Originally loden fabric was used by the people of the mountains for cover during the winter. It was a very durable material and cheap. It was also used for making clothing more elegant to use on feast days. It was the Emperor Franz Joseph to ennoble and to introduce it in the imperial court in Vienna. Since then it has become an increasingly valuable material, required by the nobles from all over Europe for the manufacture of stylish winter clothes.
An interesting museum in Vandoies, in Pusteria Valley, tells the story and the production of this valuable material. A flock of sheep in a museum? Kids will not believe their eyes.
Always used to see these animals free, grazing will be surprised to see them gathered in a museum. It will be your job to make them understand that it is fake sheep. Except for one detail. The wool that surrounds them is absolutely true. Tap to believe. An experienced guide will take delivery of your children and accompany them to the discovery of the working of loden.
The trail starts right from the animals that provide the raw material, the sheep. It will show the process of shearing, punching down (ie jokes with pestles of a water mill), carding with the flower of the thistle and spun. The children will be involved in many of these activities. And if you miss a moment of view, do not worry. They will definitely riding fake sheep imagine leading the flock as a cowboy.
After the visit it is possible to buy the products in the store Oberrauch Zitt Loden directly adjacent to the museum.
