trinity in three similar statues; As upper part of the pedestal three tabernacles with statues: Oswald, Kilian and Ursula; Legendary, shot through crucifix.
Wallfahrtskirche Maria Hilf in Steinhaus
Am 25. April 1992 legte Bischof Wilhelm den Grundstein und am 15. Oktober 1993 erfolgte die Weihe der Kirche.



Sights in the Pustertal

Antiquarium Sebatum - St. Lorenzen
In 2000, a small collection of antiquarian objects was set up on the ground floor of the town hall with display cases, information boards, photographs, and tables that provide the visitor with a view of the ancient and early history of the St. Lorenzen (San Lorenzo) area. The archeological finds on display from Sonnenburger Kopf, Burgkofel, and other locations in the area provide evidence of different eras ranging from the Mesolithic to the Late Antiquity period. In summer, 2002, the museum was supplemented with an instructional itinerary to historically significant localities and archeological sites in and around St. Lorenzen.
Bergila
Unser Familienbetrieb befindet sich inmitten der Südtiroler Alpen auf einer Meereshöhe von 850 m. Seit 1912, nun schon in dritter Generation, stellen wir ätherische Öle und Kräuterprodukte her. Wir verwenden hierfür Rohmaterial aus Wildwuchs, welches aus hochalpinen Lagen, unter Aufsicht der Forstbehörde, zur Landschaftspflege und Erhaltung der bestehenden Weidenherausgeschnitten wird. Daraus gewinnen wir nach alt überliefertem Verfahren ätherische Öle von feinster Qualität, die wir naturbelassen und rein allen Interessierten anbieten. Die kultivierten Kräuter stammen aus unserem eigenen biologisch-kontrolliertem Anbau.
Ladin Museum Tor Castle
In 1996, the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol acquired the Tor Castle for the purpose of establishing a provincial museum dedicated to the culture and history of the Ladin ethnic group. Its official name is 'Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor' ('Ladin Museum - Tor Castle'). The fortress, whose history dates back to the 12th cen., was once an ancient seat of the court of law. The castle itself thus provides an essential contribution to the history of the Dolomite Ladins who are the descendants of the Romanized original inhabitants of the land and thus the most ancient of the three linguistic groups in South Tyrol. The language, culture, and history of the Ladin people are portrayed through multimedia displays. Topics that are examined include archeology (settlement history, the Sotciastel area, and 'From the Rhaetians to the Ladins'), history (princes, knights, and subjects), the Ladin language and identity (language laboratory and handicrafts), the economy (settlement forms of the Viles, the Iron Road), and the observation tower (Ladinoscope).
Alpin dairy "Drei Zinnen"
After taking a view on the history and development of cheesemaking in the museum the production can be visited on a guided tour. Certainly all the products of the alpine dairy can be degustated afterwards.
Ehrenburg Castle
The residence of the counts of Künigl is situated in the Puster (Pusteria) Valley on the left bank of the Rienz (Rienza) at the foot of the Getzenberg mountain. The castle, still owned by the Künigl counts, is one of the few fully furnished castles open to the public, thus offering the visitor a view of home décor of the past. This interesting structure is divided into two parts: to the south is the older section which has hardly undergone any structural changes, and to the east is the section which was refurbished in the Baroque style around 1700. The arcaded courtyard, whose architectural harmony is noteworthy, forms the midpoint of the newer part of the castle. An arcade of rounded arches with granite columns and finely worked capitals rises up on three sides. It was restored a few years ago with support from the Messerschmidt Foundation and may be seen today in all its Baroque glory.
Schloss Rodenegg
Schloss Rodenegg ist eine der größten und stärksten Wehrburgen ihrer Zeit im Lande. Sehenswert die berühmten 1973 entdeckten Fresken zur "Iwein-Sage" (Anfang 13. Jh.). Friedrich von Rodank hatte eine gute Nase, als er 1140 sein Schloss Rodenegg auf dieser Felsnadel hoch über der Rienzschlucht erbauen ließ: es blieb uneinnehmbar und besticht heute noch durch seine kraftvolle Schönheit. Einmalig ist auch der Freskenzyklus zur Iwein-Sage in der Trinkstube des Schlosses, Anfang der 13. Jahrhunderts gemalt und erst 1972 wiederentdeckt.
Schloss Welsberg
1167 ist Welsperg erstmals urkundlich als Burg nachgewiesen. In der Romanik des 12. Jh. entsteht die Hauptburg, in der auslaufenden Gotik und beginnenden Renaissance des 16. Jh. werden Erweiterungen angefügt. Das älteste Element der Burg ist ohne Zweifel der ungewöhnlich hoch und schlank wirkende Bergfried. Heute wird die Burg vom Kuratorium Schloss Welsperg betreut.
Bruneck Municipal Museum
The Bruneck (Brunico) Municipal Museum has been in existence since 1912. It was reestablished in 1990 and reopened in 1995 in the former postal stables. In 1939-40, during the Fascist period, it was disbanded and most of the objects were taken away to Bolzano (Bozen). The new museum contains parts of the art history collection of the former museum, including the woodcarvings and paintings of Michael and Friedrich Pacher. The main focus, however, is on modern graphic arts by regional artists. There is a special section on 'Graphic Arts and Literature' by contemporary artists.
The Collegiate Church Innichen
The Collegiate Church of San Candido is the finest example of Romanic architecture in the Eastern Alps. Construction began around 1143 when the Benedictine Convent of San Candido founded in the 8th Century by Bavarian Duke Tassilo the 3rd was transformed into a Collegiate Church. The Church assumed its present form around 1280, while the bell tower dates back to between 1320 and 1326. The monumental walls recall the style of the fortresses favoured by the Crusaders and the many fortified citadels built in the days of the Hohenstaufen. The Church itself may be likened to a fortress of God.
Innichen Monastery Museum
The house in the shadows of the venerable collegiate church of Innichen (San Candido) is one of the most ancient buildings of the Upper Puster (Pusteria) Valley. It houses the museum, archives, and library of the Innichen Monastery. The cathedral treasury, sacred art from the church, and the manuscript collection bear witness to the intellectual and spiritual activity of the most ancient monastery in Tyrol. The precious objects on display are primarily the work of local artists that were commissioned by the canons or by wealthy citizens of Innichen.
Tourism Museum of the Upper Puster Valley - Niederdorf
Niederdorf (Villabassa) is in the Upper Puster (Pusteria)Valley, which 150 years ago was the pioneer region in Tyrolean tourism. Beginning in 1871, it was easily accessible to residents of big cities via the Southern Railway of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The museum, housed in the Wasserman House, depicts a passage through time from the beginnings of tourism, for example the journey of the Bourbon, Isabella of Parma and her servants, who stayed at the Wassermann House in 1760, to the present, including the precursors of tourist institutions (old inns and numerous health spas), the construction of the railway in the Puster Valley, and the beginning of mountaineering in the region.
South Tyrol Museum of Ethnography - Dietenheim
Founded in 1976, the Museum of Ethnography is the oldest of the provincial museums of South Tyrol. It is located in the imposing Mair am Hof residence in the Puster (Pusteria) Valley. Taken note of by travel writers as early as the 19th cen., the manor is now home to an open-air museum which offers a view of social life in the past with the juxtaposition of houses of the nobility, self-reliant agriculturists, and smaller farmers, along with several examples of the technology of the period. The instructional itinerary portrays the cultural history of a simple people with emphasis on everyday work in the fields and on the farm.



