Excursion destinations for the family

Children’s World Trauttmansdorff

The gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are ideal for a family day out. With its many colourful stopping points for the senses and experiences is the Botanical Garden in Merano not only an inspiration for adults… The aviary with its flamboyant green- and blue-feathered lovebirds, the swaying adventure bridge in the Auwald Forest or the grotto with multimedia show about the evolution of life are especially interesting for children. Exploring the geographical mosaic, finding the right way in the maze, watching the many animals or operating the locks of the irrigation channels is great fun for children. The “Botanical Underworld“ is a 200 metres long adventure obstacle course, which has been blasted into the rock, and invites to explore and to marvel!

Wildlife Sanctuary Tyrol Castle

On the castle hill of Tyrol Castle near Merano is a sanctuary for wild birds. Task of this sanctuary is, to accommodate helpless and injured wild birds, to care for them and to release them into the wild again afterwards. If this is not possible then the sanctuary becomes a new home for the birds. You can watch eagles, owls and falcons and their swoops close- up during birds of prey demonstrations.

Railway World and
South Tyrol in miniature

Even adults turn into children again in the Railway World of Rabland near Merano. The South Tyrolean landscapes and many castles and fortresses have been recreated in detail on a scale of 1:87. Details like the train ride with the nostalgic Rittner Railways astonish the visitors again and again. The 300 m2 exhibition area presents South Tyrol in miniature from the Brenner to the Vinschgau District. Lights and special effects provide a unique atmosphere in the miniature world at night. Boasting more than 20.000 exhibits, the Railway World in Rabland is the biggest model railway layout in Italy and is one of Europe’s largest private collections. Inspiring to literally grasp the experience, an adventure of the special kind awaits the younger visitors. Children can get into action and control a train, becoming little train driver themselves. The Railway World is open from March to January, during November and December only at the weekends. Discounts for children as well as family tickets are available.

Knights’ Castles

South Tyrol boasts many knights’ castles which are very interesting for children.

Churburg Castle in Schluderns provides an interesting insight into the life at a castle of the 13th century. Especially exciting for children is the armoury which contains the world’s largest private collection. The almost complete equipment for an entire castle garrison, including more than 50 armours, thrusting weapons and swords, is exhibited here. The highlight of Churburg Castle are the Knights‘ Games which take place in August.

A fantastic armoury and arsenal also offers the Prösels Castle in Völs. There is plenty of space for playing and relaxing in the realm of the Sciliar Mountain in front of the castle.

A family excursion to the Juval Castle, the residence of Reinhold Messner, is also recommended. The museum is dedicated to the myth of the mountains. Children will enjoy the small mountain animal park here.

Taufers Castle is a bit spookier. Something special awaits here. Children are first turned into little ghosts in the castle courtyard. Equipped with lanterns, a castle tour of a different kind starts afterwards. Accompanied by a fairy godmother, the children meet dwarfs, gnomes and ghosts. Mum and dad must wait outside while the tiny tots conquer the castle. Knights’ Games take place at Taufers Castle in May.