South Tyrol – a paradise for active holidaymakers!

Let go, relax and find new harmony with nature and within yourself – with the Vitalpina programmes, it’s easy to bring what counts back into focus. Take the targeted breathing exercises in the woods, and feel how all the ballast from everyday life slips off your shoulders as you immerse yourself in the fabulous sylvan atmosphere. The guided sensory exercises will help you to decelerate and recharge through a very special experience at one with nature.

An excellent way of exploring South Tyrol is on horseback. If riding is your passion, Erlebnisort Gassenhof is a great choice for you: you will have the chance to ride at the nearby Hallerhof stables, where Gassenhof guests are welcome regardless of their level of riding skills. If you prefer a more romantic experience, you can book a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Ridnauntal valley, departing either from Maiern or from Gasse (both hamlets are in our vicinity).

… well, maybe not so lonely, as you will be accompanied by an expert guide. But you can definitely get as high as a cloud with an exciting paragliding flight! South Tyrol and its mountains are even more incredibly beautiful when seen from high above. The Jochropp’n association in Ridnaun offers tandem flights from idyllic locations such as the Gewingesalm alp (approx. 2,100 metres of altitude, and approx. 800 metres of elevation gain) or Sterzing’s mountain, Mt. Rosskopf (approx. 2,200 metres of altitude, with an elevation gain of approx. 1,300 metres). If you like the idea of lending your active holiday some extra zing, let us know – we will be happy to arrange this adventure for you.

How about white water rafting? If this kind of adventure is right up your alley, you will be pleased to know that the Tiger Rafting Club in Sterzing offers guided rafting tours on the Eisack river to the locality of Franzensfeste, from early May to mid-September. Their guides are highly trained and have proven their skills up against the most challenging rivers in the USA, Africa and Costa Rica. So, you can enjoy your thrills safe in the knowledge that you are in good hands!

On a hot summer day, you don’t need to get wet to stay fresh! If you are staying here in Ridnaun, we recommend adding the Schneeberg mining museum to your holiday bucket list. The Schneeberg site used to be one of the highest mines in Europe. It has been mined for silver, lead and zinc for over 800 years, until the facilities were closed in 1985.

Today, the mine’s glorious past lives again as visitors are offered an insight into how ore extraction took place here in the bygone days. The mine facilities include partly undamaged buildings, a didactic trail and the mining museum. Follow in the footsteps of the miners and try your hand with a mallet and a pickaxe! The mine train will take you about 3.5 kilometres through the gallery to the ore storehouse, where you can take tour through shafts, watercourses and narrow passages – an unforgettable experience for young and old!

Important: the tour is not suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia or mould allergy! Wearing warm clothes on the guided tour is recommended.

Erlebnisort Gassenhof is a great choice for families with children. Our facilities offer plenty of outdoor spaces to play and romp around, and if the weather plays up, we’ve got you covered with an indoor playroom and an intriguing activity offered by no other than host Stefan himself. As a trained chef, Stefan is delighted to offer children a special experience by showing them how to make a delicious pizza. The budding pizza chefs will have the opportunity to pick their own pizza toppings, of course!

Regardless of the weather, however, the best way to spend a day as a family here in South Tyrol is to go on a trip or sightseeing tour. The Schneeberg mining museum, Castle Wolfsthurn in Mareit, the Gilfenklamm gorge and the town of Sterzing are just some of the many possibilities for a great day out with the children. We will be happy to tell you more in person!