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Discover Sissi’s Favorite Spa Town: 2 Itineraries With The Best Things to Do in Merano, South Tyrol

Nestled in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region, close to the Austrian border, lies the captivating spa town of Merano. Known for its mild climate, picturesque mountain setting, and restorative thermal waters, Meran charmed 19th century European aristocracy and still enchants visitors today.

Once the favored retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, affectionately called “Sissi,” Merano remains a place to relax, restore, and immerse in nature. Beyond the cozy cafes and historic sites lies a wealth of scenic walking trails, gardens, and cable car rides revealing breathtaking Alpine vistas.

This article offers two fabulous itineraries for experiencing the best of Merano and its surroundings, whether you seek a peaceful day strolling through town and castle gardens or a more adventurous hike along mountain paths. Read on to discover why Sissi called this little slice of the Italian Alps her favorite place to escape.

Table of Contents

Where is merano italy.

The Thermal Town of Merano is located in the region of Trentino Alto Adige , Italy’s northernmost region, at the borders with Austria. 

It’s often referred to as Meran South Tyrol , not as Merano Trentino, because it’s located in the northern half of the region, in the province of Bolzano – also referred to as South Tyrol, or Sudtirol in German and Alto Adige in Italian.

This peaceful city has a town feel but is the second largest one in South Tyrol, after Bolzano. It’s also just a 30-minute drive or 40-minute train ride from the capital.

Is Merano Italy worth visiting?

While we are still at the beginning of this article, which means I haven’t had the chance to show you what this city has to offer, I am positive that by just looking at the pictures you’ll want to visit this enchanting place.

Whether you just want to thick another city off your Italian list or are fascinated with a specific aspect of this destination, here are three main reasons to visit Merano:

• Merano is a city with a tranquil soul ; that’s why it feels like a town. No surprise Princess Sissi claimed it as her favorite town to rest, relax, and be in nature.
• the scenic promenades, gardens, and hiking trails for nature lovers, 
• the charming historic center with beautiful cafes for city lovers,
• the castles for anyone in history,
• the thermal towns for those looking to relax,
• and the cable car excursions for those who want to venture out.
• Merano is also a delicious place to be because its Alpine-Mediterranean Cuisine has a strong Austriac influence, especially when it comes to desserts.

In this article, I will give you two full-day itineraries to inspire your visit to this beautiful Alpine city. So if you aren’t sure whether Merano is worth a visit, wait till you see those.

What is the history of Merano?

Merano boasts an ancient history, with evidence of Roman settlements in the area dating back to the Castrum Maiense. In the 13th century, it gained city status as “Mairania,” marking the origins of its historic center. The Roman fortified settlement, known as “Castrum Maiense,” evolved into the Maia district. 

Merano was first mentioned in 857 and flourished under the counts of Tyrol in the 1200s, officially becoming a city in the 13th century. However, its economic significance diminished when the Tyrolean counts relocated to Innsbruck in 1420. It regained prominence during the Tyrolean Liberation Wars of 1809, led by Andreas Hofer. 

Merano’s history as a vital climatic resort emerged in the 19th century when Empress Elisabeth of Austria and the European nobility chose it for their health retreats. This era witnessed the construction of elegant hotels and iconic Art Nouveau buildings like the Pavillon des Fleurs, Kurhaus, and Puccini Theater. 

Despite a slowdown in the economy between the World Wars, Merano experienced a resurgence in the 1970s, reclaiming its status as a spa town and city of gardens. Notable features include the enchanting Gardens of Castel Trauttmansdorff and the rejuvenating Terme Merano.

If you are a history lover and want to know every detail of Merano’s development into its current state, you can find the  full timeline from 3000 B.C.  on the Merano Local Council’s website.

Sissi in Merano

Thanks to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, affectionately known as Sissi, Merano became the possibly most famous climatic resort in all of Europe by the end of the 19th century. Sissi first visited Merano in 1870 with her daughters, Gisela and the ailing two-year-old Valerie, who suffered from a pulmonary disease and found relief in Merano’s invigorating air . 

They stayed at Castel Trauttmansdorff, where all the rooms were restored and redecorated for their comfort. As Valerie recovered, Viennese newspapers began praising the town’s mild and healthy climate, sparking a Merano boom . 

In September 1889, eight months after the death of Crown Prince Rudolf, Sissi returned to Castel Trauttmansdorff. During this visit, now known as “the woman in black,” Elisabeth rarely left the castle. 

Today, Castel Trauttmansdorff stands as a museum (Touriseum) illustrating 200 years of Tyrolean tourism. The gardens host the “Trono di Sissi” , a three-meter marble seat erected in 1908 in her honor. 

The Sissi Trail and Summer Walk, starting from the castle, offer a journey through 11 stops, unveiling historical sites in Merano . Terme Merano provides a “Sissi bath” inspired by her alleged daily milk baths, and Bagni Egart in Parcines, once frequented by Sissi, is now the Imperial-regal Bad Egart Museum. 

Merano’s association with Sissi remains a key element in its rich history, attracting visitors to relive the empress’s legacy.

Merano Itinerary 1: A Tranquil Sightseeing Day in this Alpine Town

This first itinerary is perfect for anyone who loves a good day of sightseeing and doesn’t mind walking. You’ll get to admire the views, see the historic center of Merano, and venture a little out in two different directions. However, I have given you all the information you need to make up your mind when it comes to duration and required effort for specific activities. You also have plenty of options to swap one activity for another.

Excluding the Tappeinerweg Trail at the end, this was my itinerary when I last visited Merano. I hope you can enjoy it as much as I did, but please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

8:35 AM: Regional Train from Bolzano to Merano – duration 40 minutes.

Even if you are taking a day trip from a different city, I suggest you get to Merano by 9:30 latest since there’s a lot to see. 

9:15 AM: Arrive in Merano by train or car

Get a sense of the city with your Google Maps and open this article, unless you have a printed copy.

9:30 AM: Walk towards the Passer River (Fiume Passirio) & City Center

The walk only takes around 15 minutes.

You can either go through Corso della Liberta and admire the beautiful architecture, or you can proceed towards the Passirio River via Via Rezia and then take a left to walk along the Passer river. On Google Maps you can find it as Passeggiata lungo il Passirio or Passepromenade.

Theaterbrucke & Postbrucke Bridges

Along the Passirio path, you’ll find 5 different bridges where you can stop and take the beautiful views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The most impressive ones not to miss are:

• Theaterbrucke – a bridge with a green railing that takes its name from its proximity to Piazza Teatro, the square near the Puccini Theatre, and the latter.
• Postbrucke – a gorgeous white bridge that leads to Via Roma and the entrance to the old town as well as two famous walking paths loved by Sissi. 

Teatro Puccini Merano

While walking along the Passeier Promenade on your way from the train station, right after you go across the Theaterbrucke bridge you should also take the time to explore Piazza Teatro and the Puccini Theatre area. 

When I visited, the theater was completely shut for refurbishment and the facade was all covered in scaffolding. However, you might have more luck during your visit and maybe take a quick peek inside.

Kurhaus Merano

You can’t miss admiring this building, designed by Viennese Friedrich Ohmann, even if just from outside as you head towards the Winter Promenade. It’s the symbol of Merano as a spa town. Kurhaus means health resort in German.

Currently, the building is being used as a theater for concerts, banquets, seminars, and balls.

Unfortunately, you can only visit if there’s an event going on and the building is open to the public. Nonetheless, admiring it from the outside is something you shouldn’t miss.

Merano Promenade: Sissi Trails

Right after Postprucke, or Ponte della Posta, you have two beautiful and short walking trails to choose from. The one on the left is called “Passeggiata d’Inverno” or Winter Walk, because that path is more exposed to the sun, which as we know we all need more of during Winter. Whereas the one on the right side of the bridge is more shaded, and therefore more suitable for a Summer walk. That’s why they call it Summer Walk or in Italian “Passeggiata d’Estate” . 

If you only take one path, I would suggest the Winter Walk because of the stunning architecture and paintings on the walls of the Wandelhalle. However, each one takes around 15 minutes so you may want to do them both.

Sissi Statue Meran

If you choose not to walk along the Summer Trail, you still want to head towards the beginning of the trail so that you can admire the imposing Sissi Statue, built in honor of the Empress.

Frainz Tappeiner Steg & Ponte Romano Merano Bridges

Whichever path you choose to take first, you can access these bridges from both sides. The first one, Franz Tappeiner Steg, makes the most scenic spot for a selfie or a group picture. The second, Ponte Romano, is a beautiful example of Roman architecture.

Once you are done with both paths or just one, head back to Postbrucke – the beautiful white bridge just a few minutes away.

11:00 AM: Brunch in Merano Old Town

If you are feeling peckish and want to head straight to have a warm or cold drink and a pastry, here are the two spots I suggest:

1. Caffè Aida Pasticceria

This one not only has a large variety of delicious tasting desserts influenced by Austria, but it’s a great one for people watching right next to San Nicolo Church.

