Hikes, botanical gardens, and more… much more!

Meran is a historic spa town along the Passirio/Passer river. With almost 41,000 inhabitants, it is the second-largest town in South Tyrol. The city’s healing climate wasn’t lost on Empress Sisi, who frequented it for spa retreats and was utterly charmed by its allure. And it’s easy to see why – from the meticulously groomed parks, vibrant promenades, botanical gardens, and waterways to the captivating arcades and the awe-inspiring mountain backdrop. While Meran boasts a gentle Mediterranean climate, winter promises unmatched skiing experiences at Merano/Meran 2000, nestled at the base of the Picco Ivigna/Ifinger. A historical tidbit: did you know that Meran was the capital of Tyrol for centuries?

The Passirio/Passer river meanders gently through calm pools and over polished rocks. Amidst the serenity, only the soft chirping of birds and the gentle murmur of the river resonate. A pleasant hiking trail leads along its bank, through sections of forest and past rock formations. In some places, the calm waters turn into powerful whirlpools, sculpting and moulding the surrounding rocks. In the Gole del Passirio/Passerschlucht gorge, you will be amazed at the power of the water and learn fascinating facts about the stream. The trail is just under eight kilometres long and leads from St. Leonhard in Passeier to Gomion, where it crosses a bridge and then continues to Moos in Passeier. In the process, you overcome a 500-metre altitude difference.

Twelve hectares and over 80 different garden landscapes – that’s how extensive the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are. Lovingly laid-out paths lead you through four garden worlds with plants from all over the world, babbling brooks, curious animals, and sun-drenched terraces. The heart of the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle is the large pond, where concerts are regularly held in summer, and the Touriseum, which provides information about the history of tourism in South Tyrol. Other highlights are the various vantage points, the lover’s garden, the glass house, and the botanical underworld. Each year brings a fresh theme to the gardens and the Touriseum. Did you know that Empress Sisi spent two of her four spa stays in Meran in the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle? A statue commemorates the legendary empress of Austria.

Relax for a day in the thermal baths, take a dip in one of the 25 different pools, and forget everyday life in the unique saunas: at the Terme Merano/Therme Meran, it is all possible. The facility is located in the heart of the spa town of Meran. The glass architecture and wooden accents alone will amaze you. The spa lies within a five-hectare park, which is particularly popular for its shady spots in summer.

This is one of the most famous walking paths in Meran and leads from the city centre along the slope of the Küchelberg mountain. The Tappeinerweg is about three kilometres long and is considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude promenades in Europe and the “crown of Meran”. The combination of Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation – pines and Himalayan cedars, cork oaks and olive trees, eucalyptus and magnolias, agaves and prickly pears – is fascinating. The trail has an elevation shift of nearly 100 metres, and several viewpoints along the way grant breathtaking vistas of Meran and Environs.

Situated at the foot of the 2,581-metre Picco Ivigna/Ifinger mountain, Merano/Meran 2000 presents breathtaking views from its high plateau above Meran, spanning elevations from 1,670 to 2,300 metres. In winter, you can expect a whopping 40 kilometres of pistes for every ability level, a three-kilometre-long natural toboggan run, a cross-country ski trail that is also three kilometres long, and a snow park. In summer, it offers numerous well-marked panoramic hiking paths and outstanding bike trails. Discover all the highlights of Merano/Meran 2000 for yourself!

The ancestral palace of the province of Tyrol is one of South Tyrol’s many magnificent castles. It contains two palace buildings and a two-storey palace chapel. In the castle itself, you can learn about medieval life in South Tyrol. Adjacent to the castle is Dorf Tirol’s bird care centre, where you can marvel at the splendour of domestically raised birds of prey in twice-daily flight exhibitions.