South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
Opened in 1998, the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology presents the history of South Tyrol from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic (15.000 B.C.) to the Carolingian period (around 800 A.D.) Along with original finds there are models, reconstructions, pictures, friezes, videos and interactive multimedia stations that give an eductional and entertaining insight into the early history of the Southern Alpine region. Ötzi the Iceman (3.300 B.C.) and the artifacts found alongside him form the centrepiece of the exhibition.
Contact: Museum street 43, 39100 Bolzano, www.iceman.it

South Tyrol Museum of Nature
Opened in 1997, the South Tyrol Museum of Natural Science offers a detailed overview of the scientific, cultural and historical aspects of one of the most varied European regions and illustrates the origin and appearance of South Tyrol's unique mountain and valley habitats. This permanent exhibition, with live animals and barrier reef aquarium, is complemented by diverse additional exhibitions and a rich didactic activities. The museum's own research and collections focus on geology, botany and zoology.
Contact: Bindergasse 1, 39100 Bolzano, www.naturmuseum.it

Museum of Tourism
Trauttmansdorff Castle near Meran, once a former holiday resort of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, now houses an enjoyable museum: the South Tyrol Regional Museum of Tourism. Situated in the botanic gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, it is the first museum in the Alpine region devoted to the history of tourism. In vividly recreated exhibitions visitors can embark on an exciting journey through 200 years of tourism seen through the eyes of travellers and locals alike.
Contact: St. Valentin Street 51a, 39012 Meran, www.touriseum.it

Castle Tyrol the South Tyrolean Museum of History
The Museum was opened in 2003 in the ancestral castle of the Counts of Tyrol. An interactive tour through the castle complex, with its centuries-long history, illustrates the important themes of the region's past, its art and social history and everyday life during the Middle Ages.
Contact: Schlossweg 24, 39019 Dorf Tirol, www.schlosstirol.it

Museum of Hunting and Fishing Wolfsthurn Castle
At Wolfsthurn Castle visitors can glean cultural and historical information on hunting and wildlife as well as folk art relating to hunting and fishing. On the upper floor of the castle are the grand rooms with their original baroque furnishings.
Contact: Kirchdorf 25, 39040 Mareit, www.volkskundemuseen.it

Ridnaun/Schneeberg Mining World
One of Europe's highist mountain mines and also one of the oldest working mines in the Alpine region is now open to visitors. Many of the numerous pieces of mining equipment on and in the mountainside between the Ridnaun and Passeier valleys are still working order. The entire mine is a hands-on experience for adults and children to explore and discover.
Contact: Maiern 48, 39040 Ridnaun, www.ridnaun-schneeberg.it

Adventure mine Schneeberg/Passeier
The St. Martin am Schneeberg settlement is a former village for miners working at the Schneeberg mine (2355 m) and can only be reached on foot from the Passeier Valley. From the Middle Ages to 1967 miners lived and worked here in unimaginably harsh conditions. Today the shelter, exhibition and the mine itself document the history of one of the most important lead and zinc mines in Tyrol.
Contact: Rabenstein 52-53, 39013 Moos in Passeier, www.schneeberg.org

South Tyrolean Museum of Mines Prettau/Steinhaus
Mining Museum in a Grain store, Steinhaus 99, 39030 Steinhaus
Prettau Mine Museum, Hörmanngasse 38a, 39030 Prettau
Climate tunnel in Prettau, Hörmanngasse 38a, 39030 Prettau

South Tyrolean Museum of Ethnography
Situated on a three-hectare piece of land, visitors to the South Tyrol Museum of Ethnography in Dietenheim near Bruneck can explore farms represantive of various South Tyrolean valleys. Original tools and equipment shed light on the skills needed on a working peasant farm in times past. Exhibitions on the life of the nobility, craftwork and religious traditions can be viewed at the Mair am Hof residence. Live farm animals and activities such as bread baking, hoeing and sheep shearing make this openair museum an adventure for the whole family.
Contact: Herzog-Diet-Str. 24, 39031 Dietenheim, www.volkskundemuseen.it

Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor
With its characteristic tower, the Ciastel de Tor Castel represents the history of more than 30,000 Dolomite Ladins whose common identity is expressed by two fundamental elements: their language, which originates from Vulgar Latin, and the unique mountainous landscape of the Dolomites.
Contact: Strada Tor, 39030 St. Martin in Thurn, www.museumladin.it