2. Kuntino’s Cafe & Restaurant (check if open  here )

This cafe belongs to one of the hotels listed below in my list of recommended accommodations. It’s located in a very historic street and building. The atmosphere inside is very contemporary, whereas outside you can immerse yourself in the historic setting while enjoying your choice of food and drinks and people-watching.

My husband and I had a drink and cake as a late breakfast but all the other food being served looked delicious. We chose a local fruit tart and a carrot cake, both very tasty.

Noon: Exploring Merano Old Town

After your indulgent one-hour break you should be fueled to keep walking. This time we’ll be doing a little more sightseeing. Feel free to do a spot of shopping too, if you don’t mind skipping on the castle or final hike.

In the map below, you can see all the main spots you’ll be visiting in the old town as part of this itinerary. It should only take 30 minutes unless you stop and visit the small castle.

First Stop: Bozner Tor

I suggest you start your tour of the old town from the main city gate, called Bozner Tor or Porta di Bolzano. Don’t be confused by its name, we are still in Merano :).

The name is likely because Merano was at the time the base for the Hapsburg Dynasty before they moved to Innsbruck. As Merano is located closer to Austria, at that time it represented the gate to Bolzano and the rest of Italy. 

San Nicolò Merano & St Barbara Chapel

Once you go through Bozner tor, the entrance of Merano old city, walk straight and arrive at a crossroad. If you take a right onto Piazza Duomo – the name of the square but also the street, you’ll see the big St Nicholas Church and the small St Barbara Chapel right next to each other. You can visit both freely.

Passeier Tor Meran

When you are done visiting the churches, you should proceed to Passeirer Tor der Meraner or Merano Porta Passiria in Italian through Via Haller. This is a really impressive tall and thin stone tower with a steel gate that represents one of the entrances to the old town. It was built in the XIV century.

Once you are done admiring the Passeier Tor, you can either take the stairs down towards the Winter Promenade or proceed with the old town tour, which I suggest.

Laubengasse Merano

From Porta Passiria walk back to St Nicholas Church in Piazza Duomo and take a right towards Via dei Portici or Laubengasse. This is a beautiful, relatively narrow street that features local architecture. A very similar street, with the same name, can also be found in Bolzano’s old town.

Castello Principesco Merano 

From Via dei Portici you can access Castello Principesco, a small castle located right in the middle of the old town. If you’d like to visit the inner rooms, the ticket costs €5 per person. If not, go around the castle (you’ll understand what I mean once you are there; the castle is located in the middle of a large area so you can walk around all its walls, in just a few minutes) and take a peek at the small dwarf-style door to get a sense of the interiors. It’s quick and free.

If you are wondering, this small castle was built in the 15th century and was the private residence of Sigismund – an Austrian Archduke. 

Those are the main spots in Merano’s old town. However, feel free to explore other streets and do some shopping in the gorgeous boutiques. You’ll find many along Laubengasse.

13:00 PM: Trauttmansdorff Castle

Merano requires a lot of walking, especially if you plan to take the most famous trails and also visit the Merano Trauttmansdorff Castle on foot. The walk from the center to the castle takes around 40 minutes but because it’s inclined it can get tiring , particularly if you’ve been walking all morning. So make sure to rest before you start and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Bring some water too.

Opening hours:

The Castle is open from April till mid-November between 9 am and 7 pm till October and then the closing time is anticipated by one or two hours as it starts to get darker earlier in the afternoon.

€16 per person 

Gardens can’t be accessed without a ticket.

You need 2 to 3 hours to visit the museum and gardens.

Don’t expect a castle with historic interiors but more so a museum and gardens. The castle now hosts the Museum of Tourism. Nonetheless, if you are a Sissi fan, you might love imagining her spending the days in this building back in the 1800s when she would visit with her children and husband.

By the time you get back to the city, it should be around 4:30 pm. You should consider heading back to your car or the train station. It’s been a long day!

If you decide to start your day in Merano earlier than suggested in this itinerary, you might have enough time to do the following hike. Even so, please assess your energy levels. If not, you can always do it on your next visit to Merano or on your second day, if you are staying the night. You can also swap the castle visit with the hike. It’s your choice.

Optional Add On: Merano Hiking & Tappeinerweg Trail

There’s another famous trail I haven’t mentioned yet. It’s a long one – 4km per way – and can take you around 3 hours in total (both ways), 2 hours if you are fast. 

The trail is considered one of the most beautiful higher-walking trails in Europe (400 m) . Along the path, you can admire different types of gardens – from herb gardens to flower gardens. 

Should you wish to go on this hike  here’s the map .

Itinerary 2: A Relaxing Day in Merano (Terme Merano + More)

My second itinerary involves less walking and more relaxing. If you are staying in Merano for longer than one day, you can use this itinerary for your second or third day, or even split it into two parts. If you’ve already been to Merano before and want to visit it again, this itinerary will provide you with a completely different way to experience this beautiful city – more like a princess than an explorer . Don’t worry, though, I will throw in a little adventure for you at the end.

First Stop: Merano Thermal Baths

Open every day all year long, this thermal house includes 15 indoor pools and 10 outdoor pools in summer, a wonderfully relaxing sauna, relaxation areas, and beautifully decorated treatment rooms.

You can spend from two hours to the entire day, with these 3 different tickets:

The prices are the same in Summer. You only pay an extra €2 on weekends and public holidays, independently of the season.

In Summer, 2 special tickets include food:

Day Ticket + Brunch at €45 per person

Aperitivo + 5 hours at the spa at €24 per person – available from 4 pm

As for opening hours, the spa is open all year long from 9 am to 9 pm , although the bistro and treatments close at 7 pm.

The Thermal Baths offers both a regular area and a nudist pool. Food is allowed and a bistro is available. Should you need to purchase swimwear, towels, etc, they are all available in their shop.

As for booking the tickets, you can book via their app (more info  here ). Treatments can be booked via email or phone ( [email protected] ,   0473 252024 ).

Brunch in Merano

Swimming always makes me hungry, what about you? 

I suggest heading for a spot of brunch right after your time at the Terme. Here are 2 options, just 5 minutes walk away.

• Café Villa Bux ( view it on Google )
• Bäckerei-Panificio Mein Beck ( on google )

Shopping in Merano Italy in Via Portici

After breakfast, take a 10-minute stroll towards Laubengasse and enjoy shopping in a beautiful historic and very local setting, the porticoes. 

Did you know that the locals call those porticoes with a specific name depending on their direction? The porticoes facing the Passirio River are called Wasserlauben, whereas those towards Mountain Kuchelberg are referred to as Berglauben.

If you need some inspiration as to what to buy, here are some great pieces you’ll find in Merano:

– leather goods – shoes – bags – outerwear – unique clothing pieces from local curated boutiques – Christmas Decorations – wine – speck – local cheeses like Stelvio

Merano Cable Car Excursion: Choose Between Merano – Tirolo and Merano – Scena

After a couple of hours of shopping, end the day with a cable car ride to one of these scenic mountain spots. 

Merano to Tirolo Italy & Alta Muta (Chairlift + Cable Car)

This one is only available from April to October as it is an open chairlift. However, you can reach Tirolo by car and public transport all year round. It’s important to note that you will have to go up alone, as each chairlift is just for one person. I am sure one kid can go up with an adult, provided they fit.

Once at the top, you can explore the town of Tirol. And if you fancy getting even higher, you can take the bus 222 to Dorf Tirol and take the Hochmut cable car to Mutspitz or Alta Muta.

The combined ticket for both chairlift and cable car is €15 per person.

The bus ticket costs €1.50 per person per ride and can be bought from the Tourist Office in Meran Center or at the train station

In Tirolo you can visit the local church and castle whereas in Alta Muta you’ll immerse yourself in nature. Depending on the time you have available many activities can be enjoyed, from horse riding for kids on a small horse named Jacob to bird flight performance.

Tirolo can also be accessible all year round by car and public transport via road. This means that you can enjoy the traditional Christmas Advent Events at Castle Tirolo with the locals, should you wish to visit this time of the year.

If you’d like to see what Tirolo has to offer,  head to the Merano website .

The Enchanting Village of Scena Italy

Scena or Schenna is another village above Merano, located 600 meters up . Here you can visit the old local church and admire the local castle from afar, given that it’s currently inhabited by its owners.

You can reach Scena by car or public transport, in 10 and 30 minutes respectively; the cable car ride will come next.

For nature lovers and hikers, there’s a fitness park on top as well as many hiking paths and even a high-rope course. If you come in the Summer, don’t miss the Summer nights with local food and music.

From Scena you can take the cable car that takes you to Mountain Scena – with a height of 1450 meters and admire the spectacular views. A two-way ticket for an adult costs €13.50. For opening hours  check here .

You can learn more about Scena  here .

Bolzano or Merano

Let me start by saying that these two cities are so breathtakingly beautiful, yet different that I’d highly suggest you consider staying in both of them. You can either split your time in Alto Adige between the two or visit Bolzano first, and then stay in Merano during your next trip to the Italian Dolomites. Believe me when I say you’ll want to!

If you are in the Dolomites but you are staying in a different location, like Ortisei for example, definitely keep in mind that both cities are worth a visit, so I suggest at least planning a day trip for each. 

