You have to see this.
If you choose to enjoy a holiday in our apartments at Lago di Caldaro/Kalterer See, you’ll be in the middle of nature, and yet close to the action. We reveal our personal must-sees that you really can’t miss.
Cheers – South Tyrolean Wine Museum
Kaltern without wine? Impossible! Here – on the shores of this idyllic lake – the best wines of the region have been growing for centuries. It’s no wonder that locals have dedicated a museum to this special drink: You’ll find impressive wine presses, drinking and carrying vessels, wine barrels, and pressing equipment. Tip: The weekly visit ends in the deep cellar with a glass of wine.
Castles, fortresses, and ancient residences in Oltradige/Überetsch
Castelvecchio/Altenburg, the mystical Castelfelder, Castelchiaro/Leuchtenburg, Hocheppan castle, Boymont castle ruins, Campan castle, Corba/Korb castle, Castello del Lago/Seeschlössl, Stachelburg castle, and many others characterise the landscape around Lago di Caldaro/Kalterer See. Other must-sees are: Giovanelli castle, Mühlburg castle (also called Pfußer Schlössl), Buol residence in Kaltern, or Manincor manor that attracts people with its exquisite winery.
Mysterious “Steinerne Mandln”
Don’t worry! We’re not talking about petrified creatures, but about mysterious constructions whose meaning and purpose remain a mystery to the present day. One thing’s for sure: situated on the plateau between San Genesio/Jenesien, Meltina/Mölten, and Val Sarentino/Sarntal, this special place offers you a great 360° view of the surrounding mountains.
Meran and its noble flair
If you walk through Meran, you can still feel a noble atmosphere. Sissi, the famous Austrian empress, loved this town along the Passirio/Passer river, known for its thermal baths, idyllic promenades, and medieval arcades. A very special highlight, not just for botanists, are the gardens of Trauttmansdorff castle.
Firmiano/Sigmundskron castle and the Messner Mountain Museums
In Firmiano/Sigmundskron castle, a place where South Tyrolean history was made, you’ll find the first museum of extreme alpinist Reinhold Messner. The theme of this museum is the relationship between human and mountain. Other Messner Mountain Museums: Juval in Juval castle in Val Senales/Schnalstal, Ortles in Solda/Sulden, Dolomites on Monte Rite, Ripa in Bruneck castle, and Corones on Plan de Corones/Kronplatz. Each more impressive than the last.
Bolzano – meeting Ötzi
This is something you simply have to see once in your life: Ötzi, the oldest glacier mummy in the world. Other highlights in Bolzano: the fashionable arcades with various boutiques and shops, the Museion museum of art, the natural museum, or Roncolo/Runkelstein castle with its medieval frescos. Our tip: enjoy an aperitif in the Piazza delle Erbe/Obstmarkt and admire the colourful city life.
Bletterbach gorge – the South Tyrolean Grand Canyon
The Geoparc Bletterbach in Aldein gives you incredible insights into the origins of the Dolomites. An impressive path leads you through our South Tyrolean Grand Canyon, where you’ll experience over 40 million years of geological history. In the spectacular gorge you’ll find rare fossils, different rock layers, and even dinosaur footprints.
Reach for the stars in Gummer
If you love to reach for the stars, then we recommend a trip to Gummer. Have a seat in this unique planetarium and embark on a mysterious journey into the universe. The astronomical observatory, named after the local astronomer Max Valier, will let you have a look at the sun and the stars.
Klausen, Säben, and Bad Dreikirchen
Just before Valle Isarco/Eisacktal becomes a narrow gorge, you’ll find a small medieval town called Klausen, where the treasure of Loreto is hidden. Säben monastery, the acropolis and cradle of Christianity in Tyrol, towers over the town. Another hot spot: Bad Dreikirchen, situated between the villages of Villanders and Barbian.
Brixen – on the trail of the Middle Ages
If you love culture and art, you’ll adore Brixen. The Hofburg, the cloister, the cathedral: this town situated between Isarco/Eisack river and Rienza/Rienz river is home to lots of artistic treasures. Our tip: a hike to Neustift monastery, where a miracle fountain, a baroque basilica, and an exquisite white wine await you.
Heading south – to Trento or Lake Garda
Our Smart Suites are absolutely perfect if you want to head beyond South Tyrol. Whether you want to visit a typical Italian city, have a climbing adventure or dive into the dolce vita – Trento, Arco, and Lake Garda are tempting for a day trip. If you’re especially sporty, you can even get there by bike.
