What to see in Merano in 2 days: spas, gardens and walks among the Alps

Merano in 2 days: Habsburg elegance in the heart of the Alps

Merano was the favourite spa resort of Empress Sissi and the Mitteleuropean nobility of the nineteenth century. Today it preserves that discreet elegance, enriched by lush nature that seems impossible at this altitude. Two days are enough to fall in love.

Day 1: Historic centre and Promenades

Morning

Begin at the Portici of Merano (Laubengasse), 400 metres long and among the finest in Tyrol. Shops beneath the vaults sell local produce, aromatic herbs and crafts. Notice how the buildings hide unexpected inner courtyards.

Continue to the Cathedral of San Nicolò, whose bell tower dominates the city, and descend to the Roman Bridge over the Passirio, starting point of the famous Promenades.

Afternoon

Walk the Winter Promenade (Winterpromenade), south-facing and sheltered from the wind, flanked by palms, cedars and magnolias. On the opposite bank, the Summer Promenade (Sommerpromenade) is cooler and shadier. Both offer glimpses of the Passirio and the mountains.

Hidden gem: from the Winter Promenade, climb to the Tappeiner Promenade, a 4 km panoramic path at mid-slope crossing impossibly Mediterranean vegetation — agaves, cacti, holm oaks — with views over the Merano basin. Few tourists walk it end to end.

Evening

The Kurhaus, an Art Nouveau masterpiece on the Passirio bank, hosts events and concerts. Dine in one of the Stuben in the centre: Knödel, Schlutzkrapfen, Spatzle with speck and Apfelstrudel made the traditional way.

Day 2: Trauttmansdorff and Thermal Baths

Morning

Devote the morning to the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, Italy's most beautiful botanical garden (and among Europe's finest). Over 12 hectares, 80 botanical environments range from Mediterranean to alpine plants, with art installations, sensory pavilions and an aviary. The castle itself tells the story of tourism in Merano, including Sissi's rooms.

Arrive at opening (9:00): in 3 hours you'll see everything without crowds. The viewpoint with binoculars over the Dolomites is spectacular.

Afternoon

After the gardens, treat yourself to the Terme di Merano designed by Matteo Thun: 25 pools between indoor and outdoor, a thermal park immersed in greenery and mountain views from the panoramic pools. Perfect relaxation after so much walking.

Hidden gem: in the Maia Alta (Obermais) quarter, the lanes between farmsteads are a world apart. Rametz Castle with its visitable winery and the apple blossom trail (spring) offer a rural atmosphere five minutes from the centre.

Evening

For your last evening, take the cable car to Tirolo (Dorf Tirol) for dinner at a farmstead with views over the Adige Valley at sunset. Or stay in the centre and enjoy the evening stroll along the illuminated Passirio.

Recommended walking routes

• Tappeiner Promenade: 4 km, minimal elevation, continuous panoramas over the Merano basin
• Promenade loop: Winter + bridge + Summer + return via centre (3 km, 1 hour)
• Centre to Trauttmansdorff on foot: 2.5 km along Via Val di Nova, pleasant through orchards

Practical tips

• The MeranCard (free in many hotels) includes transport, museums, Trauttmansdorff and pools
• In April-May the apple blossom is spectacular
• Friday morning market along the Passirio offers authentic farm produce

Further reading

For your stay, see where to stay in Merano, where to eat in Merano and how to get to Merano.