If you are interested in choosing one of them as your base during your time in the Dolomites, here are important things to know about these cities that will help you choose the perfect South Tyrol base for you.

• Bolzano is a better base for visiting Ortisei and getting on the  Seceda  mountain, unless you plan to drive, in which case the driving distance is 20 minutes longer from Merano.
• Bolzano has a more Northern city vibe while Merano feels like a holiday town. 
• Both towns feature Austriac-inspired architecture but I find that Merano feels like an Austrian town, and reminds me in particular of Salzburg.
• If you plan to visit other Italian regions that are not in Northern Italy, I suggest staying in Bolzano as you are likely to find better and faster train connections.
• Both cities offer spectacular cable car excursions, but if I could only choose one I wouldn’t want to miss the cable car to Oberbozen.
• Bolzano has a slightly larger historic town than Merano but both are beautiful.
• Bolzano’s Walter Platz is unique with its Gothic cathedral and Renaissance-style buildings. On the other hand, Merano’s promenade along the Passirio river it’s not something you can find in the capital.
• Both cities offer splendid hiking and walking trails – Talavera Promenade and Guncina walk in Bolzano, Tappeiner Promenade and Waalweg paths in Merano are beautiful and easily accessible from the center.
• Seasonally speaking, I think Bolzano can be a wonderful destination both in Winter and at Christmas as well as in Spring and Summer. On the other hand, I think Merano shines in the warmer months from May to October.
• While Bolzano has an airport and Merano doesn’t, that shouldn’t impact your decision as with just one operating airline – Sky Pass – there are limited flights departing and arriving from/in Bolzano. Innsbruck, Venice, and Bologna are the best airports to get into both cities.

Overall, I believe Bolzano is better suited for visitors wanting to experience Northern Italy for the first time as well as visit the Dolomites. On the other hand, I suggest you stay in Merano if you have already visited Bolzano before, or you are looking for a relaxed stay in the Italian mountains and want to use the thermal facilities.

Other Things to Know about Meran Italy

Merano italy weather.

Notwithstanding its location in the Alps, Merano has a relatively mild weather, with warmer Summers than the surrounding cities and also less colder Winters.

Here are average temperatures for each month of the year.

• January: from -5 to 6°C (23-42°F)
• February: from -2 to 9°C (28-48°F)
• March: from 2 to 15°C (36-59°F)
• April: from 5 to 19°C (41-66°F)
• May: from 9 to 22°C (48-72°F)
• June: from 13 to 27°C (55-81°F)
• July: from 15 to 30°C (59-86°F)
• August: from 15 to 28°C (59-82°F)
• September: from 11 to 25°C (52-77°F)
• October: from 6 to 19°C (43-66°F)
• November: from -1 to 11°C (30-52°F)
• December: from -4 to 7°C (25 to 45°F)

Merano Winter

Although earlier I said that Merano shines in the warmer months, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience it during Winter. If you like Salzburg in Winter, or love to warm up at the thermal baths, enjoy delicious cakes from strudel to Sacher torte, and want a less crowded skiing experience you should consider visiting Merano after Christmas.

Merano language

Like most cities and towns in South Tyrol, Meran is a bilingual city with two official languages – Italian and German. That’s reflected not only in the fact that many locals can speak both but also in the public signs and other public information – displayed in both languages.

Merano Wine Festival

Although not as famous as Tuscany when it comes to wines, the Alto Adige area has gained recent acclaim, particularly for its award-winning white wines. Merano and its surroundings produce internationally renowned varieties like Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Kerner.

Merano also takes pride in two local red wines: Lagrein , a robust, fruity wine perfect for pairing with venison, and Schiava , with its bright ruby color, fruity aroma, and light, soft finish. Schiava is traditionally enjoyed during the South Tyrolean snack (Marende), featuring speck, sausage, and cheese.

The region also excels in producing high-quality Pinot Nero and Merlot varieties.

For 32 years in a row, Merano has been hosting a wine festival every November, and it’s not a simple local festival but an international one where over 5000 wines from different parts of the world are tasted and judged to receive the Wine Hunter Award.

Anyone can attend the Festival and the ticket price starts at €130. Apart from experiencing a large exhibition of wines, you can also attend wine masterclasses, WineHunter talks, and expert-guided wine tastings. The best part is that the profits will be donated to the Missionary Group of Merano to fund projects in South Africa. You can find  more about it here .

Merano Grape Festival

The Merano Grape Festival, a celebration that repeats itself since 1886, combines South Tyrolean traditions with contemporary flair. Taking place in October , the festival presents a vibrant array of events showcasing the authentic and youthful spirit of this historic occasion. Visitors can explore the Merano market, featuring local products, and indulge in autumn dishes blending northern and southern influences.

The festival is also a feast for wine enthusiasts, offering a selection of fine wines from the Burggrafenamt region. Alpine music echoes through the town center on Sunday, with concerts by South Tyrolean young music bands. The highlight is the annual parade, featuring bands and organizations in traditional costumes with a lively procession starting at the Vinschgauer Gate or Porta Venosta.

What to Eat in Merano

With all the walking trails mentioned in this article, you are going to have plenty of options for a picnic. As for where to have that picnic, you can find great seating with views of the Passeier Promenade near the Kurhaus, as it has many benches overlooking the river.

Local foods to pick up for your picnic include:

• Meraner wurst
• Local speck
• Stelvio cheese
• Lagrein cheese
• Mela Alto Adige
• Schuttelbrot
• Meraner Torte

Best Hotels in Merano Italy 

If you are going to Merano for longer than one day, to attend the wine festival or spend the week in full bliss, you’ll likely need a hotel. Here are the best ones:

Relais & Chateaux Hotel Castel Fragsburg (Luxury Castle)

This has to be la creme de la creme in Merano , or as we say in Italian “il meglio del meglio”. Located 15 15-minute car drive from the center of Merano, this hotel offers unbelievable panoramic mountain views, a real castle setting with the high standards that Relais & Chateaux hotels are known for, gourmet cuisine, and an excellent wellness center.

Price per night: starting from €800 per room

Hotel Palace Merano 

If you want to experience luxury accommodation right in the center of Merano then this one is a better option than my first suggestion. Although not set in a castle, the hotel is located in a beautiful historic building and has been operating since the early 1900s. You can expect lavish interiors and beautiful curated gardens, just a few steps from the famous Sissi promenade.

Price per night: starting from €600 per room

Hotel Terme Merano

Those looking for a more luxurious stay focused on relaxation might want to stay at the Hotel Terme di Merano. You’ll be benefiting from all the amenities including private parking, two wellness centers, and two swimming pools, three restaurants all along spectacular mountain views.

Price per night: starting from €500 per room

Kuntino Suites

Guests rate it as exceptional on Booking.com. With its clean, very Nordic curated interiors this can be the perfect spot for those wanting more space than a small hotel room can offer. Yet you don’t have to sacrifice on location, seeing that it’s located right in a historic building in the center.

Price per night: starting from €200 per room

Guesthouse diWine

If you like trendy hotels, this sustainable bed and breakfast near the train station is the spot for you. With its mix of Nordic and eclectic interiors, it offers a comfortable stay in style. 

Price per night: starting from €180 per room

Hotel Aurora

Located right on the river Passiero, along the famous promenade, and just opposite the thermal baths this is ideal for those looking for a more budget-friendly hotel than the Terme ones but still close to the thermal baths and all the amenities Merano has to offer.

Price per night: starting from €120 per room

Day Trips Around Merano

One of the aspects I love the most about this part of Italy is the easy access to the mountain towns via cable car. If you too enjoy that experience, you’ll be pleased to know that many cable car day trips can be planned from Merano .

The best two (in my opinion) are the ones I listed in my second itinerary, Merano to Tirolo and Merano to Scena Mountain. Other ones you may want to look into are:

• Merano 2000
• Rio Lagundo
• Schwemmalm 
• Val Senales Glacier
• Unterstell Naturno

How Do You Get to Merano Italy?

Now that you know a lot about Merano, you can make up your mind whether to visit it or not. If you do, here’s all the info you need to get there.

Here are the best ways to get to Merano from other parts of the region or other Northern cities.

Milan to Merano

It takes roughly the same time to travel from Milan to Merano by car and by train, although the train involves a stop in Peschiera del Garda.

Bolzano to Merano

You can reach Merano from the capital city of Bolzano in just 30 minutes by car or 40 40-minute direct train ride. If you choose the train option, it’s important to note that your Bolzano Card can also be used on all regional trains heading to Merano. Don’t forget to stamp each card both ways before boarding the train. You can find the stamping machines inside the train station’s main hall.

Verona to Merano

Getting into Merano by car will take you about 2 hours from Verona Airport or the center, whereas the train ride from the center takes nearly 2.5 hours and requires a stop in Bolzano.

Bologna to Merano

The train ride from Bologna involves stopping in Bolzano and takes around 3.5 hours, which is similar to the time taken to drive there.

