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Castel Wolfsthurn: A Baroque Treasure in the Alps

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Discover South Tyrol's only Baroque castle, home to the fascinating Museum of Hunting and Fishing, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life.

Castel Wolfsthurn, also known as Mareta Castle, is South Tyrol's only Baroque castle, dating back to a 12th-century tower. Today, it houses the South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life and local traditions. With its impressive architecture and fascinating exhibits, it's a unique cultural experience.

A brief summary to Castel Wolfsthurn

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Castel Wolfsthurn.

  • Explore the "Forest and Water" trail for a scenic and accessible walk to the castle.
  • Check out the castle's exterior details, including the 365 windows, symbolizing the days of the year.
  • Allow ample time to explore the museum's exhibits on hunting, fishing, and local wildlife.
  • Note that the museum is closed on Mondays (and also Tuesdays and Wednesdays until mid-June) and during the winter months.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in Mareta, Castel Wolfsthurn is accessible on foot. From the center of Mareta, walk north towards Kirchdorf. Follow the signs for Castel Wolfsthurn. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes, mostly uphill. Alternatively, from the parking area in Mareta, take the 5-minute walk up a rising footpath or the 1 km walk along the 'Forest and Water' theme trail to the castle entrance.

  • Public Transport

    From Sterzing/Vipiteno, take bus line 312 towards Ridnaun/Ridanna. The bus stops in Mareta/Mareit. From the bus stop in Mareta, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk to Castel Wolfsthurn. Follow the signs for Castel Wolfsthurn. Bus tickets cost approximately €1-€2. Bus line 312 connects Sterzing and Ridnaun. Check the bus schedules in advance as they may vary.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Sterzing to Castel Wolfsthurn will cost approximately €30-€40 and take around 10 minutes. Taxis can be found in Sterzing.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow the signs to Mareta. Parking is available in Mareta below the castle hill. From the parking area, it's a 5-minute walk up a rising footpath or a 1 km walk along the 'Forest and Water' theme trail to the castle entrance. Parking is free.

Discover more about Castel Wolfsthurn

Rising majestically above the village of Mareta, Castel Wolfsthurn stands as a testament to Baroque grandeur in the South Tyrol region. Originally built upon a 12th-century tower, the castle was transformed in the 18th century by the Sternbach family, who still own it today. The castle's design reflects a fascination with numbers, featuring 365 windows, 52 doors, 12 chimneys and 4 portals, symbolizing the days, weeks, months, and seasons of the year. Inside, visitors can explore the South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing, which has been housed in the castle since 1996. The museum offers a rich cultural and historical perspective on hunting and fishing, displaying wildlife dioramas, hunting equipment, and folk art. The castle's original staterooms, furnished with period pieces, tapestries, and ornate details, provide a glimpse into the lives of the nobility during the 18th and 19th centuries. Children can enjoy interactive exhibits about local fauna in the basement. Outside, a one-kilometer-long "Forest and Water" themed trail leads from the village to the castle, offering an accessible and engaging way to experience the natural surroundings. The trail features interactive stations and passes by a castle pond and a fallow deer enclosure. Castel Wolfsthurn offers a unique blend of architectural beauty, cultural history, and natural exploration, making it a worthwhile destination for travelers.

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