Ötzi – The Ice ManPop in to see Ötzi, the mummy from Hauslabjoch. The 5,000 year old ice mummy is in exceptional condition, and can be seen on the third floor of the Archaeological museum in the Museumgasse in Bozen. The upper floor of the museum hosts temporary archaeological exhibitions.
Bozen – an enchanting townThe town of Bozen is oozing with charm. Take a trip to the colourful fruit market and enjoy a walk and the Bozen “Lauben” arcade, which dates back to the 12th century; emblem of our Provincial capital, it also features a number of traditional shops and pretty boutiques. The Bozen old town is also the perfect destination for a hard day’s shopping.
Weekly guided tours through the historical centre are organised once a week for guests from the Ritten.
Weekly guided tours through the historical centre are organised once a week for guests from the Ritten.
Runkelstein CastleThe castle dates back to 1237 and towers atop a rocky spur at the entrance to the Sarn Valley. Originally, its purpose was to act as a strategic point on the trade route for the merchant city of Bozen. The beautiful castle and grounds houses the largest cycle of secular frescoes from the Middle Ages in existence. From Bolzano, it is easy to get to Runkelstein Castle on foot, and there is also a shuttle bus to the castle from the Walther Platz square in Bolzano.
The Spa Town of MeranMeran is the second biggest city in South Tyrol and for many centuries was the seat of the Counts of Tyrol. During these centuries of pomp and splendour, numerous castles, fortresses and palaces were built. One of the emblematic buildings of the city is the Liberty style Kurhaus spa, in the city centre. Meran is home to the largest horse racing course in Europe, and also the picturesque Passer Promenade. Take a stroll round the Meran arcade with its beautiful shops and traditional restaurants and feel the magic atmosphere of Empress Sissi.
Trauttmansdorff CastleFrom April onwards, hundreds of thousands of tulips, hyacinths, crown imperials and forget-me-nots blossom in the gardens above Meran. Trauttmansdorff Castle is one of the most popular day-trip destinations in South Tyrol, and its gardens extend out over twelve hectares in the form of a natural amphitheatre featuring over 80 garden landscapes from all over the world. Touriseum, South Tyrol’s regional museum for tourism, is located in the centre of the gardens.
Tyrol CastleFor many long years, Tyrol Castle above Meran was the seat of the Counts of Tyrol. Today, it is the South Tyrol Museum for Culture and Provincial History. The frescoes in the castle chapel and the Roman portal are of enormous artistic importance. Another fascinating experience is a trip to the sanctuary for injured birds, close to the castle, where owl and raptor flights shows are organised every day.
Stoanerne Mandln – The Stone MenThe “Stone Men” are located at 2,000 m above sea level. The area steeped in myth and legend, is home to dozens of life-size stone men. Half a millennium ago witches danced and devils caroused on this mountain plateau; even today, the atmosphere of this magical spot, at 2,000 m above sea level, is nothing short of bewitching. The view over the Dolomites, the Texel group and the Ortles group from here is absolutely breathtaking.
Dolomite loop routeSee the UNESCO World Heritage site up close. Every Tuesday, a loop-route bus tour through the Dolomites sets off from the Ritten, weaves though the Eggen Valley, the Fassa Valley, the Gröden Valley, over the Karer pass, the Pordoi Pass and the Campolongo Pass. The view over the Sella massif and the Cir peaks is stunning.