Best Airports to Fly into Merano

Both Verona and Bolzano are also great cities to fly into from European countries, whereas Milan and Venice are better options if you are coming from the US and other continents.

Final Thoughts on the City of Merano

From its historic squares and bridges to the flower-filled Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle to invigorating walks in Alpine foothills, Merano delivers visual splendor and simple pleasures at every turn. With thermal baths to soothe both body and mind after days spent exploring, it’s easy to understand why Sissi returned year after year.

If you are planning a South Tyrol vacation, check out these other guides:

Seceda Mountain Peak Day Trip

Brixen Town (aka Bressanone)

Frequently Asked Questions About Merano

Yes, Merano is absolutely worth visiting for its mild climate, beautiful mountain setting, historic architecture, relaxing thermal baths, scenic walking trails, and gardens. It offers a blend of natural and cultural attractions.

Is Merano expensive?

Compared to other Italian and European tourist destinations, Merano offers good value across travel categories like hotels, dining, sightseeing, and shopping. It is less expensive than places like Rome or Paris.

How do you get to Merano Italy?

You can reach Merano by car or train from cities like Bolzano (40 minutes), Milan (3.5 hours), Verona (2.5 hours), Venice, and Innsbruck. The closest airports are Verona, Innsbruck, Treviso, and Venice Marco Polo. 

What is Merano Italy known for?

Merano is best known for its spa resorts and mild climate, which attracted 19th century European nobility like Empress Elisabeth of Austria. It is also renowned for its picturesque mountain setting, scenic walking trails, cable cars, botanical gardens, and South Tyrolean cuisine.

What language do they speak in Merano Italy?

Merano is bilingual – most locals speak both Italian and German. All public signs and information are provided in both languages, reflecting Merano’s history and border location.  

Which is better Bolzano or Merano?

Both cities have distinct appeal. Bolzano offers more big city amenities while Merano has a more small-town charm and stronger spa identity. Merano feels more like an Austrian/Germanic town. Bolzano may suit first-time visitors better while Merano appeals more as a relaxing retreat.

When should I visit Merano? 

Merano is beautiful from spring through fall, especially May through October when the walking trails and gardens thrive. You can still visit in winter to enjoy Christmas markets, thermal baths, and Austrian-style cafés but some attractions are closed.

What is the meaning of Merano?

The name Merano likely derives from “Mairania”, stemming from the ancient Celtic Maira tribe that populated the region. It became an official city called “Mairania” in the 13th century under Tyrolean rule.   

What is the closest airport to Merano Italy?

The closest airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN), about 70 miles (113 km) away. Verona (VRN) and Treviso (TSF) airports in Italy are the next closest options, each about 150 miles (240 km) from Merano.

Does Merano have a train station? 

Yes, Merano has its own train station (Merano Maia) located in the Maia district. It offers frequent regional train connections on the Brenner railway line, including the higher-speed Frecciabianca service.

What is on in Merano Italy?

Popular Merano events include the Merano WineFestival each November and the town’s famed Christmas markets during Advent season. Summertime brings open-air concerts, food festivals spotlighting local cuisine, and late night shopping evenings with entertainment.

What is the history of Merano?  

Merano has ancient Roman roots but officially became the city of “Mairania” under Tyrolean rulers in the 1200s. Its history as a spa resort dates to the mid-1800s when Empress Sissi visited and boosted its profile across Europe. Key eras include medieval importance, a 19th century tourism boom, slowdown after the World Wars, and current status as a restored spa destination.

What are unique things to do in Merano?

Some unique activities in Merano include: – Hiking Tappeinerweg Trail for Alpine vistas  – Taking the Merano/Scena cable car for mountain views   – Exploring Castle Trauttmansdorff’s Halloween gardens event  – Relaxing in Terme Merano spa’s saltwater indoor pools – Walking the Sissi Promenades, beloved by Empress Elisabeth   – Sampling South Tyrolean cuisine like speck dumplings and apple strudel

Where to stay in Merano?

The best places to stay in Merano include central areas like Piazza Terme, Via Piave, and Corso della Libertà to be walking distance to top attractions. The Maia and Sinich districts offer affordable options near Nature Park, and Foro Boario Hotels provide spa access.

Why are there palm trees in Merano Northern Italy?

Merano’s palm trees and mild climate result from its uniquely sheltered location in the Adige Valley between the Ortles and Texel mountain groups. This protects it from northern winds and allows Mediterranean vegetation to thrive at its low elevation despite being in the Dolomites.

Is South Tyrol Italian or German? 

South Tyrol (Alto Adige in Italian) has historically been a point of cultural fusion between Italian and Germanic influences. It is an autonomous, Italian-speaking province in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Northern Italy with much Austro-Bavarian heritage still evident in its architecture and culture. Most inhabitants speak both Italian and German.

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• Inspirations Places to Experience Vacation planning in Merano and Environs

Historical Spa Town on the Passer River

🌼 Cosa c'è di meglio di festeggiare la giornata mondiale dedicata alle famiglie se non farlo tutti insieme ai bellissimi giardini Trauttmansdorff - Die Gärten / I Giardini / The Gardens? In primavera i Giardini di Castel Trauttmansdorff si presentano nella loro veste più affascinante e variopinta. Partecipando a svariati workshops in compagnia delle guide dei Giardini, i visitatori scopriranno i segreti del mondo delle piante, trasformandosi in veri e propri ricercatori. 😄 Il programma della giornata promozionale di primavera ai Giardini di Castel Trauttmansdorff prevede diverse attività in cui sarà possibile vedere, ascoltare, annusare, capire. Un‘occasione unica, per tutta la famiglia, di sperimentare da vicino la vita delle piante! 📆 26.05 👉🏻 Scopri di più: https://www.trauttmansdorff.it/it/Giornata-per-le-famiglie-in-primavera/SW10119 __ 🌼 Was gibt es Schöneres, als den Weltfamilientag gemeinsam in den wunderschönen Trauttmansdorff - Die Gärten / I Giardini / The Gardens zu feiern? 😄 Die Gartenführer*innen enthüllen bei verschiedenen Workshops die Geheimnisse der Pflanzenwelt und die Gäste selbst werden zu Forschenden. Der Frühlings-Aktionstag in den Gärten von Schloss Trauttmansdorff bietet ein vielfältiges Programm: sehen, hören, riechen, begreifen. Für die ganze Familie heißt es mitmachen und Pflanzen erleben! 📆 26.05. 👉🏻Mehr erfahren: https://www.trauttmansdorff.it/Familientag-im-Fruehling/SW10119 📸 Alexander Schechinger

🥳 Mancano ormai pochi giorni all'inizio della stagione estiva delle Terme di Merano. Il 15 maggio apre infatti il parco termale, cuore verde di quest'ultimo. All'interno del parco, da poco più di un anno, si trova l'esclusivo Bio Nature Pool, un laghetto innovativo immerso in un contesto di ben 52.000 metri quadrati di pura quiete e relax. Siete pronti ad immergervi in un'oasi di serenità e benessere, e a vivere momenti rigeneranti e indimenticabili? 🏊‍♂️🌿 Scopri di più: https://www.termemerano.it/it/highlighteventi/apertura-del-parco-termale-il-15-maggio __ 🥳 Es sind nur noch wenige Tage bis zum Beginn der Sommersaison in der Therme Meran. Am 15. Mai öffnet der Thermenpark, das grüne Herz dieser Oase, seine Pforten. Seit etwas mehr als einem Jahr gibt es im Park den exklusiven Bio Nature Pool, ein innovativer Teich, der auf 52.000 Quadratmetern Ruhe und Entspannung pur bietet. Seid ihr bereit, in eine Oase der Ruhe und des Wohlbefindens einzutauchen und unvergessliche Momente zu erleben? 🏊‍♂️🌿 👉🏻 Mehr Infos: https://www.termemerano.it/highlightsevents/eroeffnung-thermenpark-am-15-mai 📸 Manuel Kottersteger

Che cos'è il BiodiverCity Tour? 🤔 Si tratta di un tour di 17 tappe caratterizzato da luoghi d'ispirazione, angoli carichi di energia e meravigliosi punti panoramici. Insomma, entrerete in stretto contatto con il lato naturalistico di Merano 🌿🥰 🎧 Come ascoltarlo? Da oggi potete riprodurre l'audioguida direttamente da Spotify 🤩 Non trovate meraviglioso poter scoprire la biodiversità e gli spazi verdi della città individualmente, con i ritmi che preferite? 👉🏻 Maggiori informazioni: https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/it/merano/attivita-relax/benessere-vitalita/merano-vitae/merano-biodivercity-tour.html 🎧 Ascolta su Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4G7Wo8hD9OWwsVz035zR2n __ Die BiodiverCity Tour ist ein echtes Highlight! 😍 Es ist eine Tour mit 17 Etappen, die dich zu inspirierenden Orten, lebendigen Ecken und atemberaubenden Aussichtspunkten führt. Kurzum, du kommst in engen Kontakt mit der naturnahen Seite Merans 🌿🥰 🎧 Ab sofort kannst du den Audioguide direkt auf Spotify anhören und die Tour in deinem eigenen Tempo genießen 🤩 Ist das nicht einfach großartig, die Vielfalt und die grünen Oasen der Stadt ganz individuell zu entdecken? 👉🏻 Mehr Infos: https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/de/meran/aktiv-entspannen/wellness-vitalitaet/merano-vitae/meran-biodivercity-tour.html 🎧 Auf Spotify anhören: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3D5mMM5x5qJFGVmeFhnD1O 📸 IDM Südtirol/Marion Lafogler

📸 Simon Koy

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Experiences & events, holidays in the meran/merano and environs region.

