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“Prinster Reunion in Merano”

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June 12th – June 16th, 2026

Friday, June 12, 2026

6:00 – 7:00 pm – Welcome “Aperitivo” (Happy Hour with light snacks) at Villa Heidelberg

Did you know ? . . . The aperitif is not just a drink, it is a cultural event built around a specific moment of the day. Between afternoon and evening, aperitivo time offers the opportunity not only to prepare the digestive system for dinner, but also to chat with friends and family.

7pm – Dinner reservations are on-your-own.

  • Villa Heidelberg serves dinner as well – reservations are recommended. See the menu, reserve or call them: https://www.villaheidelberg.it, Tel. 0039-473-211955.

Saturday, June 13, 2026 

Morning – Visits to Auserpircher Hof

Approx 45-minute visits to the Auserpircher Hof, the historic Pruenster Family Farm. To be respectful of the real people (Pruensters) actively living here and due to the lack of parking for a large group, we will need to visit the farm house in 45-minute “shifts.” There will be several time options from which you can choose: 

Did you know ? . . . The Ausserpircherhof “Farmhouse” in the village of Vernuer, where the Pruensters originated. The farmhouse is still occupied by the Pruenster family, who work the land and keep dairy cows.

  • For those with rental cars, plan for a 15-minute drive to the Meeting Point.
  • Hikers without rental cars: Check the bus schedule in advance. Walk to bus stop across the street from Hotel Bavaria. Take bus #240 from Meran to Meeting Point. Prepare for 20 minutes each way.
  • There is no parking available, so the Reunion attendees are either hiking or taking a single shuttle.
    • Hike is uphill and strenuous and beautiful!
    • Hike will take approx. 2 hours UP, and less time on the way down.
  • There will be both English-speaking and German-speaking representatives who will provide a brief tour and answer questions.
  • The Pruensters still living there will show each group the outside of the home.
  • Respectfully, please do NOT request a tour of the inside of the home.
  • The view is incredible, so take pictures with your family!

Group One – Hikers:

Two-hour HIKE up to the Ausserpircher Hof. This group will depart at approx.. 8.30 am and arrive at 10.30 am. The “tour” will be 45 minutes and a shuttle will meet you to drive you down the steep, winding road (optional: to walk back).

  • Group Two: Will depart Merano (Hotel Bavaria) at 8.30 am and return around 10.30 am (times subject to minor change).
  • Group Three: Will depart Merano (Hotel Bavaria) at 10.30 am and return around 12.30 am (times subject to minor change).

Evening – Big Family Gathering at “The Riffl”

This is a “Main Event” that we recommend attendance for everyone. The Riffl has lots of seating and open space for mingling, along with a volleyball court and playground for kids. We will hire a photographer to take some big-group family photos. 

  • 4-5:00 pm – Arrive with appetizers and a welcome drink. 
  • 5:00 pm – Welcome speeches by Tayana (in German) and Tony (in English) for all Pruensters, American and European. 
  • Jonas will prepare a variety of local specialty dishes for dinner. 

Location: The Riffl Jaufenstraße 71, I-39010 Riffian

The Riffl is a Bistro/Bar operated by Head Chef Jonas Pruenster on the property of Florian & Maria Pruenster. https://www.riffl.it/

NOTES: 

  • We are getting an estimate of the cost per person (adult/kid) and we will collect money in advance that will include meal with a drink. Additional drinks after the aperitivo will be “cash bar,” where you pay as you go. 
  • The roads in the valley are steep and winding and parking is limited at the Riffl. We plan to offer a cheap shuttle-bus service to and from the Merano city center so that everyone can relax and be safe when it comes to drinking/driving.
  • There’s enough parking space at the Riffl as long as people organise to come in “car pools”. The road to Riffian is a bit winding, but not steep. The easiest way would be coming with cars as long as the driver doesn’t drink alcohol. Who wants to not use the car, could come by bus (all hotels give the tourist card, so no costs for public transport), for those, we can contact for a shuttle to drive back in the evening. If a larger group wishes to organise with a shuttle of course we can do that, too.

Sunday, June 14, 2026 

Optional Days

Enjoy Merano and Italy on your own with your immediate family or new friends. Daytime options include:

  • Day hike with lunch at Lanzinser Alm Mountain Hut– There are guided hikes: an easy hike, 1.5 hours from Pfelders to the Hut (guided by Tayana) and a more challenging option , 2.5-3 hours (more elevation gain -guided by Dave Prinster). All will meet on the hut for lunch – all pay separately for their lunches but I’ll reserve tables for the number of people choosing to do this hikes.
  • Relax at the thermal pools of the “Meran Therme.”  
  • Stroll downtown and visit the shops in the city center 
  • Visit to Churburg Castle (closed on Monday)

Additionally, there is a list of additional activities and ideas in the About Merano.

Monday, June 15, 2026 

Daytime

Individual Family Plans. There is a list of additional activities and ideas in the About Merano.

Farewell Dinner – OPTIONAL

The hotel will host all American/European Prinsters/Prünsters for a 4-course-meal.

7:00 pm at the Hotel Bavaria

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 

Departures

Optional activities include visit to Churburg Castle (closed on Monday) and Group wine tasting tour at local vineyard