The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano in the mountains of South Tyrol are the ideal destination for families and children.
Activities and attractions
Covering an area of 12 hectares and with 80 botanical environments with plants from all over the world, the Gardens never cease to intrigue and surprise even the smallest of children, with entertaining yet informative activities and innovative attractions that stimulate their curiosity and make it easier for them to learn about the botanical world. Walking through the Gardens, children will discover the four thematic areas and numerous attractions that will stimulate their fantasy and imagination, including the adventure bridge which is a suspension bridge swaying in the void.
Children can enter a giant beehive
The Gardens are home to numerous animal species such as alpacas, colourful arrow frogs, Zackel sheep and leaf insects. In the South Tyrolean Landscapes area, there is a giant beehive containing a reproduction of a beehive in which children can enter and observe up close, in safety of course, a colony of 60,000 bees at work and raise their awareness, while having fun, of the importance of their role in our ecosystem.
How plants grow and a terrarium
In the Underground Kingdom of Plants, amidst twists and turns the multimedia trail with sudden noises and plays of light, accompanies children on a discovery of the main elements that, underground, are essential for the growth of plants. In the Woods of the World area, in addition to the greenhouse with a terrarium, there is also an area dedicated to ferns, with some rare specimens. 
A Japanese garden and the Museum of Alpine tourism
Continuing on they reach the Japanese garden where children can have fun crossing the stream barefoot. They then come to the entrance to Trauttmansdorff Castle, the winter residence of the Empress Sissi and now home to the Touriseum, the provincial museum of tourism, which tells the story of Alpine tourism over the last 250 years in an interactive and dynamic itinerary. And at the end of the museum tour there is a surprise for the little ones: a giant wooden pinball machine.
ph credits: Karlheinz Sollbauer
Favourable family rates
Every Wednesday in July and August, at 10.30 a.m., the Gardens offer guided family tours with a final workshop abd creative activities for children. The cost of the tour is €8.50 per person and is free of charge for children under the age of 18. It is for a maximum of two adults per family. In addition to the cost of the guided tour, there is an entrance fee. The family ticket of €36.00 allows two adults and children under 18 to enter. And with the seasonal mini-ticket families have the opportunity to enter the gardens several times at a special price. For information: www.trauttmansdorff.it.
