The eldest structural elements can be found in church excavations in the outer bailey (three building phases, three-apse chamber from the 9th century). The south palace contains the two Romanesque portals. The two-storey castle chapel is dedicated to St. Pancras and is famous for its gothic frescoes.

What is believed to be the wedding chamber of Countess Margarethe of Tyrol, known as Maultasch (literally “bag mouth”), is situated in the Mushaus. The keep, which was only completed after 1902, now houses an exhibition of the history of the 20th century depicted over twenty separate levels. The historic estate buildings house special exhibitions.

With its 65,000 square metres of space, Franzensfeste is the largest historical complex in South Tyrol. Begun in 1833 under Emperor Franz Josef, this masterpiece of Austrian fortress architecture was opened by Emperor Ferdinand in 1838 after a construction period of only five years. By this time, however, it had already lost its strategic importance and justification. The enormous effort and the horrendous costs – for nothing. From then on, the huge fortress was only of use as a depot and was frozen in the Sleeping Beauty sleep of a strictly guarded military installation for over a century and a half. Since the military left the fortress in 2003, Franzensfeste has been open to the public and was extensively renovated in the course of two major exhibitions in 2008 and 2009. As a South Tyrolean Provincial Museum, Franzensfeste Fortress is now a magnet for tourists and locals alike and a popular venue for a wide variety of exhibitions and events.

January and february: winter break

The Lake Kaltern The Mediterranean landscape around Lake Kalterer See leads many to the correct assumption that this lake really is the warmest lake in the Alps! There are four public beaches that offer direct access to the lake, known for its especially inviting water quality and colorful splendor! Sometimes it’s a tint of deep blue, other times it mirrors the green of the surrounding landscape! And Lake Kalterer See is so versatile: row boats, sailboats, pedal boats and surf boards glide across the water. Yet it’s so incredibly tranquil here. For sure you’ll hear the sound of children’s laughter; after all, this is their little corner of paradise. Quite simply, it’s beautiful in the lake, on the lake and all around the lake.

Various alleys and through roads link via Portici with the backstreets and parallel roads, Dr. Streiter and Argentieri. Take one of these, vicolo della Pesa, and you can reach piazza del Grano, where the farmers’ market was once held. It is one of the oldest places in Bolzano, once hosting the castle of the Prince-Bishops of Trento (destroyed in 1277 by Mainardo II di Tyrolo) and the church of Sant’Andrea (destroyed in 1785). One of the most picturesque buildings of the city is situated to the north of this square: la casa della Pesa (1634), public weigh-house until 1780.

Location:

The castle Hocheppan is situated high above the Val d’Adige and offers a panoramic view over the Ötztal alps, the Dolomites and to the capital city of South Tyrol: Bolzano.

History:

Lord Ulrich II built the castle around the year 1130 and it was one of the most majestic noble’s residences in the country. In 1158, the castle was destroyed, but soon after again rebuilt and in 1315, it was handed over to the sovereigns of Tyrol and from that time on, the castle changed owner from time to time. Since 1911, the castle had been in possession of the Earls of Enzenberg. In 2016, the local authority of Appiano has bought the castle. Among the numerous preserved castles in South Tyrol, Hocheppan is one of the most impressive medieval castles. 

Architecture style and particularities:

Castle Hocheppan is the perfect combination of natural beauty and the romance of a medieval castle. Art lovers should visit the well-preserved castle chapel with its precious fresco cycle, which is one of the best-preserved frescos all over Tyrol. 

Guides of art history:

The castle chapel and the castle Hocheppan can be visited with a guided tour every day from 10 am to 4 pm, except on Wednesday. For more information feel free to contact the tourist information Eppan: [email protected], +39 0471 662206.

The tavern:

The castle tavern is open daily (except Wednesday) from 10 am to 5 pm. It is focused on dumplings and this is why you have the possibility to try different types of dumplings. In addition, typical South Tyrolian specialities, homemade cakes and a great selection of wines are waiting for you. 

The 3D archery course:

The 3D archery course next to the castle Hocheppan is open every day, except Wednesday. You can rent bow and arrows from 10 am to 2 pm directly at the castle, in the tavern.

Hiking possibilities:

The hike to the castle Hocheppan is part of the hiking route to the three castles in Missian | Eppan: Hocheppan, castle Boymont and castle Korb.

Juval Castle, the summer residence of the world-famous mountaineer, Reinhold Messner and the Messner Mountain Museum.

Medieval Juval Castle is situated on a prehistoric place of worship at the entrance to the pristine Val Senales. The castle was built around 1278 by Hugo von Montalban. In 1540, Juval Castle changed ownership and reached its heyday in those years. In 1913, the Dutch Colonial William Rowland turned up at the dilapidated castle and had it professionally restored. Since 1983 Juval Castle has been the residence of extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner and has turned Juval Castle into the main site of the MMM Messner Mountain Museum. The castle contains an extensive Tibetan collection as well as the Mountain Gallery and the ethnic mask collection with exhibits from five continents. Juval Castle also boasts some Renaissance-era frescoes that can be visited. Alpine fauna can sometimes be spotted wandering about in the castle grounds and there is also a farm with its own vineyards and a winery. The attached winery Unterortl, the organic farm Oberortl, and the Schlosswirt revitalize these small-scale cultural landscape in Lower Venosta Valley.

The Museum of Nature South Tyrol lies in the ancient administrative Headquarters of the Emperor of Austria, Maximilian the First. The variety of South Tyrolean landscape is exhibited on a surface of 100 square metres, with special regard to the Birth of the Dolomites. The main attraction is the marine aquarium, as well as the temporary exhibitions.

The Plattner Bienenhof offers various products around bees and honey.

Position:
Imbedded between forest and hills scenery on 514 meters above sea level, small Montiggl Lake is located. A lot of different walking paths bring you to the lake. With the car you can park at the big Montiggl Lake or at the supercenter Rungg.

Topography:
The small Montiggl Lake has a shoreline of 890 mters and is only about 5 hectares big. Therefore it is a lot smaller then its “bigger brother”, but a lot deeper with a maximum depth of almost 15 meters.

Utilization:
According to analyses the lake has very good data regarding the water quality and is therefore one of South Tyroles most popular swimming lake. It is not directly accessible by car, therefore it more known for its relaxation and for enjoying the nature. One part of the lake has a grassed area and a small snack bar. Around small Montiggl Lake there is a walking path, along which you can find nice and cosy spots to relax or swim.

To avoid car park problems, there is a public bus to Montiggl and back in the summertime.

Position:
The big Montiggl Lake is located in the middle of the nature reserve Montiggl with its stunning mixed forest in the community of Eppan on 492 meters above sea level. It can be reached by car or by the numerous walking paths nearby.

Topography:
The big Montiggl Lake has a shoreline of 2 kilometres and its surface is around 18 hectares wide. At its deepest spot it has a depth of 11.5 meters. In the north-east it is surrounded by rock, whereat the opposite site it changes to a swamp.

Utilization:
According to analyses the lake has very good data regarding the water quality and is therefore one of South Tyroles most popular swimming lake. In the west of the lake there are hotels, restaurants and a swimming pool with a pier located.

The climbing wall “Col dell’uomo” is located in the wood of Montiggl, nearby the Wilder Mann Bühel.

Directions: Drive from St. Michael in the direction of Montiggl. PArk at the sport center Rungg. Turn right from there and follow the path along the sports field. Going on from there the way is indicated by signs and you reach in ca. 20 minutes the climbing wall.

On the climbing wall are at the moment 10 routes from the difficulty levels II to VII and the length from 6 up to 20 meters.

Further informations on the Web-Site: climbing wall Montiggl