Culture & sights
Get to know South Tyrol with all its facets.
The Vinschgau region is a fertile region, also when it comes to culture. Customs that go back centuries are still thriving here, just like the orchards filled with apricots and apples. Castles and palaces in South Tyrol date from the Middle Ages, while museums such as the famous Messner Mountain Museums founded by Reinhold Messner bring you closer to the mountains and even afford glimpses of the eternal ice that lies underground. Start your journey of discovery of South Tyrol and the Vinschgau here in Sulden.
Just a 6-minute walk from our Hotel Die Post lies the famous Messer Mountain Museum Ortles. Its underground location alone makes the museum, dedicated to the "eternal ice”, a truly special destination. Ice climbing, expeditions to the poles, freezing temperatures, snow people and avalanches: Reinhold Messner’s museum highlights both the terror and the fascination of ice and snow. The museum also houses the world’s largest collection of images of the Ortler.
The small Alpine Curiosa museum is located in a former mountain shelter in Sulden at the foot of the Ortler. The museum, also called "Flohhäuschen”, is right next to our hotel and invites you to explore a fascinating collection of curious objects from the realm of alpinism. In Sulden elementary school, the museum of the Ortler region presents the effects of the first conquest of the Ortler on tourism in the region. A fascinating journey through more than one hundred years of tourism – you are bound to find out a thing or two!
Spectacular show fights with swords, a historic parade through the streets of Schluderns and many other attractions make the South Tyrolean Ritterspiel festival an unforgettable event. Every August, the medieval past of Schluderns is brought back to life for three whole days. A wonderful opportunity for time travel and perfect for families!
With its numerous castles and palaces, South Tyrol offers many day trip destinations. If you would like to take a closer look at a castle, you can do so in Churburg. It is home to the world's largest private armoury with more than 50 fully preserved suits of armour. Another highlight is Juval castle from the 13th century, purchased by Reinhold Messner in 1983 and home to one of his Messner Mountain Museums. No less impressive is Sigmundskron castle northwest of Bozen, one of South Tyrol’s largest castles and also home to a Messner Mountain Museum.
“Vinschger” apricots thrive in the dry climate of the Vinschgau region from 500 to 1,000 metres above sea level, developing their typical size, colour and rich aroma. Their soft, juicy consistency makes these apricots unsuitable for long storage. They are best enjoyed fresh from the tree and are often used to make jam in order to preserve their flavour. A special highlight is the annual “Marble and Apricots” Festival in the “Marble Village” of Laas. In late summer, it is time to harvest the renowned South Tyrolean apples, known for their outstanding quality.
From October to mid-November, South Tyrol invites you to the traditional Törggelen season - a culinary journey through hearty specialities and fine new wine. Cosy taverns and rustic inns serve traditional barley soup, Schlutzer, sauerkraut, smoked meat, homemade sausage, black pudding and South Tyrolean doughnuts. Chestnuts are traditionally roasted over an open fire. The convivial atmosphere, the aroma of savoury delicacies and the rustic ambience make Törggelen a special experience that perfectly combines enjoyment and tradition.
