Ultimo Valley Museum

The historic building housing the Ultimo Valley Museum (Ultner Talmuseum) in San Nicolò has a story of its own. Built in 1827 as a primary school, it has housed the museum since 1963. In 1969, its founder, Gottfried Oberthaler, moved the building to its current location on land generously provided by the churchyard. The Ultimo Valley Museum finally reopened its doors in 1973.

Inside, a captivating collection awaits. Across seven rooms, the museum showcases rural cultural heritage, folk art, hand tools, and ancient writings. One room is dedicated to the biodiversity of the Ultimo Valley. In the other rooms, furniture, statues of saints, and historical tools provide fascinating glimpses into rural life of bygone eras. Particularly noteworthy are exhibits such as the imperial hiking boot of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Sissi, who once stayed in Merano for a spa treatment. You can combine your museum visit with a hike along the Ultimo Farm Trail.

This 18-kilometre themed trail leads past old farms, showcasing the valley's beauty. You can, of course, choose to hike just a section of the trail, for example, from the Valley Museum to the famous Ancient Larch Trees in the Val d'Ultimo.

How to get there: The Ultimo Valley Museum rises in the village centre of San Nicolò, where some parking is available. Bus route 245 (Lana-Ultimo) stops on the main road below.