With an area of over 134,000 hectares, it is one of the largest national parks in Europe. It is home to a unique diversity of plant and animal species. In total, three visitor centers – in Prad am Stlfserjoch, in Martell, and in Trafoi and in St. Gertraud im Ultental – each focus on specific aspects to introduce the region's special features to locals and guests.
The Aquaprad National Park House in Prad was opened in 2003, the International Year of Water, and is dedicated, as the name suggests, entirely to the topic of water. Nowadays, the world of seas and oceans is more familiar to many Central Europeans than that of their local waters. Therefore, at Aquaprad, everything revolves around the streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes of the Alps and the many, partly little-known plants and animals that inhabit these ecosystems. 13 aquariums, one of which is a stream aquarium with slopes and flowing water, show the different types of water bodies found in the national park and their specific living conditions. Visitors will get to know and understand water with all its special properties and abilities, its power, energy, and force. All 35 fish species native to South Tyrol can be discovered here in their specific environment. Many other animal species can also be observed, some of which, such as the grass frog or the alpine newt, are very rare.
In the natural environment, most animals are rarely seen if their habits are not well known; however, at Aquaprad, visitors come face to face with them. Aquaprad sees itself as an environmental educational institution. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are a number of changing special exhibitions, lectures, activities, guided tours, as well as hikes out into nature and excursions into the Prader Sand river area. Special programs are also offered for children and school classes. Finally, there is a separate room dedicated to "King Ortler" and its glacier regions. A visit to Aquaprad offers wonderful and amazing insights into the habitat of water and is a fantastic enrichment for any vacation!
A tip from environmental activist Moni from South Tyrol. She is an absolute nature enthusiast and tries to spend her free time outdoors as often as possible.
How do you like the content of this page?
