from 230 €
Alpenpalace Spa Retreat
Exclusive well-being oasis | St. Johann in Tauferer Ahrntal
from 110 €
Grand Hotel Bellevue
City hotel | Meran
from 141 €
Vitalpina Hotel Schulerhof
Active hotel | Plaus near Meran
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from 144 €
Hotel Sand
Hiking - biking hotel | Kastelbell-Tschars
from 190 €
WINKLER 5-Star Design Hotel
Design hotel | St. Lorenzen at Mt. Kronplatz
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from 90 €
Hotel Saltauserhof
Wellness hotel | St. Martin in Passeier
from 220 €
Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier
Sport & wellness resort | St. Martin in Passeiertal
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from 122 €
Majestic – Unique Spa Resort
Wellness hotel | Reischach at Mt. Kronplatz
from 70 €
Alpwellhotel Burggräfler
Wellness hotel | Tisens near Meran
from 125 €
Hotel Waldhof
Vitalpina Hotel | Rablà near Meran

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 168 €
SOLVIE Calm Inspiring Getaway

An inspiring panoramic getaway for lovers of peace.

To the hotel
from 100 €
Hotel Tirolerhof

Welcome to Tirolerhof. The perfect place for your active holidays – hiking, cycling and relaxing. Directly at Mt. Kronplatz in Gsies Valley.

To the hotel
from 166 €
MIRABELL DOLOMITES HOTEL

Enjoy a special 5 * feel-good time in the heart of Pustertal & unique nature experiences at Mt. Kronplatz in the Dolomites.

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from 141 €
LANERHOF Relax & Active Retreat

Relaxing spa retreats, exquisite cuisine, and guided adventures in nature.

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 "Maranatha"
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

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

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"
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 "Maranatha"
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 "Maranatha"
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 "Maranatha"
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 "Maranatha"
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

Stammhaus Vetterer - Lana in Meran and environs
  • Idyllic location surrounded by orchards
  • Large apartments with 3 bedrooms
  • Sunbathing lawn with outdoor pool
  • Farm produce & breakfast basket
  • Playground & animals
from 160 € per day
Memorise
Weingarten - Rooms & Breakfast - Terlan in Southern South Tyrol

Charming rooms in a quiet position between Bozen and Meran, sunbathing lawn with outdoor pool & countless activities in the surrounding area.

from 60 € per day
Memorise
Stöckerhof - Meran in Meran and environs

Stöckerhof

Meran in Meran and environs
5.0 Excellent
7 Recommendations
  • Surrounded by orchards
  • Heated outdoor pool
  • Garden with barbecue facilities
  • Bread service & herb garden
  • Guided farm tours on request
from 86 € per day
Memorise
Ferienwohnungen Trafoier - Latsch in Vinschgau

Ferienwohnungen Trafoier

Latsch in Vinschgau
4.8 Excellent
6 Recommendations

Quiet and central position, countless outdoor activities in the environs, in the surrounding area of Meran.

from 70 € per day
Memorise
Service