from 70 €
Alpwellhotel Burggräfler
Wellness hotel | Tisens near Meran
s
from 205 €
LANERHOF Relax & Active Retreat
Spa-Hotel | St. Lorenzen at Mt. Kronplatz
s
from 80 €
Hotel & Resort Schlosshof
Charme Hotel | Lana near Meran
s
from 98 €
Granpanorama Hotel Sambergerhof
Panorama Hotel | Villanders in the Eisacktal
from 166 €
MIRABELL DOLOMITES HOTEL
Luxury . Ayurveda & SPA | Olang at Mt. Kronplatz
s
from 140 €
Hotel Sand
Hiking - biking hotel | Kastelbell-Tschars
s
from 122 €
Majestic – Unique Spa Resort
Wellness hotel | Reischach at Mt. Kronplatz
from 255 €
Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier
Sport & wellness resort | St. Martin in Passeiertal
from 100 €
Hotel Tirolerhof
Gourmet hotel | Welsberg-Taisten at Mt. Kronplatz
from 252 €
SOLVIE Calm Inspiring Getaway
Sporthotel | Pfalzen at Mt. Kronplatz
from 205 €
WINKLER 5-Star Design Hotel
Design hotel | St. Lorenzen at Mt. Kronplatz

Christmas cribs

The South Tyrolean families celebrate every year an ancient Christmas custom. At Christmas Eve – the children had long ago send their gift-wishes to Christ Child by letter – the whole family get the crib from cellar or garret and begin to arrange the ancient masterpiece.

Most of all South Tyrolean cribs are handmade and bequeath from one generation to the other. Sometimes they are such big, that half of the snuggery is completed. Other cribs are pretty small and the kids can recreate the nativity story in a not always original way.

All together they have really rural South Tyrolean scenery: ox and donkey are standing behind Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the cot which is connected at the farmer’s house. The windows are decorated with red-white plaid curtains and the farmers are dressed with knickerbockers and blue aprons and the farmer’s wife have a coloured bandana and typical aprons, too.

In bigger cribs are shown real landscapes: mini castles and mountains, small cities and farmer’s houses, artisans and farmers, sheep, cows and donkey and – needless to say – Josef and Mary as farmers with the little Christ Child. The cribs from South Tyrol are pieces of art; thousands of working hours are behind them.

Who wants to see the big variety of South Tyrolean cribs should visit the crib museum "Maranatha" in Luttach in Tauferer Ahrntal.

Current holiday offers

from 65 €
Landhaus Fux

Welcome to Vetzan in the warm Vinschgau Valley at the gates of Meran - with a beautiful relaxation & wellness area and an extensive vitality breakfast!

To the accommodation
from 93 €
Hotel Leitner

Jewel in the heart of the Eisacktal – the perfect starting point for adventures in the Gitschberg Jochtal, Drei Zinnen, Kronplatz and Plose areas.

To the hotel
from 125 €
Hotel Waldhof

In a quiet location in Rabland, where Meran and environs and the Vinschgau valley meet and nature offers numerous possibilities.

To the hotel
from 118 €
Hotel Saltauserhof

Welcome to the Saltauserhof in the heart of South Tyrol – near Meran. The perfect symbiosis of Alpine tradition and Mediterranean luxury.

To the hotel

Images

HAPE Sculptures – Woodcarving works from Gröden
HAPE Sculptures – Woodcarving works from Gröden

HAPE Sculptures in Gröden produce traditional figures, cribs, religious motives, gift ideas and designer pieces.

HAPE Sculptures
Museum of cribs
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

The winter crib, designed by Josef Leitner and Irma Hofer.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

In 2000 the Maranatha, the most imaginative nativity-scene-exhibition in the world, was opened in Luttach.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

The artist's studio is used for various activities. Interested spectators can watch the artist while he works. Paintings reliefs and figures are restored, assignments are designed and created and it is also used as an exhibition room.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

Since its opening constant efforts have been made to keep the museum attractive and authentic and it has been extended to become a special source of Christian belief, strength and hope.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

Already the reception room is something special: The entire room is a replica of a Tyrolean barn, built of old wood.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

The guided tour through the museum is lead by the visionary Paul Gartner, assisted by the artistic supporter, the musician, composer, text writer and guide Hubert Leimegger.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Woodcarvings ARLA
Woodcarvings ARLA

Not only in Val Gardena there are great sculptors! Even in Lajen/ Laion there is an ancient tradition of wood carving.

TV Lajen

Traditions

Selected accommodations in South Tyrol

Hotel Schmied Hans - Schenna in Meran and environs
  • Newly renovated rooms and flats
  • Garden with heated pool and whirlpool
  • Culinary pampering from morning to evening
  • Cosy lounge with fireplace and library
  • Wellness area with panoramic sauna and sun terrace
from 86.00 € per night
Pension Pernthaler - Schlanders in Vinschgau
  • Small & cosy
  • With garden & terrace
  • Breakfast buffet
  • 3-course menu in the evening in summer
  • Numerous leisure activities
from 58.00 € per night
Feldbauer - Tisens in Meran and environs
  • Cosy flats made of wood
  • Surrounded by picturesque vineyards
  • Garden with barbecue and playground
  • Farm products
  • Excellent location for many activities
from 90.00 € per night
Der Forsterhof - Algund in Meran and environs
  • Beautiful panoramic location near Meran
  • Garden with pool
  • Delicious breakfast
  • Individual feel-good charm
  • Hiking rucksacks for hire & e-bikes for rent
from 96.00 € per night
Service