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Activities for families
Two people sitting on a hill photographing the sunrise over the mountains
Two hikers walking on a mountain trail with Alps in the background
Woman cycling on mountain path surrounded by green fields and mountains
Two skiers skiing down a freshly groomed slope on a sunny day
Snow-covered valley and mountains under clear blue sky
Two people hiking on snowy mountain under bright sunlight
Two skiers skiing down a freshly groomed slope on a sunny day
Snow-covered valley and mountains under clear blue sky
Two people hiking on snowy mountain under bright sunlight
Two people sitting on a hill photographing the sunrise over the mountains
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Activities with children

Experiences for the whole family in Ridnaun Valley

One valley, a thousand adventures for young and old.

Erlebnisort Gassenhof is situated in the heart of Ridnaun Valley, surrounded by the majestic mountains of South Tyrol. With so many possibilities right on your doorstep, it's the perfect destination for a fun and stress-free family holiday.

In summer, you can explore the unspoilt landscape along numerous family-friendly hiking trails, try your hand at climbing, visit the region's castles and discover the Ridnaun-Schneeberg mines. In winter, simply step outside and find yourself surrounded by a world of snow and adventure, with a ski lift and cross-country ski trail close by, a variety of winter hiking routes and several ski areas to choose from.

And because we're a place of experiences, no two days are ever the same. Today it's hiking boots, tomorrow it's ski boots, and the day after? Who knows, perhaps a cultural excursion. And in between all those adventures, there's plenty of time and space to enjoy being together in complete comfort.

A person sits beside an alpine lake while two hikers rest on the shore
Activities with children

Experiences for the whole family in Ridnaun Valley

One valley, a thousand adventures for young and old.

Erlebnisort Gassenhof is situated in the heart of Ridnaun Valley, surrounded by the majestic mountains of South Tyrol. With so many possibilities right on your doorstep, it's the perfect destination for a fun and stress-free family holiday.

In winter, simply step outside and find yourself surrounded by a world of snow and adventure, with a ski lift and cross-country ski trail close by, a variety of winter hiking routes and several ski areas to choose from. In summer, you can explore the unspoilt landscape along numerous family-friendly hiking trails, try your hand at climbing, visit the region's castles and discover the Ridnaun-Schneeberg mines. 

And because we're a place of experiences, no two days are ever the same. Today it's hiking boots, tomorrow it's ski boots, and the day after? Who knows, perhaps a cultural excursion. And in between all those adventures, there's plenty of time and space to enjoy being together in complete comfort.

Two adults and a child walk through a snowy mountain landscape

Our tips for a family summer holiday

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES

When hiking with children, everything becomes easier when the trail itself is an adventure. Around Gassenhof, you'll find a wide variety of routes to suit every taste and every kind of family. We've put together a few recommendations for you on our website...

STERZING DAIRY

Ever wondered where the delicious milk comes from that we use to make the cheeses at our Mount Becher Genusshaus? Find out with a visit to Sterzing Dairy, where you can see how the milk is processed and discover the entire production process.

Dates and booking information for guided tours can be found on the Sterzing Dairy website.

CLIMBING

If you enjoy a little adrenaline, there are plenty of opportunities to try climbing in the Sterzing and Ratschings area.

In Sterzing, you'll find the Skytrek high ropes course, complete with an exciting obstacle course. The tourist association's weekly programme also includes climbing activities for families. And if the weather isn't playing along, don't worry: there's an indoor climbing centre in Stange, at the entrance to Ridnaun Valley.

WOLFSTHURN CASTLE

Perched on a hill above Mareit, Wolfsthurn Castle is home to the South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing and makes a fascinating excursion destination for families. Don't miss the Forest and Water nature trail, featuring interactive stations and information boards.

REIFENSTEIN CASTLE

A drawbridge, historic rooms and a medieval atmosphere: Reifenstein Castle near Sterzing is one of the best-preserved castles in South Tyrol. An exciting destination for children, too.

BergbauWelt Ridnaun Schneeberg

If you're spending your holiday in South Tyrol with us, one attraction you shouldn't miss is the mining museum. The Schneeberg mine was once one of the highest mines in Europe. For more than 800 years, silver, lead and zinc were extracted here until mining operations finally ceased in 1985.

