Mineral Museum Teis

In the center of the idyllic mountain village of Teis/Tiso, situated at an elevation of 960 meters between the Eisacktal and Villnöss valleys, you’ll find the expertly organized Mineral Museum. It provides a comprehensive overview of the origins and nature of crystals, which can be found in the Dolomites and be admired in the museum today.

Paul Fischnaller, a mountain guide and mineral collector from Teis, has recovered rock crystals from the Villnöss Mountains over the course of the last thirty years. The best known of these are probably the Teiser Balls. These geodes and agate nodules are embedded in their parent rock, a quartz-porphyry tuff, and can reach up to twenty centimeters in diameter. The cavity of these druses contain up to seven different minerals. The museum not only shows the famous Geodes of Teis, but also minerals from other areas in the Alps as well as some special exhibitions.

Children in particular love the guided hikes, during which they can search for Teiser Balls themselves. The museum shop has extensive literature on the subject as well as souvenirs, Teiser Balls, jewelry and healing stones.

SPECIAL EXHIBITION: The Rockhounds from Ahrntal Valley – Treasures from our Homeland
Easter - November 2023
When it comes to searching for minerals, the Ahrntal valley in South Tyrol is home to ancient traditions. Over time, whole generations of collectors emerged, mostly inexperienced farmers or shepherds, who developed a lively interest in minerals. Thanks to their endurance, they became great experts. As the passion for the search for minerals is still passed on from the fathers to their sons and daughters, there are still many passionate rockhounds in the Ahrntal valley.