The Eggen Valley has a central location, and is situated just 20 minutes (by car) from the provincial capital of Bozen/Bolzano, which is known for its many interesting cultural highlights.
Public Observatory – The Solar Observatory
South Tyrol's first and only public observatory in Obergummer / San Valentino di Sopra offers astronomy-enthusiasts a chance to take a closer look at the treasures of the universe.
Public viewings: Year round, every Thursday and Friday after nightfall, but not before 7:00 p.m. No viewings in case of bad weather! Please register by contacting the Community of Karneid/Cornedo, phone: 0471 361314. Web address: www.sternwarte.it
South Tyrolean Archeology Museum
The Archeology Museum was inaugurated in 1998. It documents the history of South Tyrol from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Eras up to the Carolingian Age. Besides original archeological artifacts, various models, reconstructions, and interactive multi-media stations give visitors a greater understanding of the past in a scientifically grounded but also entertaining fashion. The central exhibition complex is dedicated to "Ötzi," the Ice Man (3300 B.C.). Open: Year round, from Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. till 5:30 p.m., Closed Mondays. Web address: www.archaeologiemuseum.it
The Nature Museum
This permanent exhibition, including living animals and the coral reef aquarium, is supplemented by special exhibitions and a rich variety of information sources. The museum focuses on its own research findings and its collections in the disciplines of geo-science, botany, and zoology. Open: Year round, from Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Closed Mondays. Web address: www.naturmuseum.it
Museum Street and the Fruit Market
The Laubengasse begins to the west of the Town Square. The Laubengasse is one of the most-visited streets of the city. This neighborhood has represented the commercial trade center of the Bozen/Bolzano region since time immemorial. No visit to this charming city would be complete without stopping by the Fruit Market, which is open daily. Additionally, the house fronts with their characteristic bay windows have an appeal all their own. And don't miss the two historical apothecaries, "Zur Madonna" and "Schwarzer Adler."
MMM Firmian at Castle Corona di Sigismondo / Sigmundskron
MMM. No, it's not a restaurant – it's a museum! The Messner Mountains Museum Firmian is part of a wonderful concept. One of five museums, the purpose of which is to give visitors a better understanding of the mountains. Reinhold Messner has harnessed his imagination to create an overall work of art sure to leave visitors with vivid and lasting impressions. Thus, one of the museums is located on Monte Rite and affords a 360° panoramic view of the bizarre Alpine world of the Dolomites. Open: from the first sunday of march until the third sunday of november. Closed Mondays. Web address: www.messner-mountain-museum.it
Botanical Gardens
At the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, plants from all over the world have been assembled – but the typical flora of South Tyrol can likewise be viewed. Walkways serpentine through the water gardens and terraces up the hillside, leading visitors to the "Sensual Garden" or to the Japanese Garden, through a landscape of cacti and succulents, or to a section presenting typical agricultural plants of southern climes like olive trees and grapevines. Open: Daily, from April 1 till November 15, from 9.00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Web address: www.trauttmansdorff.it
The Thermal Baths of Meran/Merano
The new thermal baths at Meran/Merano add not only another health spa to the city's attractions, but also an architectural highlight. The impressive cube made of glass and steel is the heart of the new complex of thermal baths at the south side of the Passer/Passirio River. The new square formed between the thermal baths and the thermal bath hotel provides a welcome opportunity to stop for refreshments at the terrace café and is regarded as one of the city's most popular meeting spots. Open: Year round, from 9:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. Web address: www.termemerano.it