But the end of mining didn't mean the end of "our" mine. Today, it has become an interactive museum where visitors of all ages can discover what mining life was like in the past. The site includes buildings that are still partly preserved, an educational trail and the mining museum itself. Follow in the footsteps of the miners and have a go at breaking rock with a hammer and pickaxe! The mine train takes you approximately 3.5 kilometres through the tunnel to the ore deposit, where a guided tour leads you past shafts, underground watercourses and narrow passages. An unforgettable experience!

Please note: the tour is not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophobia or are sensitive to mould. We recommend wearing warm clothing when visiting the mine.

Winter holidays with children in Ridnaun Valley

FROM YOUR FIRST SNOWPLOUGH TURNS TO CHAMPION CARVING

For those taking their first steps on skis, the perfect solution is right outside our hotel. With its gentle slope, the Gasse ski lift is ideal for learning the basics or improving your technique. As a Gassenhof guest, you can enjoy a discounted day pass for just €10, while children up to the age of eight ski for free.

But that's not all: in the Ratschings-Jaufen ski area, near the Rinneralm restaurant, a real children's paradise awaits. Your little ones can have fun in the snow and learn to ski all day long under the careful supervision of the snow kindergarten and ski school teams. At the end of the course, led by qualified ski instructors, there's even a final race complete with an awards ceremony. With so much on offer, your skiing holiday in South Tyrol will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

There are three ski areas nearby to choose from:

  • Ratschings-Jaufen: approximately 10 km
  • Rosskopf near Sterzing: approximately 12 km
  • Ladurns in Pflerschtal Valley: approximately 20 km

The free ski bus stops right outside the hotel.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Ridnaun Valley seems made for cross-country skiing, with around 60 km of beautifully maintained trails. And the best part? The cross-country ski trail starts right here at Gassenhof! There's also a free introductory cross-country skiing lesson for beginners.

How about giving it a try together?

TOBOGGANING AND WINTER HIKING

Not in the mood for skiing? No problem! Right outside Gassenhof, winter hiking trails, snowshoe routes and toboggan runs await. You can borrow snowshoes, hiking poles and toboggans directly from the hotel. Get ready for a winter holiday full of variety!

BIATHLETES FOR A DAY

At the biathlon centre in Ridnaun Valley, you can test your aim and become a biathlete for a day. A different kind of adventure for anyone who loves trying something new.

Bells ring for Christmas in Sterzing

If you're visiting us during Advent, we recommend a trip to Sterzing, where the Christmas market in the main square will enchant you with festive lights, the sound of bells and a magical atmosphere. A wonderful experience to share with the whole family.

TORCHLIGHT HIKE

As darkness falls, the snow-covered landscape of Ridnaun Valley takes on a very special charm. Experience it for yourself on a torchlight hike together!

More holiday experiences with the activeCARD

When you book a stay at Erlebnisort Gassenhof, you'll receive the activeCARD. This allows you to travel for free on regional buses and trains throughout South Tyrol. You'll also have access to a variety of hiking and family activities, depending on the season and programme.

So the question won't be "What is there to do?" but rather "What shall we choose?"

And if you need even more ideas, our reception team knows Ridnaun Valley inside out and will be delighted to help you choose your next excursion destinations.

Your host, Stefan Volgger

FAQs about family experiences at Gassenhof and in the surrounding area

Useful information for your family holiday

ARE THERE FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES STARTING DIRECTLY FROM GASSENHOF?

Yes. Many hiking routes start directly from the hotel or in the immediate vicinity. Some of the most family-friendly destinations include the Gilfenklamm gorge, St. Magdalena chapel and the Wildn Alm mountain hut.

IS THE activeCARD INCLUDED AT GASSENHOF?

Yes. The activeCARD is complimentary and offers a range of benefits, including free use of regional trains and buses throughout South Tyrol, as well as access to a weekly programme featuring various activities.

ARE THERE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES FOR RAINY DAYS?

Of course! Local attractions include the indoor climbing centre in Stange, Wolfsthurn Castle and the Ridnaun-Schneeberg Mining Museum. At Gassenhof itself, you'll find separate playrooms for children and teenagers, as well as our family water world.

CAN CHILDREN LEARN TO SKI RIGHT HERE AT GASSENHOF?

The Gasse ski lift is located right next to the hotel and is perfect for children and beginners.

The Ratschings-Jaufen ski area is approximately 10 km away, the Rosskopf ski area around 12 km and Ladurns approximately 20 km. A free ski bus departs directly from the hotel to take you to Ratschings-Jaufen.