South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing: History and traditions at Wolfsthurn Castle
Perched on a hill overlooking Mareta, Wolfsthurn Castle is one of the most fascinating Baroque residences in South Tyrol. Since 1996, this manor has housed the South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing, offering visitors a journey through the history, traditions, and aristocratic lifestyle of bygone times.
The origins of the castle: A story of nobles and dynasties
The origins of Wolfsthurn Castle remain somewhat mysterious, but it is known that until the late 15th century it belonged to the Wölfe family, from whom it takes its name. When the family line died out, in 1574 the property passed to the Grebmer family, who lived there for two centuries, until in the 18th century it was purchased by the Sternbach family, the current owners.
The Baroque appearance we admire today is the result of a grand transformation commissioned by Franz Andrä von Sternbach, who between 1727 and 1741 rebuilt the castle in line with the architectural style of the time, giving it both elegance and grandeur.
The museum sections: Between hunting, fishing, and noble life
The South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing is divided into two main sections, allowing visitors to discover not only hunting and fishing traditions but also the daily life of the aristocracy between the 18th and 19th centuries.
First floor: Hunting and fishing
The exhibition features an extraordinary collection of objects related to hunting and fishing traditions, including Alpine wildlife, historical hunting tools, and the famous Rudolf Reichel Collection with precious fishing rods, reels, and artificial flies.
Second floor: Aristocratic life
On the second floor, the atmosphere changes completely. The rooms, perfectly preserved, reflect the daily life of the nobility between the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a rare glimpse into the customs and lifestyle of the era.
A thematic trail through woods and streams
Since 2003, the castle can also be reached via the picturesque “Forest and Water” themed trail, a one-kilometer path starting from Mareta, near the parish church. Along the way, informational panels describe the area’s flora and fauna, making the visit an immersive experience combining nature and culture.
Visiting the South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing at Wolfsthurn Castle means exploring a world of ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and aristocratic elegance—a unique experience for those who love history, nature, and the refinement of the past.