The Messner Mountain Museum Firmian, the main site of Reinhold Messner’s museum network, is located inside Castel Firmiano on the south‑western outskirts of Bolzano. The exhibition, featuring paintings, photographs, natural relics and objects from around the world, highlights the symbolic relationship between humans and the mountains. It also provides insights into the formation of mountain ranges, the link between mountains and religion, the history of mountaineering and modern alpine tourism.
The exhibition route winds through various rooms of Castel Firmiano: towers, courtyards and halls. In the Weißer Turm (White Tower), a small museum is dedicated to the history of the castle and the recent history of South Tyrol. Along the way, the surrounding landscape becomes part of the visit: from the walls you can admire the Adige Valley, the Tessa Group, the Ötztal Alps and the Sciliar.
Castel Firmiano, standing on a rocky hill at the confluence of the Adige and Isarco rivers, is one of the oldest fortresses in South Tyrol and an important political symbol. In 1957 it hosted the largest South Tyrolean protest in history. The Autonomous Province of Bolzano later purchased and restored the ruins.
Architect Werner Tscholl worked with Messner on the restoration, integrating new steel, glass and iron elements without altering the original structure.
Opening times of the Messner Mountain Museum Firmian
The museum is open from the third Sunday in March to the second Sunday in November. Opening hours: 10:00–18:00 Last admission: 17:00 Closed on Thursdays.
No guided tours are offered.
Prices
- Adults: €15
- Children (6–18 years): €6
- Students under 28 and seniors over 65: €13
- Family ticket (2 adults + at least 1 child under 14): €34
- Mini‑family (1 adult with children up to 14): €19
- Groups (minimum 15 people): €13 School classes (6–18 years): €6
MMM Tour Ticket (combined ticket for all 6 museums in the circuit – Ripa, Dolomites, Juval, Firmian, Ortles and Corones). Available at all museum locations, valid for one year from the date of issue, single entry per museum.
- Adults: €55
- Reduced (students, seniors, groups, disabled visitors): €45 Family: €125
- Children: €25
Parking: €4
How to reach the Messner Mountain Museum Firmian
By car A22 Brenner motorway, Bolzano South exit; Bolzano–Merano expressway, Appiano exit towards Cornaiano until the museum car park.
By train From Bolzano station (IC, EC or regional trains), continue on the Merano–Bolzano railway line to Ponte Adige station. From there, follow trail no. 1 (approx. 20 minutes on foot).
By plane The nearest airport is Bolzano.
By bicycle 25 minutes from Bolzano city centre.
Information
Messner Mountain Museum Firmian
Castel Firmiano
Via Castel Firmiano, 53 - Bolzano
Tel. +39 0471 631264
info@messner-mountain-museum.it
