Meran – a year-round destination

Meran’s old town is the lively heart of the place. Here, you can indulge in a leisurely stroll, shop to your heart's content, and pause for a delightful cappuccino or ice cream. A visit to Meran is incomplete without a wander through the arcades. Commissioned in the 13th century by the Count of Tyrol, they now house an array of boutiques, bars, and pubs, beckoning visitors to explore and enjoy. At the end of the “Lauben” arcades, the parish church of St. Nicholas will enchant you with its late Gothic details. And don’t miss the other landmarks, like the Porta Bolzano/Bozner Tor city gate, the Municipal Theatre, and the Kurhaus.

The Meran promenades are among the town’s most popular and best-known walking routes. They include the Kur Promenade, also called the Passer Promenade, the Winter Promenade, and the Summer Promenade. As the name suggests, the Winter Promenade is particularly suitable for walks on cooler days, as it is very sunny and sheltered from the wind. The Summer Promenade, on the other hand, is lined with large trees, which provide the necessary shade in summer. Our tip: be sure to take a walk along the Tappeinerweg trail, one of the most beautiful high-altitude promenades in Europe. It offers a blend of Alpine and Mediterranean flora – and the panoramic view is simply magnificent.

The spa town of Meran offers many sights worth seeing, including the majestic Kurhaus on Meran’s Passer Promenade. The Kurhaus, built in Art Nouveau style, consists of two parts. The historic section dates from 1874, and the newer section was built between 1912 and 1914. Once, spa guests stayed here, and it housed the wellness department. Today, the ballroom and concert hall still host national and international concerts and events. The figures of dancing girls on the roof of the Kurhaus are a popular photo motif.

Enjoy a relaxing day in Meran’s 7,650m² spa oasis. The 25 pools and treatment baths are sure to do your body and mind good. Nestled between majestic South Tyrolean mountains and lush Mediterranean greenery, it promises moments of serenity. Why not try an imperial bath infused with soothing grape scents or an exfoliating treatment with apple essence? Thermal water comes from the nearby San Vigilio/Vigiljoch mountain and is known for its pain-relieving properties, soothing effects, and ability to reduce blood pressure.

The botanical garden in Meran surrounding Trauttmansdorff Castle is one of the most popular excursion destinations in South Tyrol and delights with its unique natural, artistic, and cultural offerings. Embark on a journey through the gardens, which cover more than 12 hectares and lead you along gently winding paths past sunny terraces and babbling brooks. The impressive garden world is divided into four themed areas: the forest gardens, the sun gardens, the landscapes of South Tyrol, and the water and terrace gardens. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the “Touriseum” museum in Trauttmansdorff Castle, dedicated to the fascinating world of tourism.

High above Meran sits the beautiful Tirolo/Tirol Castle, surrounded by steep slopes and with a fantastic panoramic view of the Meran basin. Built in the 12th century, this castle once served as the ancestral home of the Counts of Tyrol, marking it as the birthplace of the province of Tyrol. Today it houses South Tyrol Museum of Culture and Provincial History and a care centre for birds. Tirolo/Tirol Castle is not only home to early Gothic frescoes but also the oldest Tyrolean stained glass and a wood-carved crucifixion group from the 14th century. From the Hotel Wessobrunn, a walking trail leads to Tirolo/Tirol Castle. Our tip: don’t miss the breathtaking bird of prey flight show.

During your holiday in Meran, take a tour of Tirolo/Tirol Castle in Dorf Tirol and experience the impressive bird of prey flight show. Tirolo/Tirol Castle is home to a care centre for injured birds, which are cared for and then released back into the wild. The aerial display, coupled with a tour of the centre, offers invaluable insights into these majestic birds. Feel the thrill as these rulers of the sky glide just inches above you, circling the vast expanse of the Meran valley basin. Enhance your visit to Tirolo/Tirol Castle by incorporating a hike – the castle is conveniently accessible by foot from the Hotel Wessobrunn.

Meran and Environs is also known as Burggrafenamt, which refers to the burgraves of Tirolo/Tirol Castle. Over 400 castles, fortresses, ruins, and manor houses adorn the landscape of South Tyrol, many of which have been converted into museums and destinations. One of the most famous is Trauttmansdorff Castle, which today attracts many visitors with its beautiful botanical garden. A captivating feature is the accessibility of these cultural treasures: many are reachable on foot – whether by hiking or walking. For instance, Tirolo/Tirol Castle is reachable on foot from your holiday home-from-home in Meran.

World-famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner has built six museums in South Tyrol. In his Messner Mountain Museums, he opens a window on his life and invites us to experience the fascination of the mountains. These museums serve as gateways to encounters with the mountains. They tell of Messner’s experiences during his expeditions through works of art, photographs, and short narratives. The six exceptional museums are the MMM Corones, the MMM Firmian, the MMM Dolomites, the museum at Juval Castle, the MMM Ripa, and the MMM Ortles.

From the Hotel Wessobrunn, you can walk along the Tappeinerweg trail to the centre of Meran. The Prince’s Castle of Meran is one of the 400 castles and palaces of South Tyrol. The castle was built in the 15th century by Archduke Sigmund of Austria and served as his town residence. Today, it houses an exhibition of historical weapons and antique musical instruments. A notable attraction is the chapel adorned with 16th-century frescoes. The intricately wood-panelled rooms, ceramic stoves, and intimate chambers offer a window into life in the late Middle Ages.

Kallmünz Castle in the centre of Meran has a long history, which began in 1430 with Andrä Kalmüntzer. He came to Meran from Bavaria, acquired the magnificent building, and gave it his name. The castle is located in the oldest quarter of the spa town of Meran and was once a popular destination for spa guests, including none other than Empress Sissi of Austria. Kallmünz Castle is still inhabited today and houses a restaurant and an exhibition room. The castle garden is used for events; the Meran Jazz Festival takes place here, for instance. If you want to immerse yourself in the history of Meran, this is the place!

Since 15 April 2011, the Women’s Museum Meran has a new home – on the Piazza del grano/Kornplatz square in the spa town of Meran. The building is a former Poor Clares convent founded in 1309. On two floors, the Women’s Museum tells the story of women through the ages. Displayed are a variety of artefacts, such as garments, accessories, and household items, complemented by a historically accurate kitchen and laundry space. It is a lively meeting place that re-examines the social role of women and their ideals. Combine your visit to the Women’s Museum with a leisurely stroll through Meran’s old town, a treasure trove of architectural marvels and quaint alleys.