Fortresses, "Ötzi" the Iceman, and Miners: South Tyrol for Children

For Children, There's a Lot to Discover in South Tyrol

The 4-Star Sonnwies Hotel in Lüsen/Luson is the ideal starting-point for lots of different outings: It's situated in the heart of South Tyrol, in the immediate vicinity of the Dolomites, and near the cities of Brixen/Bressanone, Bozen/Bolzano, Sterzing/Vipiteno and the Natz Schabs / Naz Sciaves high-altitude plateau. From here, you can also quickly reach sightseeing destinations in northern Tyrol or Trentino. The following is just a brief list of some of the attractions awaiting your family during your South Tyrol vacation:

Brixen/Bressanone and the Aquarena Swim Center

This small, medieval bishopric has a wide variety of attractions: Shopping, street-side cafés, a broad square in front of the cathedral, and tourist sites like the cathedral and the cloisters, the Nativity Museum, and the Pharmacy Museum. And a special attraction for families: The Aquarena Swim Center with its water slides, saltwater bath, whirlpool, and other special features. (12 km, or approx. 15 minutes by car from our hotel.)

Bozen/Bolzano and "Ötzi" the Iceman

South Tyrolean flair, the picturesque arcades of old Tyrol, a successful combination of north and south - the South Tyrolean capital of Bozen/Bolzano. One thing you shouldn't miss: A visit to "Ötzi," the Iceman at the Museum of Archeology. (53 km, or approx. 60 minutes by car from our hotel.)

Meran/Merano and the Gardens of Trauttmannsdorff

Palms and mountains, the thermal baths of Meran/Merano, the Botanical Gardens at the Trauttmannsdorff Castle where the Empress Sissi used to stay. Meran/Merano is certainly worth a day-trip! (Approx. 1.5 hours by car from our hotel.)

The Gilfenklamm

The Gilfenklamm near Sterzing/Vitipeno is a first-rate natural wonder. A bridge spans a gulch in which the water has been slowly grinding its way through the white marble for millennia. (Approx. 35 minutes by car; near Sterzing/Vitipeno.)

The Schneeberg Demonstration Mine

Medieval miners working in the demonstration mine reached by boxcar, the Giantess of Ridnaun/Ridanna. The demonstration mine in Maiern/Masseria - Ridnaun/Ridanna tells a tale of the joys and sorrows of the medieval miners.

Lake Kaltern/Caldaro

A blue jewel amidst the vineyards. The natural scenery of Lake Kaltern/Caldaro must be seen to be believed. (64 km, or approx. 75 minutes by car from our hotel.)

The Bletterbach Canyon

The Bletterbach Canyon near Aldein/Aldino and Radein/Redagno is a marvelous example of natural history that you can touch. Walk over the canyon and view millions of years of Earth's history. (Approx. 75 minutes by car from our hotel.)

Summer Tobogganing Track in Meran 2000

Buckle up and experience this extraordinary fun of this high-speed sporting adventure. The summer toboggan track in Meran 2000 is a thrilling experience for older children. (Approx. 1.5 hours by car from our hotel.)

Mühlen Valley in Terenten/Terento

At the romantic Mühlen Valley in Terenten/Terento, you can watch how people used to make flour. A hiking pleasure for the whole family. (Approx. 45 minutes by car from our hotel.)

Ziplining in Issing/Issengo near Bruneck/Brunico

Your children will go crazy: The new Ziplining Facility in Issing/Issengo allows you and your children to safely buckle up and glide from tree to tree along secure cables. Not for the faint of heart! (Approx. 45 minutes by car from our hotel.)

The Earth Pyramids of Ritten/Renon

The Earth Pyramids of Ritten/Renon are a spectacular natural phenomenon which will astonish your children: Massive stones balancing on pointed bases - a freak of nature. (Approx. 45 minutes by car from our hotel.)

The Neustift/Novacella Abbey

The impressive Engelsburg ("Angels' Fortress"), the Late-Baroque Collegiate Church and Gothic cloisters, the "Miracle Spring," the historical Collegiate Garden, the library with its collection of unique handwritten manuscripts, and the art gallery: This abbey is the largest monastery in Tyrol, and represents a splendid sightseeing stop for families - afterwards, you may wish to visit the cozy, authentic abbey beer cellar for a hearty South Tyrolean snack. In the monastery shop, you can purchase typical Eisack / Isarco Valley wines.
http://www.kloster-neustift.it

The Dietenheim Museum of Folk Culture

A museum under the skies: Two dozen original South Tyrolean farm buildings allow your children to experience first-hand how people in this region used to live. Old household utensils, folk art, farm implements and vehicles, kitchens, parlors, bedrooms, stalls, and mills all provide a window into the past. Believe us: There's no better way to learn about history!
http://www.volkskundemuseum.it

Mineralogy Museum in Teis/Tiso

A complete exhibition of real treasures from our region: The Mineralogy Museum presents crystals and geodes from the Alps. Your children will not only be amazed at the diversity and beauty of these sparkling treasures from deep within the Earth - they'll also have the opportunity to hunt for minerals like real researchers, take part in special educational projects sponsored by the museum, and get a taste of what it's like to be real geologists. A very worthwhile place to visit!
http://www.mineralienmuseum-teis.it