Castel Mareta, also known as Castel Wolfsthurn, stands on a hill in Mareta, a hamlet of the municipality of Racines, 8 km from Vipiteno. It is considered the most beautiful Baroque castle in the region. Since 1996, it has housed the South Tyrol Museum of Hunting and Fishing, and in 2003 the museum itself created a thematic trail allowing visitors to reach Castel Wolfsthurn in a pleasant way.
The first records of the manor date back to the 12th century: originally owned by the Wölfe family, it was transformed in 1727 into the elegant Baroque residence we admire today, commissioned by Franz Andrä von Sternbach. Distinctive features include the twin towers facing the valley and the impressive, elaborate roof.
The interior of Castel Mareta, which opens to the outside with 365 windows (an architectural reference to the days of the year), displays rooms decorated with hunting-themed tapestries, Rococo stoves, and old paintings along the walls. The ballroom, with its precious chandelier descending from the ceiling, can be visited on the second floor.
The first floor, on the other hand, is dedicated to exhibits on the history of fishing and hunting in South Tyrol. Powder horns, hunting bags, tobacco boxes, and pipes illustrate the art of hunting and local traditions. Dioramas present various native animal species to visitors, while the "Rudolf Reichel" collection showcases valuable fishing rods, reels, and artificial flies.
Since 2003, the “Forest and Water Trail” has delighted hikers by leading from the parish church of Mareta through the woods up to the castle.
In addition, Castel Mareta offers visitors engaging educational activities, events, and fascinating temporary exhibitions.
Opening hours of Wolfsthurn Castle
The museum is open from 17 April to 9 November 2026:
Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:00 to 17:00
Sunday: from 13:00 to 17:00
Closed on 1 November
Last admission: half an hour before closing
Prices of Wolfsthurn Caslte
Adults: 7,00 €
Groups from 15 people upwards, seniors from 65 years up, students up to 27 years, teenagers from 16 years up, disabled people: 5,30 €
Pupils in school classes: 1,00 €
Family card (2 adults with children up to 16 years): 14,00 €
Family card “mini” (1 adult with children up to 16 years): 7,00 €
Guided tour for school classes: 30,00 €
Guided tour for groups: 40,00 €
With activeCARD, Museumcard or museumobil card, ICOM-Card: free
