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Sightseeing Destinations and visitor attractions

The Ridanna Valley is rich in scenic, cultural and historical treasures.

The region boasts numerous natural and cultural monuments that repay a visit. The mining museum of Ridanna-Monteneve-Schneeberg recalls the mining tradition that boomed here particularly in and after the Middle Ages. The splendid rooms of Wolfsthurn Castle are also home to the provincial museum for hunting and fishing. Somewhat further afield, the legendary Ötzi, the “man from the ice”, can be seen in the archaeology museum in Bolzano. A day trip to Bressanone offers the chance to visit the monastery of Novacella, one of the region’s best-known destinations. Visitors to the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano can stroll between flowers, trees and shrubs from all over the world: the many flowering plants make a visit in the warm season a special pleasure.

The simple chapel radiates a peaceful charm and invites visitors to internal contemplation.

Chapel of St. Leopold

The simple house chapel stands on the approach road to the Hotel Plunhof. Everyone visiting the Plunhof has to pass it. Inge and Klaus Tutter, guests of many years’ standing and friends of the Volgger family, financed the building works and thereby fulfilled a particular desire. The Volgger family, who provided the land, likewise realised a long-held desire. After a short construction period the chapel was consecrated on 7 October 2000 under the protection of St. Leopold – the titular saint of the since sadly deceased hotel owner, Leopold Volgger.

The windows with their painted representations of Saints Leopold and Nicolas above all create a pleasant atmosphere in the interior, where a wood-carved Jesus on the cross can be found with statues of Joseph and Mary with burning heart. The altar stone, a granite block weighing 1.65 tonnes, comes from the German Fichtel Mountains, while the bell was specially brought to Ridanna from Greece.

The miners’ chapel of St. Magdalena

The late-Gothic chapel, dedicated to St. Magdalena, stands on a hill in the locality of Ridnaun. A chapel is documented as existing here in 1273. In 1480-81 the Ridanna miners constructed a larger, better appointed church. The prosperity that the miners enjoyed in the 15th century was to be reflected in the church. The altar by Hans Harder from Sterzing dates back to the time of the chapel’s consecration: the representation of Magdalena is a rare example of a single-figure shrine. The high altar was created by Mattheis Stöberl from Sterzing at the beginning of the 16th century and represents the ascension of Saint Magdalena, flanked by the miners’ saints George (with sword) and Lawrence (with gridiron). At their feet can be seen the founders of the altar in traditional miners’ costume.

800 years of mining history!

Once the highest mine in Europe, it is now a museum. The Schneeberg/Monteneve mine was at a higher altitude than any other mine in Europe. It was also the mine in the Alpine region to remain in operation the longest (approx. 800 years). Silver, lead, and zinc were the chief ores mined here. Today, it serves as a demonstration mine. The countless items of mining equipment on and in this mighty mountain located between Ridnaun/Ridanna and the Passiria Valley have been conserved in their original form. In part, they can even still be put into operation. The entire complex is a mine that you can enter into and touch, explore, or even work. You are sure to be astonished!

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Museum for Hunting and Fishing

In the magnificent Baroque palace complex of Wolfsthurn, you can visit three exhibitions spread out over three floors: In the second story, you'll find lots of information about hunting and wild game, folk art depicting hunting scenes, and fishing; In the third story, when taking the tour of the palace's opulently furnished rooms, you'll learn about the history of Wolfsthurn; In the cellar, which was set up specifically for children, our youngest visitors can learn in a playful way about animal voices and animal tracks, about stag antlers and bear caves.

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The Gilfenklamm (Gorge)

Come along for an impressive hike through a unique natural spectacle! The "Emperor-Franz-Josef-Klamm" as it was dubbed a hundred years ago, is the only gorge in the entire world that has been carved out of pure white marble! The Ratschings/Racines Brook rushes through towering cliffs, spraying foam, and falling thunderously down over numerous waterfalls until it comes to the valley! It's an unforgettable experience for young and old, alike!
Open from early-May till late-October.

Hiking time:
Up to the gorge from Stange / Stanga to the Jaufensteg, you'll need about 45 to 60 Minutes. Going downhill, about 40 minutes.
Altitude differential: 175 meters

Burkhardklamm (Gorge) in Ridnaun/Ridanna

A very special kind of natural monument is located at the head of the valley of Ridnaun/Ridanna (Maiern/Masseria): This gorge can be reached from the area of the museum in Maiern/Masseria in about 45 minutes (by foot) via the pathway which will take you into the Stubai Alps and to such well-known and popular Alpine Huts as the "Grohmann," the "Teplitz," the "Becher," and the "Müller." Hikers can enjoy splendid views from this pathway.

Neustift/Novacella Monastery

North of Brixen/Bressanone, in the municipality of Vahrn/Varna, you'll find one of the most famous sights of South Tyrol: The Neustift/Novacella Monastery. This Augustinian monastery arose towards the end of the 12th Century. The remaining fortifications date back to the 15th Century, when the locals feared an invasion of the Ottomans in the Crown Land of Tyrol. One of the monastery buildings is conspicuous due to its very special construction: The Castel Sant'Angelo (Michael's Chapel) was part of the medieval pilgrim hospice. Its architecture reveals it to be a smaller copy of the papal Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. One really ought not to miss the monastery library. The two-story Rococo Hall is home to about 65,000 books. The Neustift Monastery church is heavily furnished with ornate Baroque features fashioned by Bavarian artists especially brought here for this purpose. The church as an overall work of art is now considered one of the highlights of the Bavarian Baroque.

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Museum of Archeology - Ötzi Museum Bozen

It's the no. 1 attraction among South Tyrol's museums – the place where "Ötzi," the Similaun Ice-Man, is held. This approx. 5,000-year-old ice mummy recovered from a glacier is the central exhibition of the South Tyrolean Museum of Archeology in Bozen / Bolzano. Come enter the prehistoric world of this representative of Neolithic Culture. You are certain to find the well-preserved articles of clothing and equipment fascinating.

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Trauttmansdorff Castle

The botanical gardens Trauttmansdorff Castle were created in the surrounding landscape, with dwarf shrubs, olive trees, grape vines and much more besides: the rhododendrons, roses and lavender all emit a wonderful scent. The gardens’ twelve hectares contain four interconnected zones. Paths lead up the slopes via water and terrace gardens. There is a garden for meditation, a Japanese garden and a semi-desert with succulents (juice-filled plants such as cacti). Eleven pavilions, designed by artists, are worthy of a visit, as are the aviary and the multimedia show in the grotto. The whole complex was in 2005 awarded the title of “Most Beautiful Gardens in Italy”.

The ideal time for a visit is from March until November.
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One night at the Plunhof just isn’t enough!

Treat yourself to this extra dose of wellness, enjoyment, and delight that will make your time out with us something very special!

Acqua Minera

Source of wellbeing

Our Acqua Minera is a source of wellbeing. Highlights include the rooftop terrace and the great outdoor area with natural swimming pond as well as the outdoor pool with spacious sunbathing areas with cosy islands and a wonderful view of the mountain scenery featuring the miners’ church of St. Magdalena.

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Hotel Plunhof in Ridnaun, Ratschings – South Tyrol

Surrounded by meadows and forests and the magnificent panorama of the Stubai Alps with their glaciers and three-thousand-metre peaks, you can enjoy peace and quiet, the finest cuisine, and award-winning wellness at the SPA Minera and the Acqua Minera.

The Becherhaus

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Mountainbike

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Fishing

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Skiing

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Nordic skiing

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Winter hiking and walks

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Sledging

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Ski tours

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