Castel Neuhaus is integrated into an interesting culture trail
Image gallery: Gais village
Gais is located at 840 m a.s.l. at the entrance of the Valle Aurina and has got some 1,570 inhabitants. It is surrounded by fields and forests and stretches at the foot of a hill. Its parish church dates back to the 12th century and is dedicated to S. Giovanni. It is considered to be one of the oldest churches of Tyrol. A further building of historic importance is the Pflegerhaus, in which in 1425 Oswald von Wolkenstein lived.
For a pleasant walk, Gais offers a culture trail, which starts at the main road and leads into shady forests and further on to Castel Neuhaus. Meditating and stopping for a little while, this is what the trail is perfect for. Along the path artists have installed their works reminding on huge personalities such as the American poet Ezra Pound, the minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein and the sculptor Bacher. Of course you don't have to miss out a drink in the castle tavern.
A further attraction in summer months is the natural lake for bathing in Gais, the so-called Baggerlacke. This is where your kids can splash around in the waters while you enjoy sunbathing on the lawn. In winter there is an ice skating ground as well as a toboggan run for kids. Also the skiing areas Plan de Corones and Speikboden are only a stone's throw away.
By the way, Gais also offers a museum that is unique world-wide: the fire helmet museum, in which about 600 exhibits are shown. A peculiarity and ideal for a rainy day, before you go shopping in Brunico.
