Travel Guide: Merano, Italy

Merano/Meran is the second largest town in the Alto Adige region in Northern Italy. As is common throughout Tirol, there are two names, one German - Meran, and the other Italian - Mearno. Merano was once the capital of Tirol and the mild climate of this spa town has long attracted famous guests including Empress Sissi, and Franz Kafka. Now it is mostly visited by Italian and German tourists, making it a great place for a more European-centric travel destination. While the region can be warm in the summer and snowy and cold in the winter, especially up in the mountains, the town of Merano itself remains mild enough year-round for palm trees to grow! The surrounding area is also home to some great local wineries.

{Get There}
Plan to rent a car if you want to explore the countryside around Merano, including the local wine region and take a trip up into the mountains. However, you don't need a car in Merano itself, and there is regular train service if you visiting for a shorter time.

For a true city escape, spend a night or two at the Miramonti Boutique Hotel which is tucked up in the hills above Merano. Each room faces out over they valley and boasts unbelievable views. The spa facilities are fantastic and including a stunning indoor/outdoor pool and a forest sauna. There are hiking paths directly behind the hotel and you can spend the entire day criss-crossing the mountains in the Avelengo area on foot or skis or via the Merano 2000 network of chairlifts. Every afternoon there are fresh pastries and coffee and tea in the main areas of the hotel which makes for a perfect treat after a long day of hiking.

In Merano itself, the Hotel Ottmangut is one of the most delightful places I’ve had the pleasure of staying. A family estate just on the outskirts of downtown Merano has been transformed into the most welcoming and aesthetically intriguing B&B, complete with a lovely garden full of citrus trees (and a pet turtle!) for lounging in the warmer months and a breakfast that will put all other hotel breakfasts to shame. Each room is different and the details are a delight to discover.

Another spot worth checking out is the Meisters Hotel Irma which is a wellness hotel also within walking distance of downtown Merano.

{See & Do}

Downtown Merano is delightfully unspoiled and walkable with a maze of covered passages filled with quirky, and yes, some touristy spots. Dried meats are a local speciality so be on the lookout for a shop on just about every corner!

The local wellness center and spa, Terme di Merano, is worth stopping in to see even if you aren't in the mood for a spa day. The glass and light filled space is stunningly beautiful and it is fun to watch all the local families go about their spa-day routines from the observation area.  

The Tappeiner walk and river walk are both must-dos in Merano. The Tappeiner walk is cut into one of the mountains flanking the town and has beautiful views out over the valley. You can climb up to the path from several points in town and at the far end is the Pulverturm tower and a conveniently located cafe.  The river walk snakes along the Passer River and is full of fun sculptures and plaques commemorating the famous guests of the past.

The nearby Kaltern am See or Lago di Caldaro area is home to one of Italy’s smallest DOC wine producing regions but due to its varied climate produces a number of unique grapes. Two that we visited and enjoyed were Arunda Sparkling Winery, which is unique as sparkling wine is not common in the area, and Elena Walch, which is female run. It is quite easy to drive along the SP19/Strada del Vino and find plenty of places to stop and taste the local wines.

{Eat & Drink}
Trattoria Flora
Trattoria Mainardo
Forsterbrau Merano
Sissi
Signorvino Merano

Stop in at Pur Sudtirol to stock up on local delicacies. They also have a small cafe and seating area in the back for a quick bite.

{What to Pack}