“Brunnenburg is one of those places where everywhere you turn there is a new subject to explore. The geology, the landscape, the history and literature intertwine to create an inspiring and mesmerizing destination. I think you will enjoy the journey.”
Professor of Geology, James Cotter
Explore the German-Speaking region of the South Tirol with University of Minnesota Morris Professor James Cotter. During this nine day eight night program you will have the opportunity to experience a sustainable farm and 13th century castle in the town of Dorf Tirol. You will quickly become immersed in the culture and history surrounded by castles, fortresses, and churches. You will have time to experience the upscale shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants while also hiking the beautiful landscapes that are the Alps.
Professor Cotter has been leading undergraduate student programs to Dorf Tirol and Brunnenburg Castle since 2001. In the Fall of 2017, twelve lucky undergraduates spent three months at Brunnenburg taking courses in geology and completed an internship within the grounds. We also had student abroad for the fall 2019, fall 2021, fall 2023 and will again fall of 2025. For the Lifelong Learners program Professor Cotter will begin the experience with a tour of Venice. There you will have a traditional tourist experience with a custom tour on the geological challenges that come with a city built in a lagoon.
From Venice you will travel north to the small village of Dorf Tirol where you will experience living at a castle with a sustainable farm run by the family of Ezra Pound. Pound's grandson, Nik de Rachewiltz, will treat our group with a wine tasting and a discussion of the history of wine in the region.
Brunnenburg is located in Northern Italy nestled in the Alps. Conveniently located between Munich, Germany, and Venice, Italy, the experience of spending six days at Brunnenburg is vastly different and unique—and this opportunity with Professor James Cotter is one not to be missed!
Useful Links
Brunnenburg Castle | Dorf Tirol | Seilbahn Hochmuth | Tirol Castle
Trips
Itinerary
Brunnenburg Lifelong Learners Program: Brunnenburg Castle: Dorf Tirol, Italy
Transformative learning for adult non-degree seeking students. Due to the educational content provided by Professor Cotter, participants will be automatically registered as a non-degree seeking student at the University of Minnesota Morris and enrolled in a course that will show on an official transcript from the University of Minnesota Morris.
International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding.
Your faculty program leader is James Cotter, a Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Geology at UMN Morris. His area of expertise is glacial geology. He has studied glaciers, glacial deposits, and glacial landforms in the Alps, the Rocky Mountains, South America, Antarctica, and Minnesota. He has brought students to the Italian Alps to study and complete research since 2001.
July 7: Depart for Venice.
July 8: Arrive in Venice, Introduction to the program, A Venice lunch—Cicchetti!? Casual Evening.
July 9: A walking tour of Venice (in two parts)—An introduction to the history and environmental challenges that Venice faces and Ezra Pound in Venice – an introduction to family history of Ezra Pound: Free afternoon in Venice; A Venice evening of wine of the Veneto Region and cheese.
July 10: Depart from Venice to Brunnenburg. Lunch at Brunnenburg, Tour Brunnenburg Museum and Ezra Pound Library, Wine tasting with Nik de Rachewiltz
July 11: A trip to the Dolomites; Karersee (a mountain lake steeped in legends), Brown bag lunch (provided); the world famous Rosengarten; ski-lift ride up from Obereggen; the Winery at Eppan/St Michelle and the wines of the Alto Adige Region.
July 12: Getting to know Dorf Tirol; A Vineyard tour; an optional hike along the historic Oxenweg trail, lunch at Brunnenburg. Herbs and Medicines of the Tirol discussion led by Brigitte de Rachewiltz. Late afternoon trip to the waterfall or Seilbahn Hochmuth exploration.
July 13: A trip to the high Alps: Funicular ride up the Ortler (the second highest peaks in Italy); a view of the Sulden Glacier; Brown bag lunch (provided); visit to Glurns- the ancient walled city; a visit to Las—a marble quarrying and marble scupture display.
July 14: Guided tour of Schloss Tirol—the oldest castle in the Tirol; Lunch at Brunnenburg; Afternoon—Free (perhaps a visit to Bolzano and the “Otzi” Museum and dinner in Bolzano if desired).
July 15: Free day
July 16: Depart from Brunnenburg
Breakfast and lunch are included in days 2-8. Dinners on your own.
We assume interested participants have the ability to walk for more than a mile over terrain that is sometimes rough, with varying elevations. A good sense of balance and athletic shoes or hiking boots are essential, and walking poles may be desirable.
Dates & Prices
Cost information
Dates: July 7- July 16, 2026
- Estimated Program Cost $2550 with a $500 deposit (subject to increase if minimum enrollment is not met).
- $4800 for double occupancy with deposit before March 15th
- Flights are not included in the program fee. If requested, will put together a coordinated group flight, but participants are not required to travel with the group. The Academic Center for Enrichment will assist all participants as needed with flight arrangements.
- The deposit is non-refundable. Balance of program fee will be due May 15, 2026.
Lodging
Lodging
- Lodging included in the program at Brunnenburg castle is rustic and dormitory style. There are rooms with 2 single beds. Clean bedding is provided. There is a shared bathroom. Kitchen available for guest use.
Hotel accommodations can be made, this will come at an additional expense to participants. Be advised that the walk to and from Brunnenburg requires traveling a steep incline.
Bookings, Registration, and FAQs
Book Your Brunneburg Experience
The “register by mail” option is for participants who wish to pay their deposit by check. If you would like to pay your deposit by credit card, please return the completed form by email.
To register by mail, please download, print, and complete the registration form and mail it, along with your deposit check, to the address below.
Non-degree form for Lifelong Learners Program
Please mail completed form and deposit to:
Academic Center for Enrichment
Attn: Stephanie Ferrian
600 E 4th St
Morris MN 56267
If paying by check, a $500/person is requested. Please note that this deposit is non-refundable. Please review our Cancellation Policy for details.
Registering for the program
Financial Aid Eligibility
Non-University of Minnesota students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for any financial aid from the University of Minnesota.
Standard inclusions
Unless specified otherwise in the description of the program, program charges includes dormitory lodging during the program; meals specified on the itinerary; site visits; entrance fees; guides; any internal train, bus, or air travel; emergency medical-evacuation insurance on international trips; all taxes and gratuities; management services; and the full educational program led by Professor James Cotter. All participants will be registered to audit IS 1323: The Landscape, Land and People of Northern Italy: an Interdisciplinary Experience
Standard exclusions
Unless specified otherwise in the description of the program, program charges do not include airfare; visa and passport fees; luggage, cancellation, and accident insurance; meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and email service.
Additional Expense
- Hotel accommodations in lieu of staying at the farmsite lodging.
- The university will make arrangements for individuals upon request. The estimated additional cost would be $1300
Passport & visa requirements
Passport & visa requirements
- In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Tour Pace
- You will walk for about 3-5 hours daily across varied terrain, including cobblestone streets and unpaved paths, you should expect steep hills and stairs.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
- You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as lifting above your head.
- If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact Stephanie Ferrian
Transportation & arrival information
- Round-trip flights booked arrive and depart in Venice. A representative from UMM will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who arrive in accordance with the itinerary. Travelers who purchase their own flights at alternate times may request airport transfers an additional cost.
- Transportation in this program is by private motor coach, bus, and train.
Clothing and packing tips
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a fleece sweater, hat, gloves, and rainwear (weather in the mountains can change quickly).
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).