Sights in South Tyrol

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
The Provincial Museum of Archeology was inaugurated in 1998. In addition to its permanent exhibit 'The Iceman', it documents the prehistory and early history of South Tyrol from the end of the last Ice Age (about 15,000 BC) to the time of Charlemagne (around 800 AD). The museum offers an exciting trip through prehistoric times in the Alps. Relief models, reconstructions, stereoscopic images, videos, and interactive multimedia stations all make the journey back in time believable and, at the same time, entertaining. Inserted into the historical context, the heart of the exhibit is 'The Iceman', sometimes also called 'Ötzi', and the objects found with him. The internationally famous mummy from the Copper Age and the numerous, extremely well-preserved objects found with him provide a unique view of the way of life thousands of years ago.
South Tyrol Museum of Mining - Schneeberg area
On the Schneeberg mountain, the highest mine in Europe has been nearly completely preserved. What is therefore also unique in all of Europe is the comprehensive view of 800 years of lasting mining history. In Ridnaun (Ridanna), the 200 m. (200 yard) exhibition shaft shows ore removal methods from the Middle Ages up to the present day. Here, the original equipment from the 1920s, which is still capable of functioning today, provides a realistic impression of the ore preparation. The history of mining and the life of the miners are documented in the worker's residence.

South Tyrol Museum of Mining - Schneeberg area - the miner's Settlement Passeier Valley
The area on the Passeier Valley side consists of the miner's settlement St. Martin am Schneeberg (2,355 m. / 7,726 ft.) and the former mine area. The manor house and the old miner's house were converted into a hiker's refuge with 100 bed spaces. The old smithy houses an exhibition area.
Diocesan Museum - Brixen
Founded in 1901, the Diocesan Museum has been situated in the Bishop's Palace in Brixen (Bressanone) since 1976. The Hofburg castle, residence of the prince-bishops from 1250, was the bishop's seat until 1964. In the Historical Section, furnishings, textiles, construction plans, maps, historical documents, and paintings all bear witness to its history. The Art Section shows the development of sacred artwork from the Romanesque period to the Modern Era with sculptures, paintings, and arts and crafts. The rich collection of Romanesque crucifixes and Madonnas, the wide variety of Gothic sculptures and panel paintings, and the medieval manuscripts all carry a significance that extends beyond the region. ...
Augustinian Abbey of Neustift
This is one of the most significant monasteries in Tyrol, and the majority of it is open to the public: the Baroque collegiate church with famous ceiling frescoes by Matthäus Günther, the medieval cloister with frescoes from the 14th and 15th cen., the library with its collection of precious manuscripts, and the art gallery with its impressive collection of Gothic panel paintings (by Friedrich Pacher, Marx Reichlich, and Andreas Haller).
Mercantile Museum - Bozen
In the former Mercantile Building (Trade Court) with its opulent Hall of Justice, the tradition of fairs and markets in the international trading city of Bolzano (Bozen) is brought to light. In addition to the architecture of the building itself, noteworthy exhibits include furnishings by the cabinetmaker Anton Katzler (1700-1730), paintings in the famous stateroom by Tyrolean Baroque artists, the documents with the regulations for the markets in Bozen, and the catalog of fabric samples.
Museion - Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art - Bolzano
The Museum of Modern Art (Museion) has been in existence since 1987. Exhibitions have featured regional art as well as comprehensive topics and historical developments that have had an impact on contemporary art. The focus of the collection is contemporary production in conjunction with modern history.
South Tyrol Museum of Natural History
The palace that today houses the Provincial Museum of Natural History was formerly the administrative office building of Emperor Maximilian I. The natural and environmental history of South Tyrol is exhibited on two floors with an area of about 1,000 sq. m. (11,000 sq. ft.) Interesting featured exhibitions are displayed on the ground floor (about 200 sq. m. / 2,200 sq. ft.) There are also instructional events. The itinerary through the exhibit takes the form of a journey through time, assisted by models, dioramas, experiments, and multimedia stations that shed light on the geological history of South Tyrol and the formation and development of the natural habitat.
