June 12th – June 16th, 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026
Welcome Aperitivo
5-7pm – Welcome “Aperitivo” (Happy Hour with light snacks) at Cafeteria Culti’s. Location: Corso della libertà 22, Merano, Italy 39012)
Dinner reservations are on-your-own.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Morning & Afternoon – Visits to Auserpircher Hof
30-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 30-minute “shifts.” There will be several time options from which you can choose:
- Group One: Two-hour HIKE up to the Auserpircher Hof. This group will depart at 9am and arrive at 11am. The “tour” will be 30 minutes and a shuttle will meet you to drive you down the steep, winding road.
- Group Two: Will depart Merano city center at 12pm and return around 2pm (times subject to minor change).
- Group Three: Will depart Merano city center around 2pm and return around 4pm (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.
- 4-5pm – Arrive with appetizers and a welcome drink.
- 5pm – Welcome speeches by Tayana (in German) and Albert (in English) for all Pruensters, American and European.
- Jonas will prepare a variety of local specialty dishes for dinner.
The Riffl is a Bistro/Bar operated by Head Chef Jonas Pruenster on the property of Albert & Maria Pruenster.
Location: Jaufenstraße 71, I-39010 Riffian
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 first one 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.
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
- Other TBD hike
- 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 – Optional activing including:
- Group wine tasting tour at local vineyard
- Hike with lunch
7pm Farewell Dinner at the Forst restaurant in Merano
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Departures and / or visit to Churburg Castle (closed on Monday)