Chic spa town and rustic valleys, palm trees and 3,000 m peaks, relaxation and health

The tradition of coming to Meran for health reasons is an old one. The ancient buildings are well-preserved and people's attitude to life is influenced by a Mediterranean atmosphere. Take time to relax and take care of yourself in this spa town.

You shouldn't miss this

Explore the mountains around the city in stages. Feel the southern lifestyle among blossoms and cypresses. Relax in the wellness temple and in nature. Discover cultural treasures on the mountain and in urban spaces.

The Spronser Lakes

Meran spring feeling

Trauttmansdorff

Tyrol Castle

Breathe the purest air

Active holiday, culture, enjoyment & relaxation

Find your accommodation

How about a charming room in the historic residence? A wellness hotel with exceptional architecture? A suite in a chic city hotel? Or a cosy place to sleep in a mountain refuge?

Places in the Meran and environs region

Expansive views, proximity to nature, its own climatic conditions or the fastest connection between city and mountain: in and around Meran, it's good to be anywhere. Find the right place for your holiday.

Experience the Meran/Merano and environs region

As far as the climate is concerned, the area around Meran is probably the most contrasting in spring: while there is still thick snow on the mountain peaks, you can already sit short-sleeved in the sun on the Meran Passer Promenade. The Texelgruppe range protects the valley basin so well that even apples, wine grapes and palm trees thrive here. How about a visit to one of the world’s most beautiful green spaces? Check out the  Gardens of Schloss Trauttmansdorff castle . The castle was once the residence of Meran's most dazzling spa guest, Empress Elisabeth of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Meran's past as a noble spa resort is shown by magnificent buildings like the Belle Époque, which combine harmoniously with the medieval arcades, Schloss Tirol castle and contemporary architecture. Nowadays, you can relax in the Terme Merano, breathe in some of the purest air at the Partschins Falls and hike up the Merano High Mountain Trail . Explore the original side valleys of Passeiertal valley, Schnalstal valley or Ultental valley with their listed farms. Our tip for horse lovers: a ride on a Haflinger horse, the mountain horse that originate from right here.

Experience something new every day

The merano high mountain trail.

In five to eight daily stages, experienced mountaineers cancut through around 100 km of the Texelgruppe Nature Park. Enjoy the sweeping views above Meran and the mountain landscape of Vinschgau/Val Venosta. On a clear day, you can even catch sight of the Dolomites and the Ortler massif.

What's on in Meran and environs?

Mild climate, agriculture characterised by fruit growing and viticulture, and an extraordinary flair for culture. The events here are based on this concept: from the Merano Flower Festival to the WineFestival and the Grape Festival.

Shopping in Meran

Hike on winter trails with your boots on or whizz down the immaculately groomed ski runs in Meran's surrounding area in the morning hours and enjoy some afternoon  shopping in South Tyrol's cities.  Meran has an enchanting old town with many archways and the popular Rennweg and Freiheitsstraße roads. Besides  natural alpine cosmetics , you can purchase arts and crafts, local food specialties or walk in fashion boutiques, traditional and sports stores.  When your shopping day has come to an end, you can sit in a cozy pub, restaurant or café.

Where to eat in Meran and environs?

What does your palate crave:  starred restaurants or a cuisine among stars? Meran can do both: creative interpretations in a gourmet restaurant, down-to-earth South Tyrolean dishes in a traditional inn or the Alpine pasture. The spa town with its southern flair is sophisticated, people meet for a “caffè al volo”, a quick coffee, or enjoy a relaxed aperitif in the sun. Here, the refreshing “Hugo” is undoubtedly one of them – after all, this cocktail was invented in Naturns/Naturno, next to Meran! Palate pleasures with a panoramic view are available at the numerous Alpine and mountain huts.

Produced in Meran and environs

How about a crisp apple? A glass of wine from the historic organic winery? Speck smoked ham from happy free-range pigs? Or a piece of handmade jewellery from the traditional town jeweller? In the Meran/Merano and environs region, as in the rest of South Tyrol, you will find a wide range of local, high-quality food and handcrafted articles for daily use and art. Lots of producers sell straight from the farm where you can sample the treats and get to know the producers. In this way, you will experience moments of delicious flavour as well as gaining exciting insider knowledge about the cultivation and processing. With a bit of luck, you can even look over the shoulders of craftsmen at work as they create jewellery, wooden sculptures and baskets while strolling through the village or town. Hand craftsmanship has a long-standing tradition in South Tyrol. High quality and durability are the primary factors, which are achieved through the use of proprietary manufacturing techniques and high-quality raw materials. This allows us to create products that are only available here.

Weather forecast & Webcams

Already look over the rooftops of the city or counting the peaks around it. These webcams will provide you with a live connection to selected places in South Tyrol. This way you can get a close-up overview of the region, weather or snow conditions from the comfort of your own home.

Your car-free summer holiday

For a comfortable and environmentally friendly travel to the Meran and environs region, find here the most relevant information. Buses, trains or taxis drop you off at your accommodation or hiking destination.

Travel by train

From South Tyrol's capital Bolzano/Bozen you can comfortably reach Meran/Merano and the surrounding area with a connecting train. Buses, trains or taxis drop you off at your accommodation or holiday destination.

On-site mobility

Once you get to your accommodation in the Meran and environs region, the  Südtirol Guest Pass  gives you unlimited access to the public transport across South Tyrol. Choose a different and evironmentally-friendly holiday.

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Must-see attractions in Merano (Meran)

Schloss Trauttmansdorff Gardens

Merano (Meran)

You could give an entire day to these beautiful botanical gardens a little outside Merano (and they do suggest it). Exotic cacti and palms, fruit trees…

Schloss Tirol

Clinging to a steep crag high above the Adige valley, the ancestral seat of the counts of Tyrol houses a dynamically curated museum of Tyrolean history,…

Schloss Tirol Bird Care Centre

Just below Schloss Tirol's entrance, this wildlife rescue centre rehabilitates injured birds of prey. There is a collection of eagles, vultures, hawks,…

Kunst Meran

Shows of high-profile international and regional artists are installed in this contemporary gallery, a thoughtful refiguring of a skinny medieval…

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Merano, Italy: places to visit and scenic highlights in and around Merano

Visit Merano

Merano is a spa town situated to the north-west of Bolzano , in the northern Trentino-Alto Adige region, located about 350 meters above sea level and among the Venosta, Passiria and Adige Valleys.

The town is more German-Austrian in feel than Italian, and is a pleasant place best known for it spa waters and treatments.

Explore Merano

Merano old centre is a calm and enjoyable place to explore, with colourful pastel-painted arcaded buildings lining the streets, and the town is attractively surrounded by rocky mountains and green valleys.

The town has a mild micro-climate which allows sub-tropical plants to grow and other plants to flourish. This can be seen best at the very impressive large gardens at Castle Trauttmansdorff.

The River Passirio passes through the town, and it is popular and pleasant to walk along the river banks - this is one of the best ways to enjoy Merano, because of the gardens that line the river. The so-called 'winter walk' and 'summer walk' along the river each lead to ancient bridges.

A tour of Merano

The center today is thought to be the site of the ancient Roman settlement called "Castrum Maiense," which was located in the current residential quarter of 'Maia Alta', where remains dating back to Roman times have been found.

The Street of Portici was built in the 13th century by Meinhard II, the Count of Tyrol. About 400 meters long and stretching from the Piazza Duomo to Piazza del Grano it is low-arched and supported by stone columns.

The building façades on this street date from various different periods, and inside you can glimpse the typical plan of the buildings with their stairways, courtyards and skylights.

From the Middle Ages on this important street was the centre activity in Merano, and the Mint was also located here between the 13th and 14th centuries.

The Chapel of St. Barbara is behind the apse of the Cathedral, and is a Gothic structure with an octagonal crypt downstairs. Inside the chapel, as well as vaulted ceilings, you will see the wooden altar painted with faux marble, with the altarpiece depicting Saint Barbara, by a local painter called Matthias Pussjäger (1654-1734).

The Piazza del Grano is at the bottom of Via dei Portici and once served as Merano marketplace. In 1310 the Convent of Poor Clares was founded: the church dedicated to Saint Catherine monastery was connected to a single-span covered bridge that crossed the Via delle Corse.

Today you can see cloister, with frescoes in the International Gothic style, detached from the ancient Church.

The Steinach quarter of Merano is based around the Duomo, the Passiria gate and the right bank of the Passirio River. Construction of the city began here in the 13th centuryand some of the buildings and palaces still retain their original character.

