Merano is a spa town located in the autonomous region of Trentino-Alto Adige in Italy (also known as South Tyrol), very close to the Austrian border. Its alpine-Mediterranean atmosphere, old town with medieval alleyways, Art nouveau buildings, promenades once loved by Empress Sissi, and botanical gardens make it an excellent starting point for a road trip in the Dolomites. Visiting Merano will easily fill at least one full day, or more if you want to enjoy the town’s thermal baths and spas.
If you are looking for an alternative to Bolzano to start (or end) your road trip in the Dolomites, read this travel guide where I share all my tips on the best things to do in Merano and where to stay.
Things to do in Merano : the medieval old town
To begin your visit to Merano (Meran in German), there is nothing better than strolling through the medieval streets of the old town with their arcades built in the 13th century. At that time, Merano was the capital of Tyrol. Take the opportunity to buy a few local specialties (such as speck); if you are familiar with Austria, you will notice that the local gastronomy is closer to Austrian cuisine than to Italian. It should not be forgotten that the Trentino–Alto Adige region has only been Italian since the end of the First World War, and the inhabitants are mostly of Austrian culture and speak German. It feels a bit strange at first, as you really do not feel like you are in Italy.
The old town of Merano is home to several religious buildings, including St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, built between 1310 and 1455. In Gothic style, you cannot miss it, as its beautiful bell tower can be seen from many places, especially from the “Tappeiner Weg”, the walking path that runs above the town.
Do not miss the three former city gates (Bolzano Gate, Venosta Gate, and Passiria Gate), which are part of the old ramparts. The oldest one, Venosta Gate, dates back to 1290 and was used as a prison for a time.
What to do in Merano Belle Époque
The 19th-century buildings lining the Passer River, which separates the center from the old town, recall the Belle Époque. During this period, Merano was the favorite holiday destination of European aristocrats and intellectuals. Empress Elisabeth of Austria (better known as Sissi) left Vienna to enjoy Merano’s mild and sunny winters.
To discover these buildings, the best option is to walk along the “Passerpromenade” or “winter promenade”, which follows the river as far as the Roman Bridge. The walk starts at the Post Bridge, built in 1909 in Art Nouveau style. From here, you can enjoy a superb view of Belle Époque Merano. Once on the other side of the bridge, follow the river to pass in front of the Kurhaus, a magnificent Art Nouveau building. The interior is decorated with frescoes, but unfortunately it can only be visited during events held there. A little further on, you will walk under pretty arcades displaying paintings and busts of famous figures.
The Tappeiner Weg promenade
The Tappeiner Weg promenade naturally follows on after walking along the Passerpromenade by the river. This balcony trail above Merano offers superb views over the town. Stop at the Powder Tower, a remnant of a 14th-century castle converted into an explosives depot in 1629. By climbing to the top (free access), you will discover a stunning panoramic view of the town. A junction a little further on allows you to descend back to St. Nicholas’ Cathedral and the old town, or to continue along the heights of Merano.
The Sissi-Weg promenade
This route dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria links Merano’s town center to the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. The walk (Sentiero di Sissi in Italian or Sissi-Weg in German) is dotted with sites associated with Empress Sissi, such as Rubein Castle, where she once stayed.
Allow 3.2 km and around 1 hour to complete this walk; it is a great way to explore Merano if you have time and to reach the botanical gardens. You will find the full itinerary with all the sites to see on the downloadable city map (see link above).
The gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle
Entrance fee : €14 (family, children, and senior discounts)
Parking : €4 (valid all day)
Visit time : 3 hours
The botanical gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are among the must-see attractions to do in Merano. They were awarded the title of “International Garden of the Year” in 2013 and “the most beautiful garden in Italy”.
Along 7 km of paths covering 12 hectares, you will discover four different worlds arranged around Trauttmansdorff Castle and a basin filled with lotus flowers and water lilies: the forests of America and Asia, the sun gardens with Mediterranean plants, the water and terrace gardens, and the landscapes of South Tyrol.
Merano Thermal Baths
A spa town for over a century, the new thermal baths located on the riverbank opposite the Kurhaus opened in 2005. The complex includes 26 pools (indoor and outdoor) at different temperatures, 8 saunas and steam baths, as well as a fitness and wellness center. The Merano Thermal Baths also offer a full range of treatments (thermal water inhalations, therapeutic baths, and physiotherapy).
You can buy an entrance ticket to this vast thermal park, open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., for 2 hours, 3 hours, or a full day. Book your 2-hour entry to the pools at the Merano Thermal Baths (€18 per person) or with saunas included in addition to the pools (€28 per person).
Merano Thermal Baths (photo credit termemerano.it)
Lebenberg castle
This very photogenic castle surrounded by vineyards is located 6 km south of Merano. Built in 1250 by local lords, it now belongs to a Dutch family who live there. It can be visited in season by reservation (guided tours from 10:30 a.m.).
Where to stay in Merano : the best places
I have selected a list of accommodations that all receive excellent reviews for staying in Merano. If you are on a road trip in Italy and want private parking, you will need to stay outside the old town. This is why we chose Albergo alla Torre Siegler Im Thurm, which offered three advantages : one of the cheapest places to stay in Merano, private parking, and a swimming pool to relax at the end of the day.
- 75 € : Albergo alla Torre Siegler Im Thurm, located 1 km from the town center, this hotel has a nice swimming pool and private parking, ideal when traveling by car. The rooms are simple and clean, and the buffet breakfast is included. On-site restaurant. The best value for money to stay in Merano.
- 89 € : Garnì Domus Mea, close to the Merano Thermal Baths and the town center, this hotel offers a very warm welcome and rooms with balconies and views. Private parking at €9 per day.
- 106 € : Guesthouse zum Loewen, this guesthouse with charming rooms is located in the heart of the old town, 100 meters from the Kurhaus. Ideal if you are looking for accommodation in Merano close to restaurants. Public parking.
- 123 € : Hotel Aurora, located right in the town center and on the riverbank, this hotel offers fully equipped rooms and an excellent breakfast included in the price. Public parking at €16 per day.
- 340 € : Hotel Therme Meran, this superb luxury hotel next to the Merano Thermal Baths features a heated infinity pool and its own spa. All services are high-end, a beautiful address for visiting Merano. Free private parking.
What to do around Merano : visiting Vipiteno
Sixty kilometers north of Merano, I highly recommend not missing the charming village of Vipiteno (Sterzing in German). It is located near the Austrian border at the Brenner Pass. If you continue on to Innsbruck after visiting Merano, you will inevitably pass through here. Vipiteno’s old town features typical Austrian Tyrolean architecture (the town was Austrian until 1918). The main street of the historic center is pedestrian and offers a pleasant walk with many shops. It is lined with beautiful colorful houses, with the Torre delle Dodici (46 m), built in 1468, at the end.
Vipiteno is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy. For parking, I recommend the paid parking lot located right next to the old town (GPS coordinates).
You now know what to do in Merano and the best attractions. Do not miss this charming town during your stay in South Tyrol (the Trentino–Alto Adige region in Italian). If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the blog’s comment section.