Merano and Environs – Where palm trees grow alongside glaciers

Discover Merano and Environs – South Tyrol's mild garden world between Mediterranean flair and Alpine mountains

The pearl of South Tyrol

Merano and Environs is one of the most extraordinary regions in the Alps – 🌿 here, palm trees, cypresses and exotic plants thrive in the valley basin, while just a few kilometres away, the snow-capped peaks of 🗻 the Texel Group tower above. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the region around the spa town of Merano has always been a popular retreat for those seeking relaxation. Empress Sissi made Merano a fashionable health resort in the 19th century – today, the region combines wellness tradition with alpine active holidays at the highest level.

☀️ Summer activities – leisurely hiking & Mediterranean experiences

The Merano region is famous for its Waalwege – historic irrigation channels dating back to the Middle Ages, which are now among the most beautiful hiking trails in South Tyrol.

Popular summer activities:

Hiking on Waalwege trails: The Algunder Waalweg (6 km), Marlinger Waalweg (12 km) – easy panoramic trails through orchards.
Meraner Höhenweg: 100 km circular hike around the Texel Group in 5-8 daily stages.
Tappeinerweg: 6 km high-altitude promenade above Merano with Mediterranean vegetation
Gilfpromenade: 3 km walking trail along the Passer river through the centre of Merano
High mountain hikes: Spronser Joch trail to the Spronser lakes (7-8 hours), Hirzer (2,781 m)
Cycling: Etschtal cycle path and panoramic cycle paths through apple orchards
Mountain biking: Trails in the Passeier Valley and Ulten Valley
Merano Thermal Baths: 25 pools surrounded by the gardens of Trauttmansdorff
Via ferrata: Merano via ferrata and other alpine routes
Paragliding: Tandem flights from Vigiljoch or Merano 2000
Swimming: At the Gargazon natural pool, Naturns adventure pool, Lagundo outdoor pool and many others in the region
Golf courses: Several 18-hole courses in beautiful surroundings

❄️ Winter activities – skiing & winter fun

In winter, Merano and Environs offers access to a wide range of ski areas and winter experiences.

Winter highlights:

Merano 2000: 40 kilometres of slopes directly above Merano (1,670-2,350 m), family-friendly and sunny
Schnalstal Glacier: Year-round ski area with glacier at an altitude of 3,212 m
Schwemmalm in the Ulten Valley: 25 kilometres of slopes, quiet family ski area (1,050-2,625 m)
Pfelders: Small, unspoilt ski area in the Passeier Valley
Cross-country skiing: Trails in Moos in the Passeier Valley (40 km) and in the Schnalstal Valley
Snowshoeing: Guided tours in the Texel Group Nature Park
Winter hiking: Over 100 km of cleared winter hiking trails
Tobogganing: The 10 km long natural toboggan run Lazins in the Schnalstal valley
Ski touring: Classics such as Hohe Wilde (3,480 m) or Similaun (3,599 m)
Ice skating: Natural ice rink in Merano and indoor ice rink
Thermal baths in winter: Relax in warm outdoor pools with a snowy backdrop

🏛️ Culture & sights – history and architecture

The Merano region looks back on a rich history and impresses with its cultural treasures.

Cultural highlights:

Tyrol Castle – ancestral seat of the Counts of Tyrol, namesake of the region, with a museum of local history
Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle – botanical highlight with Touriseum (South Tyrolean Museum of Tourism)
The Kurhaus Merano – Art Nouveau jewel from 1914 with concerts and events
The Terme Merano – modern spa architecture surrounded by gardens
The Parish Church of St. Nicholas – Gothic church in the heart of Merano
The Merano City Museum in the Mamming Palace
The Kunst Meran – gallery for contemporary art
Museum Passeier – Andreas Hofer Museum in St. Leonhard (Tyrolean freedom fighter)
Schenna Castle – Renaissance castle with weapons collection and museum
The Zenoburg Castle in Tirolo – medieval castle with falconry
Juval Castle – Messner Mountain Museum on the theme of mountain myths
The parish church in Algund with Romanesque church tower
Merano's old town: arcades with boutiques, cafés and historic architecture

🍽️ Cuisine – Delicious treats between apples and wine

The Merano region is a culinary paradise with regional specialities and wine culture.

Culinary highlights:

South Tyrolean apples: Europe's largest apple-growing region – over 18,000 hectares of orchards
Merano Sissi cake: Hazelnut cake, created for Empress Elisabeth
Vinschger Paarl: Traditional double roll
Bacon & cheese: Tastings in alpine dairies and at bacon producers
South Tyrolean Wine Road: Wineries with Vernatsch, Lagrein, Gewürztraminer
Merano Farmers' Market: Every Saturday with regional products
Gourmet restaurants: Several Michelin-starred restaurants
Buschenschänke: Traditional wine taverns with homemade specialities
Törggelen: Autumn tradition (Oct.-Nov.) with chestnuts and young wine

🏨 Accommodation – Wellness & enjoyment at the highest level

The Merano region is renowned for its first-class wellness hotels and family-run accommodation.

Accommodation options:

5-star wellness hotels: Luxury spa resorts with alpine wellness treatments and gourmet cuisine
Garden hotels: Hotels with their own Mediterranean gardens and pool areas
Family hotels: Child-friendly accommodation with childcare and play areas
Organic hotels: Sustainable accommodation with regional organic products
Manor houses & castle hotels: Overnight stays in historic buildings
Holiday flats: Self-catering apartments in orchards
Farms: Holidays on an apple farm with guided tours
Guesthouses & bed and breakfasts: Cosy small accommodation with personal service

🎭 Events & Traditions

Annual highlights:

Merano Grape Festival (October): South Tyrol's largest festival with a parade
Merano Spring (April): Classical music festival with international artists
Merano Music Weeks (August/September): Classical concerts in historic locations
South Tyrolean Apple Festival (Marling, October): Everything to do with apples
Algund Wine Week (May): Tastings and cellar tours
Merano Christmas Market: Atmospheric Advent market in the old town

💡 Practical information

South Tyrol Guest Pass: Included with many accommodations – free use of public transport
Best time to visit: April to October (gardens: May-June peak flowering season)
Climate: Mild Mediterranean – on average 8°C warmer than the rest of South Tyrol
Mountain railways: Meran 2000, Hochmuth, Texelbahn, Hirzer cable car, Vigiljoch

✨ Your Merano and Environs experience

Whether you are strolling through exotic gardens, walking along historic irrigation channels, relaxing in thermal springs, tasting fine wines or climbing high Alpine peaks, Merano and Environs combines the most beautiful aspects of South Tyrol. Here you can experience the Alpine mountains and Mediterranean dolce vita in perfect harmony.

Discover Merano and Environs – where palm trees and glaciers are neighbours and every day is a delight! 🌺