In particular, the roman style bridge, built in the 17th century, connects the Steinach quarter and the old part of town, with the walk called "Gilf" and the quarter of “Maia Alta”. This is the oldest bridge over the Passirio River.

Merano Cathedral itself is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron of traders, farmers and carters, and is near the commercial district, once the point of collection and sorting of goods from both the north and south.

The construction of Merano cathedral began in 1302 and lasted until the mid-15th century. It is a large gothic building with three naves. Outside, the south side was richly decorated and took on the function of the main church façade.

In 1271 Meinhard II erected the hospital and the adjoining Church of the Holy Spirit outside the city walls, and Sigismund of Austria (1427-1496) completed the work. This is a church with a longitudinal plan and a choir with a polygonal vault. The exterior features buttresses, while the façade is surmounted by a small bell tower with a pointed arch, decorated with symbols of the Trinity and the kneeling figures of the commissioners.

On the southern side is a 15th century fresco of Christ Crucified between Mary and St. John, by Ambrosius Gander. Inside there is a group of the Crucifixion from the mid-14th century, and also medallions that recall the flooding of the church from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.

Other religious buildings of great artistic value in Merano include the church of San Vigilio , with a gothic altar and 15th century frescoes, and the romanesque style Church of Santa Maria del Conforto , dating from the 12th century and containing a cycle of Byzantine-style frescoes.

Merano region

It is also Merano's location that is much of the attraction to visitors - both for the castles in the vicinity, and for the easy access to the impressive mountain ranges that it provides.

Just outside Merano the Trauttmansdorff castle is now a local Tourism Museum, and also has very picturesque gardens to explore that run down the slope of the hill below the castle to a small lake.

Two natural parks (Parco Naturale Gruppo del Tessa and Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio) and the Ortles mountain range are all close to hand, and offer numerous opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities such as mountain biking.

Local gastronomy

Be sure to sample some of the gastronomic specialties of the Upper-Adige region when you visit Merano, which offers various dishes in the Tyrolean and Italian tradition. The choice is very varied, appealing among them are the speck, cheeses, homemade bread, the "Weinsuppe" made with beef broth in cream and white wine, radishes and crunchy salads.

A traditional local sweet is the strudel, and in autumn you can sample "chestnuts with the ‘vino novello’ ("new wine"), a long-standing tradition of Upper- Adige.

See also history of Merano .

You can find more local travel ideas in and the Trentino-Alto Adige guide .

See also Find Merano hotels

Map of Merano and places to visit

Merano places to visit.

The town of Bolzano is in the lovely dolomite scenery of north-east Italy

Although it is quite a small town, Vipiteno is very pretty and also surrounded by attractive countryside

Tiso is a very traditional small village in the west of the Val di Funes

The medieval centre of Brixen and its attractive setting make Brixen a popular base for exploring

Ortisei, a town in the Val Gardena, is a popular dolomite ski centre

Val di Funes

The Val di Funes is a beautiful area of meadows and forested hills overlooked by the dolomites

...or see all our recommended places to visit in Trentino-Alto Adige

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Explore nearby places

• Tirolo / Dorf Tirol
• San Pancrazio
• San Martino in Passiria
• Castelbello-Ciardes
• San Leonardo in Passiria

All related maps of Merano

• Map of Merano
• Map of Marlengo
• Map of Tirolo / Dorf Tirol
• Map of Scena
• Map of Lagundo
• Map of Kuens
• Map of Cermes
• Map of Rifiano
• Map of Avelengo
• Map of Lana
• Map of Parcines
• Map of Postal
• Map of Rabla
• Map of Saltusio
• Map of Verano
• Map of Plaus
• Map of Gargazzone
• Map of San Pancrazio
• Map of Tesimo
• Map of Meltina
• Map of Naturno
• Map of Vilpiano
• Map of San Martino in Passiria
• Map of Nals
• Map of Stava
• Map of Sarentino
• Map of Terlano
• Map of Castelbello-Ciardes
• Map of San Leonardo in Passiria
• Map of Ultimo
• Map of Senale

Merano throughout the year

• Merano in January
• Merano in February
• Merano in March
• Merano in April
• Merano in May
• Merano in June
• Merano in July
• Merano in August
• Merano in September
• Merano in October
• Merano in November
• Merano in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Merano?

Get inspired for your trip to Merano with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Merano Itinerary
• 2-Day Merano Itinerary
• 3-Day Merano Itinerary
• 4-Day Merano Itinerary
• 5-Day Merano Itinerary

Weather in Merano

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Things to do in Merano, Italy (Bolzano)

Travel Blog Last Updated · Dec 5th, 2022 [post_author_posts_link] · [post_comments before=""] -->

Welcome to this guide on things to do in Merano, Italy.

Merano is one of the main centers of South Tyrol, based in the Trentino Alto Adige region, in the province of Bolzano, north of Italy.

It’s also called the ‘ pearl of South Tyrol ‘ and it’s quite popular for the Christmas Markets , attracting visitors from all over Europe.

Merano is a great starting point to reach the best ski slopes, go trekking and soak in all the beauty of the wonderful natural landscapes around this area.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Merano

Merano offers a wide range of things to see and do. Starting from architectural and historical attractions such as castles, towers and museums based in the heart of the alpine town.

Learn all about the best things to do in Merano and how to get there, below.

Is Merano worth visiting?

• Since the second half of the 19th century, Merano has been an important health and holiday resort , thanks to its mild climate, the quality of the air and its thermal waters. Since 2005 you access the Merano Thermal Baths , located on the banks of the Passirio river. The perfect place where to relax and unwind after a long day of trekking.
• Merano’s surrounding area is packed with paths and walks accessible directly from the city center . The hiking trails wind for 18 kilometers, can be used all year round. Among the most known and popular routes we find the Tappeiner walk, also known as the ‘Sissi path’, and the numerous paths of the canals, the ‘Waalwege’, with easy walks for the family, and challenging multi-day mountain hikes. Breathtaking views of the Dolomites are guaranteed!
• Merano’s cuisine is a mix of Alpine and Mediterranean recipes . Among the best products you can taste here, there are: the trout of the Passirio river, top quality cured meats and among all the famous speck , a wide variety of fresh and aged cheeses the ‘ canederli ‘, traditional alpine dumplings. To conclude, a must-eat sweet food is the apple strudel and the Kaiserschmarrn, the ‘sweet omelette of the Emperor’.

How to get to Merano italy?

The closest airport to Merano is the Bolzano/Bozen (BZO) which is 19Km away from the town. It’s a small airport and the airline flying here is SkyAlps .

Bolzano is connected to some cities in Germany like Hamburg and Berlin, Billung in Denmark, Antwerp in Belgium during winter time and Copenhagen.

You can also reach the airport from Italian cities like Lamezia Terme in Calabria and Brindisi in Puglia. The other closest airports are Venice Treviso, Verona, Venice and Milan Bergamo.

From these airports or if coming from other parts of northern Italy, you’ll drive or get a train . For most travelers hiring a car is the best way to arrive as it gives you chance to explore nearby nature or go hiking outside Merano.

You can also get there by train from different cities, but it will require some changes. The city from where you can change train to Merano is Bolzano .

The best city to start your journey (that’s also served by an international airport) is Verona, from where you can get a train to Bolzano and change just once to get to Merano.

7 Things to do in Merano

Merano is a town, therefore you won’t need more than a day to visit its historical city centre, but if you start adding a few more attractions based just outside it and go hiking, it would be better to spend a night or two.

Here you can find a list of 7 things to do in Merano that will make you fall in love with this enchanting town in the mountains.

Merano Portici

In the heart of the historical city center, one of the first things to do in Merano is a walk along via dei Portici , or ‘Laubengasse’. This road, divided in two, is one of the oldest in the town , with around 800 years of history.

One part is towards the mountain and is known as ‘Portici di Montagna’ (mountain porticoes) and another part is towards the Passirio river and is known as ‘Portici d’Acqua’ (water porticoes).

The porticoes were built in the Middle Ages when the city was born and via dei Portici is 400 meters long, the longest porticoed street in the Tyrol region. On the ground floor, you can now find a lot of shops, bars and restaurants.

On the upper floors, there are houses dating back to different centuries. If you’re looking for a cozy place to stay just in the middle of via dei Portici, we recommend the spacious flats Augustiner in Meran.

River Passirio Promenade

The river Passirio promenade develops along the bank of the Passirio river, from the Ponte della Posta to the Ponte del Teatro.

It is the most popular walk in town , shaded by trees and by the Kurhaus , a symbol of the thermal Merano and venue of congresses, music and cultural events, built-in 1874.

The promenade is dotted by beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and small flower gardens , some of them planted with tall palm trees.

Here you can also find the great sign of Merano, that visitors like taking pictures of. The Lungopassirio promenade is one of the oldest in the whole town, dating back to the 19th century.

Merano Terme

The Terme di Merano is one of the largest spas in Italy and a tourist resort for tourists coming from all over the country.

The spa center is particularly famous because Elizabeth of Bavaria, better known as Princess Sissi, used to spend her time here during her stay at the Trauttmansdorff Castle to carry out thermal treatments.

