The Minnehus

Discover the exciting life of Walther in the Minnehus in Laion

Discover Walther von der Vogelweide, the rock star of the Middle Ages. Let him tell you about his life, take memories with you and get enthusiastic about the undisputed star of the Minne and the Middle Ages in the Minnehus in Lajen.

We celebrate

150-year memorial plaque at the Vogelweiderhof

The commemorative plaque was affixed on 3 October 1874 on the initiative of scholars and notables from the Tyrol. On that day, a precious book, the Stammbuch, was solemnly handed over to the then owner of the Vogelweiderhof. On its first pages, the chronicle of the day was written with the signatures of the initiators and the wish that the book could remain at the Vogelweiderhof to collect the memories of visitors so lange Fels und Eiche steht, as long as rock and oak exist. (Ried at Lajen 03.10.2024)

1st anniversary opening the Minnehus

Exactly one year ago, in the village square of Lajen, an intriguing building was inaugurated. The "Minnehus," dedicated to the minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide, is a museum, but not of the usual kind. It does not exhibit finished products, but challenges visitors to engage with an unknown world.

The widespread mythical presence of the literary significance of Walther von der Vogelweide in South Tyrol and in Lajen had long been lost. The return (in 1985) of the monument to Walther at the place named after him in Bolzano marked the end of the old and, at the same time, the beginning of a new perspective and focus. Georg Mühlberger (Bolzano) played a leading role in deepening the scientific investigation into the question of origin.

His ongoing research in the field of provenance has yielded a significant number of findings. During this work on history and tradition, the project for the Lajen Ried circular hiking trail with artistic stations (Gruppe Gut Bozen and Paul Sebastian Feichter, Luttach) was created. The main project of the "Minnehus" was completed in 2023. The design of the showrooms of the "Minnehus" was carried out by Gruppe Gut from Bolzano, who realized it with the help of funds from the European Leader program.

The realization of this attraction will provide the municipality of Lajen with significant added value.

Lajen, April 22, 2024

The residence Vogelweiderhof

A fief of the bishop of Brixen

„The cadastral register from 1774 shows that through the obligation of other residences to the Außervogelweidhof, it is proof that the Außervogelweide was a fief of the bishop of Brixen in the 14th century.“

Quote from Dr. Georg Mühlberger

Location and directions

The Minnehus is located in the centre of Lajen, the gateway to the Dolomites at the entrance to the Gröden/Val Gardena valley. Here you will find all the information you need to reach it by train, bus, car and also by plane.

Opening hours

Mo + Tu
08:00 – 12:00
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
We + Th + Fr
08:00 – 12:00
Sunday and public holidays on request

For a guided tour of the exhibition, ask on our contact page.

Ticket price

- children up to 5 years admission for free
- children / youths 6 - 17 years € 3,00
- adults from 18 years € 5,00
- students (only with student card) € 3,00

- Admission for guidet tour
(max 15 pax)
€ 20,00 guide
+ admission
- Individual guidet tour:
admission + € 3,00

- persons with disabilities
free admission
- schools of the municipality of Lajen
entrance discount - € 1.00

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Events

Throughout the year we offer a rich events programme; Browse and book on our events page.

Walther's works

Under der linden

Under der linden
an der heide,
dâ unser zweier bette was,
dâ muget ir vinden
schône beide
gebrochen bluomen unde gras.
Vor dem walde in einem tal,
tandaradei,
schône sanc diu nahtegal.

Walther's Works

Liebe und Macht

Wer gap dir, Minne, den gewalt,
daz dû doch sô gewaltic bist?
dû twingest beide junc unt alt:
dâ für kan nieman keinen list.
nû lob ich got, sît dîniu bant
mich sulen twingen, deich sô rehte hân erkant
wâ dienest werdeclîchen lît.
dâ von enkume ich niemer. gnâde, ein küniginne!
lâ mich dir leben mîne zît.

Lajen

At the entrance to the Dolomites

The Minnehus is located in the dolomite village of Lajen, the gateway to the Dolomites, at the entrance to the Gröden/Gardena valley. In the centre of the village, framed by historically valuable buildings, it has been renovated and dedicated to the life of Walther von der Vogelweide.
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