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Discover this spa town between mountain peaks 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.

While the crisp mountain air is refreshing, it is usually milder in the valley than elsewhere in the province. From March, spring is already in the air here. As a result, the promenades lined with flowerbeds and palm trees become popular walkways. Sissi, the legendary Empress of Austria, who had a special place in her heart for the city, once walked some of these paths herself.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Marion Lafogler
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Marion Lafogler
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Andreas Mierswa
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Marion Lafogler

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

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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All accommodations in Meran

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.

Terme Merano

Guided tours in Meran

The city changes in accordance with the season During an organised tour, a professional guide will help you discover the past and present of art and history, including exciting tips on where to stop for a bite to eat.

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All guided tours in South Tyrol

Discover the beauty of Meran

The Kurhaus is the landmark building in this beautiful city located on the Passer river. This distinctive building was constructed in Art Nouveau style in the 19th century and boasts glamorous halls that still host a wide variety of events, from social events to gala evenings.

Wander through the alleys of the old town and visit the Puccini Theatre, the Kunst Meran museum beneath the arcade, as well as the spa town’s numerous green spaces. In addition, there are the Gardens of Schloss Trauttmansdorff castle, once the summer residence of Empress Sissi, but now home to the Touriseum, the provincial museum of tourism.

Along the way to the town centre, it is worthwhile to visit the synagogue and the Jewish Museum, which recounts the beginnings of the Jewish community in Meran at the end of the 19th century. The best way to round off your trip is to immerse yourself in one of the  Terme Merano’s 25 pools. If you are a fan of equestrian sports, take a look at the racing calendar: the Meran Racecourse  is a real gem.

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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All cultural events in South Tyrol

Meran’s Old Town

The oldest part of Meran is still characterised by stately buildings, impressive villas, handsome homes and monuments from the Art Nouveau period. The many green areas of the ‘city of gardens’ enhance this elegant appearance.

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/Marion Lafogler

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

Parking & local transport in Meran

Meran has numerous one-of-a-kind attractions and interesting events. We want your memories of the city to be positive and beautiful: the growing shadows in the arcades in the early evening, the cool fountains in front of the spa, the elegant façades of the townhouses, and delicious ice cream in the shadows of lime trees on the walkways along the Passer river... Remember to take some time to relaxingly explore the city.

All the information you need to know about how best to move around Meran can be found at the mobility.meran.eu website. Here, you’ll profit from finding real-time available parking spots, current bus and train lines, a cycle path map (also displayed at the bike hire stations) and charging stations for electric cars.

IDM Südtirol-STA/Manuela Tessaro

MeranCard

With the MeranCard, which is available from your accommodation, make use of public transport in South Tyrol comfortably and free of charge. This guest card also entitles you to free admission at South Tyrol’s museums.

Sustainable journey

If you fancy relaxation from the start, give it a try: take a train or bus instead. Once you get to South Tyrol, you have plenty of transfer options that will take you from the rail or bus station to your accommodation. And the excellent public transport network of the region will get you around your destination effortlessly.

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.

5-day forecast

Region
South Tyrol
Bolzano / Bozen
Bressanone / Brixen
Brunico / Bruneck
Merano / Meran
Silandro / Schlanders
Vipiteno / Sterzing