On the trail of Oswald von Wolkenstein in Gais
The idyllic village of Gais lies at the entrance of Tauferer Ahrntal, a northern side valley in Pustertal, near the town of Bruneck. The place is famous for its beautiful church, one of the olds tin Tyrol. Gais is situated in the midst of nature park Rieserferner-Ahrn and therefore offers travelers a number of interesting hiking paths. One walk leads up to the remains of Castle Kehlburg, another one to the nearby Mühlwaldertal and a third to the Bärental. Full of atmosphere proves to be an excursion to Tesselberg with its charming chapel and its adjacent farm.
The cultural walking path, leading through the forest up to Castle Neuhaus, is lined with artistic creations dedicated to personalities such as the American poet Ezra Pound or the medieval minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein. Von Wolkenstein was living for a short period on Castle Neuhaus. Arrived at the top, the hikers can stop for a well-deserved break in the castle inn.
For Mountainbikers the cycle paths offer delightful hours of biking leading all the way to Sand in Taufers or Brixen. During summer the natural lake is a highlight for old and young. In winter, the surrounding hillsides offer adventure sleigh rides for kids. The ski resorts Kronplatz near Reischach and Speikboden near Sand in Taufers are both only a short drive away and easily reachable from the hotels in Gais.
A fireman’s dream
A funny attraction for kids of all ages is the helmet museum with its collection of firemen helmets from all over the world. The responsible Franz Josef Mairhofer is collecting for over 30 years. By now over 700 pieces are exhibited on over 200 square meters: helmet from Egypt, Thailand, Guatemala, New York, France … Leather helmets or helmets made of steel or brass … ornamented, decorated with feathers or very simple. Who would like to experience the helmet museum and the fantastic local lake in person, finds here the most beautiful hotels in Gais in South Tyrol.
Alpwellhotel Burggräfler
