Excursion Tips for families and children
Trauttmansdorff/Provincial Museum of Tourism at Trauttmansdorff Castle
Opening at the end of 2002
Featuring records of 200 years of Tyrolean tourism history.
Keep-fit trail:
- Marling/Marlengo (Marling/Marlengo Tourist Office, tel. 0473 - 44 71 47); from the village of Marling/Marlengo to the Hotel Oberwirt, turn left into St. Felixweg path, which leads up to Waalweg path, where the trail starts
- Dorf Tirol/Tirolo (Dorf Tirol/Tirolo Tourist Office, tel. 0473 - 92 33 14); the trail starts at the Tiroler Kreuz (Tyrolean cross)
Marlinger Waalweg
The Marling Waalweg begins at the Töll, south-west of Meran, and runs above Marling as far as Oberlana. The overall length is 12 km (overall walking time ca. 4-5 hours). Here you can enjoy a super panoramic view of Meran and the racecourse.
Tappeinerweg
The most famous of Meran's walks runs along the Zenoberg at a moderate height of 380m along the east-west axis of the town. It begins in the Laurin Strasse in Gratsch and ends four kilometres further on in the Zenoberg Strasse, where it links up with the Gilf Promenade. You can shorten the walk and descend to the town at several places along the Tappeinerweg. (Overall walking time 1½ hours).
The biggest rope course in the South Tyrol:
Climbing the rope course will give you a big thrill just like riding the roller coaster. You will always be accompanied by an assistant who will guide you through the course with tips and explanations. You can climb across the course individually or in small groups. It is suitable for all age groups and irrespective of whether or not you are experienced in climbing. The only prerequisite is: being fit. The course is located on the grounds of the "Familienalm" mountain inn, valley station Taser.
Children's play world: 1000 m² of play area with petting zoo, duck pond, ponies and Hafling horses, Indian village, slides, ropeway, sandpit, lookout tower and much more besides.
At the valley station of the Taser ropeway, "Familienalm" mountain inn.
Rafting for children: easy ride on the River Etsch/Adige for children from the age of 4, from mid-April to the end of September (Acquaterra Club, tel. 0473 - 72 00 42 or 62 31 09 or 62 33 22), (in German and Italian only).
Ducal Castle
The little, centrally located castle behind the town hall, built in the 15th century by Archduke Sigmund from Austria, consists of a castle courtyard, a walk along the battlements and two storeys with a great number of cosy little rooms whose windows feature bull's-eye panes. The furnishings date from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. In addition there is a little chapel containing a fresco from the 16th century behind the altar. The displays of historic weapons and of a collection of antique musical instruments make the castle a much sought-after attraction.
South Tyrolean Museum of History - Tyrol Castle - Dorf Tirol
Tyrol Castle which gave its name to Dorf Tirol and the land itself, was built between 1140 and 1160. As the seat of the Counts of Tyrol until well into the 14 th century, the castle experienced a varied history. In the 17 th century the northern section was torn down because of fears for the stability of the morain hill on which the castle is built, and the castle was to a large extent left to decay. Nowadays it houses the new Museum of History.
Flying demonstration by birds of prey in the Bird Sanctuary - Dorf Tirol On the hill by Tyrol Castle you will find the Bird Sanctuary. When injured and helpless birds are found they are taken in by the bird doctor, cared for, and then released again. You can experience the king of the air from close by during the flying exhibitions that take place twice a day. Falcons, eagles, vultures, owls and bussards invite you to dream of flying...