Velthurns Castle
This castle complex from the 16th cen. served as the summer residence of the prince-bishops of Bressanone (Brixen) until 1803. The deer park of the castle was famous in its day, and there was an enormous outdoor aviary and a fish pond.
Botanic Garden - Trauttmansdorff Castle
Trauttmansdorff Castle is in the immediate vicinity of Meran (Merano) and is surrounded by a new botanical garden. Its first historical mention is in documents from 1328. Empress Elisabeth ('Sisi') of the Austrian Empire twice stayed in this castle for several months, thus considerably contributing to Meran's level of recognition as a health resort.
Touriseum - South Tyrol Museum of Tourism - Trauttmansdorff Castle
The 'Touriseum' is scheduled to open its doors in spring, 2003 and will present the historical development of tourism in this region in a stimulating and entertaining manner. Vacationers and travelers will see themselves in the museum, together with their motives for travel, behavior, illusions, and expectations. Again and again, the sojourner will recognize his or her own feelings and behavior.
Bolzano Municipal Museum
The Bolzano (Bozen) Municipal Museum was designed by Karl Delug and built in 1902-04 on the foundation of the medieval Hurlach residence. The rich collection of the museum includes not only such traditional sectors as archaeology, art from the Middle Ages onward, and folklore, but also old items such as those from the Society for Christian Art, the Museum Society, and the Bolzano National High School as well as newer objects obtained through purchases by the city of Bolzano or through private donations. In South Tyrol's oldest museum, the visitor may enjoy a precious collection of archaeological finds, examples of medieval, Gothic, and Baroque art; a significant exhibit of traditional costumes, and objects of Tyrolean popular culture. The library, which specializes in local archeology and art history, also offers a view into the estate of Rasmo von Zallinger.
South Tyrol Museum of Hunting and Fishing - Wolfsthurn Castle
The mighty Wolfsthurn Castle towers above the village of Mareit (Mareta). Since 1996 it has been the home of the South Tyrol Museum of Hunting and Fishing, a branch of the Provincial Museum of Ethnography in Dietenheim (Teodone). The exhibition area is found on three floors. In addition to hunting and fishing in their cultural and historical perspectives, the itinerary also leads through the opulent rooms of the castle that have been preserved in their original condition, providing a view of the life of the nobility from the 18th and 19th cen. Instructional activities take place in the basement. A path of around 1 km. (2/3 mile) on the topic of woods and water leads from the village to the castle. It is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
South Tyrol Museum of Cultural and Provincial History - Tirol Castle
As the dynastic fortress of the counts of Tyrol, this castle gave its name to the province. Comprehensive structural analysis research has confirmed the uniqueness of Tirol Castle as a testimonial to medieval architecture and building technology. Its origins date back to the 11th century. No other seat of nobility can form such a solid rock memorial to the history of the province as does Tirol Castle. The museum's main focus is the history of the province of Tyrol from its beginnings to modern times. In addition to the special exhibition on the church excavation in the southern front castle area, the museum tour includes the southern palace with its famous Romanesque portals, the frescoes in the double chapel, the wedding chamber of Margarethe Maultasch, and the former dungeon, where the history of the 20th century is depicted on twenty different levels.
South Tyrol Museum of Wine
Founded in 1955 as the first oenological museum south of the Alps, the South Tyrol Museum of Wine is today a branch of the Provincial Museum of Ethnography in Dietenheim (Teodone) near Bruneck (Brunico). It is located in the former tithe cellars of the ruling princes of Tyrol in the center of Kaltern (Caldaro) on the Weinstrasse (Wine Route) and offers a view of the time-honored winemaking tradition in the province. The itinerary takes the visitor through the different working seasons of winegrowers in the olden days and at the same time provides an idea of the significance of wine for the popular culture of South Tyrol.