Eyes open, ears too

Hikes with animal magic

When the snow melts and the first flowers poke their heads above the ground, the animal world also wakes up from its hibernation. Time for some family hikes in the Val d’Ultimo/Ultental valley and Merano and Environs!

There’s a rustle here, a chirp there. Here’s a buzzing, over there a croaking. Spring is here, and with it, the animal world is making a comeback. Now it’s time to lace up your hiking shoes and head off for animal encounters. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Marmot Safari at Schwemmalm
Psst! Can you hear that? That shrill whistling? It’s being made by the guardians of the mountains: the marmots. From May, when the snow on the Alpine meadows has melted, you can watch the expert whistlers in action. The trick: get up early (yes, we mean it!) or head out for a walk in the late afternoon. Pick a rock, sit down, keep quiet, and wait for the big show.

Haflinger watching in Hafling
Where better to spot Haflinger horses than in Hafling? The blonde horses with the distinctive mane are right at home here. Wander to the Haflinger Horse Museum and on through the lush meadows. With a bit of luck, you might see the newly born foals.

Frog concert at the Valsura/Falschauer river
Ribbit! Ribbit! Along the Valsura/Falschauer river in the Val d’Ultimo/Ultental valley, the loudest open-air festival of the season kicks off in spring. Free entry, rubber boots required. Frogs, toads, and newts give it all they’ve got to out-sing the competition. Where are the little rockstars hiding? Who will find the first frogspawn? And how many different croaking sounds can you count?

Birds of prey flight show at Tirol castle
You can see eagles, buzzards, and owls up close at the Bird Rescue Centre on the castle hill of Tirol castle, where injured wild birds are nursed back to health. And twice a day, the feathered residents show what they’re capable of: during the flight displays, they glide right over the heads of the spectators. Goosebumps guaranteed.

Ready for your animal discovery tour? Even more nature experiences are waiting for you at the Familienhotels Südtirol!

The Paris Staffler family
Familienhotel Viktoria

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