In total there are 15 indoor and 10 outdoor swimming pools , saunas with outdoor areas and an exclusive wellness area with some relaxation areas.

There are different wellness packages you can choose from, like the ‘brunch and terme’ or the ‘aperitivo and terme’ one!

The normal day pass for the thermal baths for an adult costs 23,50 euros and 15,50 euros for children aged 4-14. Learn more about the Merano Terme offer, from their website.

Castel Trauttmansdorff and Gardens

Trauttmansdorff Castle is one of the other things to do in Merano that you can’t miss. Located a few kilometers from the city center, you can reach it within a 45-minute walk. It’s existed since the 14th century when it was known as Neuberg.

The name changed when the Count of Styria Joseph von Trauttmansdorff bought in 1846, making several changes and expansions with the addition of large gardens and neo-Gothic elements. The castle is the first neo-Gothic structure in Tyrol .

Today, there is also the Touriseum , the tourism museum, that covers 250 years of this region’s tourism history.

Since 2001 the surrounding gardens have been opened as a botanical garden divided into natural landscapes and thematic areas to exhibit plants from all over the world. There’s an area dedicated to South Tyrol’s flora.

Steinach Quarter

The Steinach quarter is the oldest district of Merano , and extends between Porta Passiria and Piazza Duomo. It’s a bit run-down area, but that’s where its charm lies on too.

Here you can spot old shop signs where the houses’ plaster is peeling. This area of Merano was built in the 12th century and is characterized by narrow streets that pass between tall buildings in the South Tyrolean style .

Here is also the Santer Klause restaurant, and the court of Merano used to gather here from the early Middle Ages. There are two streets, the ‘Passeirer Gasse’, with ancient buildings, and the ‘Hallergasse’ with both modern and old buildings.

Tappeiner Promenade

The Tappeiner Walk is a 6 kilometers pedestrian path that owes its name to the botanist Franz Tappeiner, who wanted it, so his patients can walk along it.

It runs along Monte Benedetto da Quarazze up to Castel San Zeno. Reaching it is simple thanks to several routes completed completely on foot.

During the walk, you can enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and local and foreign trees like the domestic pines, Himalayan cedars, olive trees, eucalyptus, magnolia and bamboo. One of the best route you can take is the one that leads from the Powder Tower to the historical city centre.

Powder Tower

The Powder Tower is one of the main attractions and the best things to do in Merano, and that’s because of the incredible panorama you can admire from the top of it.

The tower is an ancient Roman structure 28 meters high built on a rock and used as a viewing platform that can be reached by climbing the modern staircase.

In the past it was used as watchtower and during the Middle Ages, the walls have been reinforced.

From the top of it, it’s possible to enjoy a wonderful view over the whole city , the well-preserved city walls of the ancient city and the Val d’Adige surrounded by the peaks of the Tessa mountain range .

This is a list of some of the best things to do in Merano that we hope can come in handy when visiting it.

The lovely town nestled between the mountains is a great escape from visiting bigger cities in Italy.

If you’re looking for a place where to unwind and reconnect with nature surrounded by mountains, then you should definitely visit Merano.

For extra inspiration on how to spend 2 weeks in Italy from north to south and how to not miss all the best this country has to offer, read our blog.

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Alto Adige: Merano amid castles, Art Nouveau buildings and spas

Visiting it is a pleasure, for its rich vegetation , as well as for its architecture , from the   castles  and medieval porticoes  to the Art Nouveau  buildings and the more modern cubic building of the thermal baths .

We propose a tour of the city, a mix of the Belle Époque and the   contemporary,  which will show you a new soul.

Trauttmansdorff Castle and Botanical Gardens

Even Princess Sissi , Empress of Austria, stayed here. It is the mighty Trauttmansdorff Castle , originally a fortress, later transformed and enlarged in the first half of the 16th century by the noble family from which it gets its name.

The building, now home to the Alpine arch museum dedicated to the history of tourism , the Touriseum , fascinates with its architecture, enriched over time with neo-Gothic elements, and with the fact that it looks like a natural amphitheatre on a 12-hectare flower-filled expanse. Surrounding the castle are the colourful Botanical Gardens , with no fewer than 80 varieties of plants, including exotic and Mediterranean. A spectacle for the eyes, blending in with the snow-capped peaks. All visible from the rooms of the castle.

Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle

Tyrol castle: cultural history museum and memorial tower in the keep.

Dominating the city from above is the Tyrol Castle , the historic residence of the Counts of Tyrol who named the entire region in which it stands. More than nine centuries of construction phases and the surrounding wall , among the oldest in history, make this structure a valuable testimony to the past.

Today, the castle houses the Cultural History Museum of the Province of Bozen/ Bolzano , where you can visit the southern palace with its famous Romanesque portals , the frescoes in the two-storey chapel and the wedding chamber of Margaret of Tyrol-Gorizia .

Worthy of special attention is the donjon with its Memorial Tower , which presents a permanent exhibition on the history of South Tyrol , which can also be visited via a virtual tour .

Tyrol Castle

Medieval porticoes: Merano's merchant street

A double, low arched corridor supported by stone columns. This is Merano's Via dei Portici , the nerve centre of the town's medieval trade.

The porticoes stretch for about 400 metres, from Piazza Duomo to Piazza del Grano and have façades decorated with ornaments of different styles .

Packed with shops, they retain their former mercantile nature and are now a true shopper's paradise : under the medieval porticoes , you can indulge in textiles and foodstuffs, handicrafts and clothing, but also satiate your appetite in the many bars, pubs and restaurants.

Kurhaus: elegance and charm in Art Nouveau style

Among the symbols of the South Tyrolean city is the Kurhaus , one of the most famous Art Nouveau masterpieces in the entire Alpine area.

Overlooking the Passer Promenade in the centre of Merano, an attractive location. The dome, the large terrace and the Three Graces on the roof lend elegance to the exterior; the majestic interior staircase, the sumptuous Kursaal hall with its frescoed ceiling, the Rotunda and the gallery make it a suitable site for conventions, concerts and more. During Advent, the Kurhaus is transformed into the atmospheric backdrop of the Christmas Market .

Terme Merano: care, nature, wellness

Although it is a modern building with an original cubic plan of glass and steel, it blends harmoniously into its surroundings. Merano Thermal Baths , located on the south bank of the River Passer, much more than just a wellness centre . Immersed in nature, set in a 50,000 square metre park, amidst ancient trees, palm trees and rose gardens.

It is the transparency of the structure that allows a close connection between the inside and the outside environment, also providing a refreshing view of the surrounding mountains.

All treatments are made from local products : apples, grapes, hay, whey, wool and chestnut.

Merano Thermal Baths

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Bliss in the Alps: The Top 7 Things to Do in Merano (Meran)

UPDATED: January 4, 2024

Merano (Meran) is an elegant mountain town in South Tyrol that mesmerizes you at first sight. Its pairing of historic splendor with soaring natural beauty is unrivaled in Italy. Discover the best things to do in Merano so you can get the most out of your visit.

Nestled in the shadow of the Alps, lies Merano (or Meran, if you prefer) — a town so seductively beautiful it has left poets spilling ink by the barrel for centuries. It’s here, in the heart of South Tyrol, that the raw, majestic power of Alpine peaks collides with the lush allure of the Mediterranean, conjuring a stark contrast that seems almost beyond the realms of fantasy. But it’s not just nature’s handiwork that leaves you awe-struck; it’s also how South Tyroleans dared to enhance these mountains, creating something that even nature might envy.

Here, snow-capped peaks thunder over palm-studded avenues and arbored vineyards tumble into the valley as if sprung from the gates of mountain-perched castles and chapels. Every step in Merano offers the fascination of antiquity and the elemental wonder of nature. The historic architecture bejeweling the town appears embowered in greenery that is in a perpetual state of blossom.

Merano is where we fell in love with South Tyrol. And after your first visit, we’re certain “Tyrol’s sweet paradise” , as it was called ages ago, will too hold a special place in your heart.

⇒ Plan Your Merano Visit: Grab our South Tyrol + Dolomites Travel Guide

CONTENTS OVERVIEW

A Brief History of Merano

1) visit merano’s medieval heart, 2) stroll merano’s lush promenades, 3) explore the gardens of trauttmansdorff, 4) relax at merano’s thermal baths & pools, 5) storm a mountainside castle, 6) wander a waalweg, 7) enliven your festive spirit, where to stay in merano.

Before we elaborate on the things to do in Merano, it’s worth sharing a bit of the town’s history so you can fully appreciate its importance to South Tyrol.

Merano’s roots go deep. The discovery of menhirs (ancient manmade standing stones) and other archaeological unearthings reveal that the Merano area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. This is no surprise really as Ötzi the Iceman , a man preserved in the ice for 5,300 years, was found by hikers in 1991 in the Ötztal Alps, which is less than 30 miles from Merano.

