Enjoy the freedom of the mountains, feel the pulse of the town

The sixth and last museum of mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner is dedicated to the supreme discipline of mountaineering. The extraordinary building, which was designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, is built into the mountain. It provides interesting insights into the history of the mountains and offers unforgettable views in all four directions – from the Lienz Dolomites in the east to the Ortles/Ortler in the west and from the Marmolada in the south to the Zillertal Alps in the north.

At Bruneck Castle, the former summer residence of the prince bishops, everything revolves around mountain people from all over the world. Take a look behind the old walls to experience the heritage of the mountains up close and immerse yourself in the everyday life of mountain dwellers. Marvel at the objects of lonely mountain settlers, at the reconstructed dwellings, and at the impressive film footage that is shown in the historic rooms.

Bruneck is a medieval gem of rare beauty. The pretty townhouses feature numerous boutiques, charming cafés and cosy bars that are always worth the visit. If you want to soak up some culture between shopping, we recommend a visit to the town museum, the churches in the old town, and the picturesque military cemetery in the forest.

From the mountain farmer to the craftsman, from the day labourer to the landed gentry – step by step, the South Tyrolean Folklore Museum will introduce you to the life of the most diverse social classes of the past centuries. Stroll through the stately rooms of the baroque Mair am Hof residence, enter the ancient farmhouses, and discover the old craftsmanship. You will be impressed.

Like an eagle's nest it towers high above the village on the rock: Taufers Castle, which is one of the most beautiful, impressive, and largest castles in the country. More than 20 furnished rooms – including the mysterious Ghost Room, the magnificent Knights' Hall, the eerie torture chamber, and the late Gothic office – can be visited on a guided tour.

A special underground adventure awaits you in the show mine in Prettau. More than 20 tunnels and shafts were dug into the mountain during the past centuries to extract valuable metals in arduous work. Today, the mine train takes you into the 1,100-metre-long St. Ignaz tunnel, where you will also find the climate tunnel – a very special place where people with respiratory problems find relief.

One of the special features of South Tyrol is that three language groups – German, Italians, and Ladins – live together peacefully in a very small area. One of them, Ladin, dates back to the vernacular spoken by Roman officials and soldiers and has been perfectly preserved due to the isolated mountain area. To learn more about the linguistic identity, the eventful history, and the unique culture of South Tyrol’s Ladin population, we recommend a visit to this very special museum.

Whether you drive past it on your journey, visit it on a day trip, or choose it for your holiday – Brixen, the oldest town in Tyrol, with its cultural sights and picturesque arcades, is always worth a detour – as is the Neustift monastery, which not only enchants with its architecture, but also with its fine wines. Further up north, the Franzensfeste fortress seals off Valle Isarco/Eisacktal like a bulwark. Rumour has it that a treasure is still hidden in the labyrinth made of corridors and rooms.

Just over an hour from our hotel in Valdaora lies the provincial capital of Bolzano, where the South Tyrolean way of life meets the Italian dolce vita. Stroll through the picturesque arcades with its numerous shops, pay a visit to Ötzi the Iceman in the Museum of Archaeology, discover the secrets of the South Tyrolean landscapes in the Museum of Nature in Bolzano, or marvel at contemporary art in the Museion.

The pretty spa town of Meran, which echoes the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, is always worth a visit. You can discover countless beauties here, including the medieval arcades, the impressive Art Nouveau architecture in the villa district, the magnificent Kurhaus, the idyllic promenades, the elegant thermal baths, and – last but not least – the wonderful Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. No wonder that Empress Elisabeth loved this town.