8 Reasons Merano in South Tyrol Should Be on Your Bucket List
8 Reasons Merano in South Tyrol Should be on your Bucket List
Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites in Italy, Merano is a hidden gem combining Alpine vibes and dramatic mountain landscapes with some Mediterranean charm. This city in South Tyrol region is famous for its scenic promenades and hiking trails, its beautiful historical Old Town, its thermal baths and its views to the snow-capped peaks. I’ve recently visited Merano and I felt immediately in love with this charming Tyrolean city. So I’ve prepared this article to share 8 Reasons Merano in South Tyrol Should Be on Your Bucket List.
Merano offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and cultural discovery. From the picturesque Tappeiner Promenade to the historic Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens, and from the lively city centre to the exhilarating Meran 2000 mountain, Merano is brimming with bucket-list worthy experiences.
Unlike other Alpine towns that remain snow-covered for most of the year, Merano enjoys a mild and sunny climate with Mediterranean influences. This is why in Merano you will find palm trees along scenic river walks, vineyards cascade down sun-drenched slopes and a unique alpine-Mediterranean vegetation. Still, you will also be able to enjoy endless mountain outdoor adventures in the surrounding region. This unique contrast of landscapes makes Merano a year-round retreat.
The closest airports to Merano are Bolzano, Verona and Bergamo in Italy, or Innsbruck in Austria. I flew to the international airport of Bergamo, near Milan, and I rented a car to travel to Merano. I recommend to combine Merano with some other beautiful destinations in South Tyrol region. That’s the perfect plan for a Dolomites roadtrip!
Whether you’re seeking a thrilling alpine escape, a rejuvenating spa getaway or breathtaking promenades in a charming historical city, Merano has something to offer you. Here are 8 incredible reasons why Merano in South Tyrol Should Be on Your Bucket List.
Explore Merano's City Centre
Start your visit to Merano by exploring the charming city centre. Its heart is Piazza del Duomo, home to the striking St. Nicholas Church, a beautiful cathedral dating back from 1266 with intricate stained-glass windows and a tall bell tower that is one of Merano’s highlights.
From here, stroll along the 400 meters long Merano Portici, a historic arcade-lined shopping street from the 13th century offering a blend of traditional South Tyrolean craft shops and stylish boutiques.
Walk along the Passer Promenade, a scenic riverside path lined with palm trees, colorful flowerbeds and elegant Belle Époque buildings. Don’t miss the Kurhaus, an architectural masterpiece and symbol of Merano’s history as a spa town.
Nearby, the Ponte della Posta offers a perfect spot for photos, with stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. For a taste of local culture, stop by Steinerner Steg, a historic stone bridge, and the charming Piazza della Rena, where you can find cozy cafes and restaurants to taste the traditional cuisine of the region.
Walk around Tappeiner Promenade
One of my favourite activities in Merano was definitely walking around the Tappeiner Promenade, a scenic walk offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. This walking path runs above Merano for more than 150 years and it was designed by Dr. Tappeiner, a physician who promoted Merano as a health retreat.
The promenade starts at Gunpowder Tower, a medieval structure that adds a historic touch to the serene surroundings. Nearby you will have one of the most iconic views to the city below, its rooftops and the bell tower of Saint Nicholas Parish Church.
Stretching for more than three quilometres, Tappeiner Promenade is lined with exotic plants, palm trees, cypresses and fragrant herbs, creating a unique blend of alpine and Mediterranean landscapes. Along the way, you can stop in one of its numerous benches and viewing platforms.
Stroll Sissi’s Path
Another famous walk in Merano is Sissi’s Path connecting the city center with the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff. It invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary, who visited this Alpine retreat. This trail goes over eleven stages and sights, including Elisabeth Park, where you can find a marble statue of the Empress, a Romain Bridge or Rottenstein Castle.
Lined with centuries-old trees, fragrant flowers and historical landmarks, the promenade offers a peaceful escape, blending history, nature and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, benches and shaded spots invite travelers to pause and soak in the serene atmosphere that once captivated European aristocracy.
Visit Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are one of Merano’s most known attractions. Covering an area of 12 hectares, these botanical gardens showcase more than 80 themed areas, with stunning views to Merano city and the surrounding mountains. They are open from April to November, so when I went to Merano in February I didn’t have the opportunity to visit them.
The gardens offer four different Garden Worlds, with plants and vegetation from all over the planet. From Mediterranean terraces adorned with olive trees and cypresses to lush jungle-like sections filled with tropical vegetation, every turn offers a new visual delight. The gardens are designed with a mix of scenic paths and panoramic viewpoints, making them a paradise for nature lovers.
In the middle of the gardens stands Trauttmansdorff Castle, houseing the Touriseum, a museum dedicated to the 250 years of history of Alpine tourism, with an interesting interactive display.
Have a Spa Break at Terme Merano
Merano has been long known for its thermal waters with therapeutic properties, making Terme Merano a center for wellness and healing. The waters originate from mountain springs in the surrounding Alps and are believed to support circulation, ease respiratory issues, and relieve joint and muscle pain. The Empress of Austria-Hungary Elisabeth or the writer Kafka are amongst the famous visitors throughout the centuries.
Nowadays Merano Thermal Baths, located in the city centre, is a modern spa complex offering 25 pools, saunas and wellness treatments surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery. The architecture of Terme Merano, designed by the renowned Matteo Thun, seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with nature, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking mountain views.
Chase Castles in Tirolo
Just a short distance from Merano, don’t miss Tirolo, a typical Tyrol village blending history, culture and stunning alpine scenery. Located in a hillside, it offers picturesque streets, cozy cafes and breathtaking views over the Adige Valley.
The highlight of the village is undoubtedly Tyrol Castle, an iconic medieval fortress that once served as the ancestral seat of the Counts of Tyrol. Perched dramatically on a rocky ridge, the castle offers panoramic views of the valley below. Currently it is home to the South Tyrolean Museum of Cultural and Regional History, where visitors can explore fascinating exhibits about the region’s past.
Just below in the same hill, there is another castle, Fontana Castle, hosting the Museum of Agriculture. A footpath from the village leads to both attractions.
Take a Cable Car to Meran 2000
For those seeking adventure and breathtaking views in South Tyrol, Meran 2000 is the place to go. Just a short cable car ride from the city of Merano, this mountain paradise offers a variety of activities year-round.
In the winter, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy its well-maintained slopes, suitable for all skill levels. But Meran 2000 also offers winter hiking, toboggan rides and traditional culinary experiences in a pristine alpine landscape.
When the snow melts, it transforms into a hiking and mountain biking haven, with trails leading to panoramic viewpoints. Adventure enthusiasts can experience Via Ferrata Heini Holzer or paragliding over the mountains and Merano city.
Take an iconic picture around St. Catherine’s Church
Probably one of the most iconic postcards of this region, St. Catherine’s Church is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Perched on a scenic hill above Avelengo, this small Gothic church from the 13th century is known for its simple yet striking architecture, with a pointed bell tower that stands elegantly against the alpine backdrop. Inside, visitors can admire well-preserved frescoes.
It is worth to walk around St. Catherine’s Church, enjoying the surrounding scenic hiking trails in Avelengo. This small mountain village just a short drive from Merano is also known for the Haflinger horses, a known horses breed from South Tyrol.
For some more travel inspiration in Italy, visit my articles “What to Do in Bergamo and Trentino” or “Travel Guide to Positano and Ravello“.
