A spa town between mountains and palm trees

In the province’s second largest city, rural tradition and modernity, the Alpine and the Mediterranean, as well as history and the present merge.

Searching for mountains and palm trees? Do you love the secluded moments while hiking, but also enjoy serene city life? Meran is South Tyrol’s city that checks all boxes. Here you can ascend to quiet Alpine pastures or peaks in the morning, only to stroll through the bustling arcades of the old town shortly after. Meanwhile, the city gets its sophisticated character from the art nouveau villas, the architecturally outstanding Terme Merano, green promenades and its rich cultural offerings.

The “Most Beautiful Gardens in the World”

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Art Nouveau - the Kurhaus in Merano

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Overnighting in Meran

From subtly designed art hotels to small pensions in the countryside or even luxurious wellness hotel, there is something to suite every taste for an ideal holiday in Meran.

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Sustainable Meran/Merano

In Meran, you will find a unique blend of urban life and nature. Awarded the South Tyrol sustainability label, this charming spa town is a role model for "urban naturalness". With the "BiodiverCity Tour" (a free audio tour by Mauro Tomasi and Valentin Lobis accessible via podcasts) visitors can discover the town's green oases — from magnificent gardens to the natural habitats that characterise Meran's urban landscape. This tour allows everyone to experience the town's urban biodiversity, demonstrating how nature and an urban environment can coexist harmoniously. Another example of Meran's commitment is the "Merano Vitae" concept, which connects health, body and mind with natural experiences. Whether it's on hikes, enjoying regional delicacies, or relaxing at the thermal baths — nature here is experienced as an integral part of urban life.

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IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige

What makes Meran so special?

It's quite possible that you'll forget that you're in the middle of the Alps when in Meran: The climate is so mild that lemon trees and palm trees thrive here, and spring has long since begun, even though there is still plenty of snow on the surrounding mountains. The combination of Alpine surroundings and Mediterranean vegetation shapes Meran's unique atmosphere. For 20 years already, the Gardens of Schloss Trauttmansdorff castle have wowed guests with their 80 garden worlds and plants from all over the world. The Schloss Tirol castle looms above the city while the arcade of the old town are a reminder of bustling trade during the Middle Ages. After Empress Elisabeth of the Austro-Hungarian Empire first came to Meran for a cure in 1870, the town blossomed, becoming the noble spa town of the European aristocracy. Magnificent promenades and Art Nouveau buildings, such as the Kurhaus, bear witness to this rich history. Just across the street, the contemporary cube architecture of the Terme Merano is impressive. Strolling through the centuries-old Meraner Lauben arcade, you'll discover Italian fashion boutiques and international chains alongside historic commercial establishments. Meanwhile, the local area surrounding the spa town can be explored on countless hiking and biking trails. The idyllic Waalwege canal trails are typical of the Meran area.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Andreas Mierswa

Kurverwaltung Meran/Alex Filz

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Andreas Mierswa

Valuable water

Opposite the Kurhaus, the Terme Merano dominates the townscape: the contemporary cube made of glass and steel was designed by star architect Matteo Thun. Here you can relax in style in the healing thermal waters.

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Meran’s Old Town

Of the four gates that once granted access to the alleys of the historic town centre, only three still exist today. If you cross the Postbrücke bridge, you'll see some of the city's most important attractions along the Passer river including the Kurhaus, the Gilfpromenade, the Zenoberg district and the Pulverturm tower. Afterwards you will pass through the Bozner Tor city gate, which dates back to the 14th century. At this point, you are already in the middle of the old town on the Laubengasse shopping street, the origins of which date back to the 18th century. At 400 metres in length, it is South Tyrol’s longest arcade. Here, medieval buildings house elegant stores and stylish eateries featuring typical South Tyrolean food.

The Laubengasse connects the Kornplatz square, where the market used to be held, with the St. Nicholas Church. The church, built between the 14th and 15th centuries, is one of the oldest examples of Gothic architecture in Tyrol. Its bell tower is over 80 metres high and has seven clocks. Behind the church is the Steinach quarter, the oldest district in Meran. Even though the buildings are modern today, the layout of the alleys always hints at the long history of this part of town.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Stefan Schuetz

What to do in Meran

A few days spent here can make you feel really good. Especially if you take the time to discover all its wonders. From fine cuisine to fascinating cultural experiences, here you will find a wide selection designed for you.

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Romantic walkways and green promenades

Meran is a small city of gardens, ideal for people who like to walk in the countryside. There are numerous routes that go out from the centre of the city and impress with their plants from all over the world and spectacular panoramic views all year round.

The Passer river flows through the centre with numerous footpaths running along its banks. The Passer Promenade is located on the right bank, between the Postbrücke bridge and the Eiserner Steg bridge. Towards the east, the promenade connects with the Kurpromenade,which then leads to the sunny Winterpromenade, which is especially recommended in the colder months. In the summer months, one should rather opt for the Sommerpromenade, which winds through dense, shady vegetation on the left side of the Passer river. Near the Postbrücke bridge, you can pause to admire the Sissi Monument, which is made from Lasa marble. The Gilfpromenade begins where the Winterpromenade and Sommerpromenade meet. This leads up to the Pulverturm tower, which offers magnificent panoramic views over Meran. From here you can continue your walk on the Tappeinerweg trail, which extends over four kilometres and leads above the roofs of the town along the mountainside to the district of Gratsch.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Andreas Mierswa

Experience culture in Meran

From international wine and food events to contemporary exhibitions and traditional festivals, the people of Meran enjoy rich culture offerings which reflects their way of life. Such events are a great way to get to know the province and its people.

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Shopping in Meran

While you enjoy spring on a morning promenade, you can go shopping in South Tyrol's towns in the afternoon. Meran's old city centre, located between Lauben, Rennweg and Freiheitsstraße streets, is definitely worth a visit. Not only Alpine cosmetics, but also craft shops, fashion boutiques, sportswear and traditional clothes are within easy reach. When your shopping experience has come to an end, you can take a break in one of the many cosy pubs, restaurants and cafés.

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IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz

South Tyrol Guide - the official app for your holiday in South Tyrol

Experience South Tyrol just the way you like it - with everything you need at your fingertips. With the South Tyrol Guide App you can:

Find restaurants, hikes, events, museums and activities throughout the region - tailored to your interests and location
activate geolocalisation to see what's around you at all times and easily find your way using the map
Access your personal area - with weather notifications and your favourites to plan your days in the best possible way

Download the app here for free and discover South Tyrol your way.

Weather in Meran/Merano

Check out our weather forecast in Meran and planning your vacation in South Tyrol will be easier. And if you want to go up in the mountains, our weather forecast informs you about visibility, sunrise, sunset and zero-degree isotherm.

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Your holiday in Meran/Merano

If you have a knack for relaxing moments, then take a train or bus. Once you get to South Tyrol, you have plenty of transfer options to reach your accommodation. The region's efficient and reliable transport system will get you around effortlessly.

Travel by train

From Bolzano, you can reach Merano directly by connecting train. You can continue by bus, taxi or the "Südtirol Transfer" shuttle, which will take you directly to your holiday accommodation.
On-site mobility

Once you arrive at zour accommodation in Merano/Meran, the Südtirol Guest Pass "MeranCard" gives you free access to public transport in South Tyrol.