Summer activity
Mediterranean palms and Alpine peaks
Explore the medieval arcades, enjoy a delicious Italian ice cream as you stroll along the spa promenade or visit Castle Tirol – Merano and its surroundings offer plenty of sights and experiences for every taste. A number of elegant promenades and walking paths adorned with flower beds and palm trees wind through and around the town. A distinguishing feature of the area are the Waalwege – picturesque paths along ancient irrigation canals that lead through the orchards and woods around Merano. If you prefer cycling, you will love the beautiful bike routes linking Merano to the Passiria Valley and Venosta Valley. These can be negotiated entirely by bike, or comfortably combined with a train ride when legs grow tired. Merano 2000, the local outdoor paradise, has plenty to offer, too.
You can challenge yourself up the towering Mt. Ivigna, hike to the Stoarne Mandln (Stone Men) or enjoy a ride on the Alpine bob. If you feel like a refreshing dip, you can head to the town’s thermal baths and take a swim in its 10 different pools or relax on the huge, well-groomed lawn.
Summer experiences
The wonders of
Trauttmansdorff Castle
With its world-renowned botanical gardens, Trauttmansdorff Castle is among Merano’s most popular attractions and is one of the most scenic gardens in Italy. It contains plants from all over the world, beautifully displayed in more than 80 different landscaped zones. Get ready to see a 700-year-old olive tree, the oldest and largest vine in the world, and a wealth of flowering exotic plants, just to name a few! The gardens also feature a several themed stations, such as the bee house, the geological mosaic or the multimedia show grotto where young and old can learn exciting facts about animals and plants. In summer, the water lily pond in the heart of the gardens doubles as a venue for the World Music Festival: international music stars perform on a stage built above the water. Trauttmansdorff Castle also offers a cultural experience, as its ancient rooms are home to the Touriseum – a museum dedicated to the history of tourism in South Tyrol.