The next significant historical record of Merano arises nearly 3,000 years later in 15 B.C. when the Roman Empire established a military encampment called Statio Maiensis near the point where South Tyrol’s Passer and Etsch Rivers meet. This camp resided along the Via Claudia Augusta, the ancient Roman road that led legions through the Alps for centuries. It extended for more than 400 miles stretching from the Danube River in Germany past Lago di Resia, the sight of the famous sunken bell tower of Curon , all the way through South Tyrol to the city of Trento where the road forks.

Historical documents from 857 A.D. indicate the town was originally called Mairania and eventually became known as Meran and Merania by the 1300s. By then, Merano emerged as the heart and soul of Tyrol , which was at the time an estate of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 13th century, the powerful Counts of Tyrol declared Merano the capital of the realm for a period of time.

In the 1870s, Empress Elisabeth “Sissi” of Austria, one of the great beauties of 19th-century Europe, expressed fondness for the health virtues of Merano. Soon after, the town began to flourish as a spa resort destination for which it is still famous today — and rightly so.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Merano?

The abundance of things to do in Merano makes it a destination worthy of a lengthy stay while in South Tyrol. Merano lies in Val d’Adige — a wide valley basin blessed with a Mediterranean microclimate that is rare amid Alpine terrain. The valley is sheltered by four different mountain ranges: the Ötztal Alps, the Texel Group, the Sarntal Alps and the Val d’Ultimo Mountains.

This entire area has traditionally been known as Burggrafenamt (Burgraviato) , a name born from the Middle Ages when the region was ruled by the burggrafen (castle lords) of Tyrol Castle. The Burggrafenamt district of South Tyrol brims with enthralling sights and activities, which we will also highlight. After all, a visit to Merano should include more than the town itself.

Of all the things to do in Merano, meandering the old-world heart of the town is a must to savor its artwork, history, marketplaces and streetside cafes. You could wander aimlessly over its cobblestones and encounter a cultural treasure to admire at practically every turn.

Upon arriving in town, we recommend beginning your Merano visit by taking a long leisurely walk along the Laubengasse (also known as the Via Portici). This is the oldest street in Merano. It showcases 800 years of architecturally rich history and charms walkers with its undeniable medieval character.

The Laubengasse is distinguished by arcaded shops on both sides of the street. The arcades were built in the middle of the 13th century to house the shops of merchants and craftsmen. One side of the Laubengasse side is known as the Berglauben because its back is to the mountains and the other side is known as Wasserlauben since it lies in the direction of the Passer River. In the 15th century, an imperial ordinance decreed that German-owned and Italian-owned shops must be on opposite sides of the street.

The shops of the Laubengasse sell everything from luxury branded footwear, clothing and jewelry to South Tyrolean delicacies such as speck and of course rows upon rows of delicious local wines and grappa. Also dotted along the Laubengasse are restaurants and cafes inviting you to relax with a drink or meal between shop visits.

The Laubengasse eventually leads to the Piazza Duomo (Pfarrplatz), the main square of Merano’s historic center, where you will find the soaring Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicolo or Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus), the symbol of Merano and the town’s patron saint. Its iconic Gothic steeple commands admiration above the rooftops from many viewpoints in and around Merano.

The first documented mention of the St. Nicholas Church was in 1266; however, it is thought the church dates to as early as 1170. In 1302, the citizens of Merano partially demolished the existing church and began constructing a larger one to take its place. The construction of the church took more than 160 years to complete. It was finally consecrated in 1465.

Erecting the church’s 272 ft. (83 meters) bell and clock tower took even longer. Its construction began in the 15th century and took more than three centuries to finish. Interestingly, the tower possesses a total of seven clockworks and seven bells.

As you approach the southern wall of St. Nicholas, you will see a colorful and vivid mural of St. Christopher that is more than two stories tall. It dates to the late-Gothic period and was repainted in 1896 following the traces of the original strokes.

The St. Nicholas Church is as imposing on the inside as it is from the outside. Ten mammoth pillars support the vaulted rib ceiling and both the nave and choir are illuminated by seven alluring stained-glass windows. After you are done gazing upward, bring your eyes to the floor. It is a dazzling mosaic masterpiece.

Throughout the church are prominent works of Christian art too numerous to list here. Particularly impressive is a statue of St. Nicholas raising his right hand in blessing. It dates to 1340 and can be found on the church’s south wall.

When finished visiting the interior, walk around the exterior of the church to study the hypnotic ancient gravestones and faded frescoes adorning the walls. Beneath the tower is an arched passageway featuring an intriguing mural of St. John Matha and St. Felix of Valois kneeling before a Trinitarian cross, the symbol of the religious order they founded in 1198.

Behind the St. Nicholas Church, you will also encounter the octagon-shaped Chapel of St. Barbara, which is a Gothic-style burial chapel added to the Piazza Duomo in 1450. Inside are two beautiful Baroque altars with glass reliquaries housing a decorated skeleton of a martyr from the catacombs in Rome.

Between these altars is a wood-carved Gothic winged altar of the Madonna that is utterly striking. Looking up you can also admire one of the oldest star-vaulted ceilings in South Tyrol. In the center is a keystone with a portrait of St. Barbara from 1440.

From the Piazza Duomo heading towards the Passer River, you will arrive at another medieval landmark of Merano. The Bozener Tor is one of three medieval gates still standing in the town. Similar to other cities and towns in the Middle Ages, the gates were erected as towers and served as defensive fortifications.

The Bozener Tor (Porta Bolzano) was once part of a stone wall built between the 14th and 17th centuries that surrounded Merano. The gate owes its name to Bolzano as it leads in the direction of the city. On the south face of the tower, you can admire sculpted coats of arms of Merano, Tyrol and Austria. Above this emblem is a fresco depicting the coat of arms of the House of Habsburgs, one of the most dominant dynasties in European history. A room inside the tower is called the “hangman’s room”. Supposedly, the executioner of the valley liked to stay here at one time.

Passing through the gate brings you to the Piazza della Rena (Sandplatz), the next major historic square in Merano. Today, the Piazza della Rena is mostly used to host special events including the Historic Christmas Village, which is a part of Merano’s Christmas Market.

On the far side of the square is the Mariensäule, the oldest monument in Merano. This stunning white marble statue shows the Virgin Mary atop a snake-coiled globe, demonstrating victory over sin. Above her head is a halo of golden stars and near her feet a golden crescent moon; both common symbols of apocalyptic art. Local residents donated the Baroque statue in 1706 out of gratitude that the town was spared from raids during the battle between Tyrol and Bavaria in 1703.

Merano is tailor-made for walkers, amblers and hikers. No other town in South Tyrol possesses so many lush and elegant walking trails. Merano boasts six exquisite promenades to explore. These pleasant footpaths were created more than 150 years ago and have lost none of their romantic appeal.

Merano’s promenades wind through and high above the town offering sweeping views of the valley one moment and a lavish encounter with a kaleidoscope of flowers and exotic vegetation the next. They also continue your journey through the area’s magical past. In addition to strolling by age-old villas and palaces, the promenades carry you to a number of historic sights such as the 400-year-old Ponte Romano (Steinerner Steg) stone arched footbridge, the austere Gothic Church of Santo Spirito, and the riveting Evangelical Church of Christ set along the Passer River.

The most popular promenade is the Tappeinerweg. It stretches 3+ miles along the face of Küchelberg mountain to the village of Gratsch, which sits near Tyrol Castle and Brunnenburg Castle. For a momentous view of Merano be sure to climb to the top of the Pulverturm (Powder Tower) located on the promenade. This medieval tower is all that is left of the Ortenstein Castle, a once notable fortress from the 13th century.

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If there is one destination that will leave an enduring impression of Merano’s favored position on the sunny side of the Alps, it’s the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. The bounty of flora and forest you will eye here is staggering. Plants from all over the world flourish at these spectacular botanical gardens.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle unfold beneath a crenelated palace first mentioned in 1327. More than 80 different garden landscapes thrive atop 30 acres, which can be enjoyed via four circuit trails and three panoramic paths. The views paired with sweet floral aromas are intoxicating.

Amid the gardens’ 5,800+ different species, you can also wander Italy’s northernmost olive grove, as well as a vineyard showcasing South Tyrol’s traditional pergola training system for grapevines. The vines planted here are dedicated to preserving ancient grape varieties of the region.

A wonderful way to reach the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle is by taking a soul-mending walk along Sissi’s Path. This promenade honors Empress Elisabeth who considered walking among her favorite things to do in Merano. The path begins in the town center and requires about a 45-minute journey. In addition to running through Elisabeth Park where you can admire the snow-white statue of Sissi, it includes eleven points of interest highlighting Merano’s fabled history.

See our complete guide to the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle for details on how and when to visit.

You cannot walk Merano without noticing the Terme Merano (Therme Meran). In the heart of the town’s wondrous antiquity lies this ultra-modern oasis of wellbeing. While one might think it is out of place amid the cobblestoned avenues of Merano, it stands as a beautiful testament to South Tyroleans’ keen sense for stylish design.

Designed by Matteo Thun , a renowned architect from South Tyrol, Terme Merano features a grand cube of glass that floods its 15 indoor pools with natural light. In addition to the pools, the wellness complex offers a variety of saunas, steam baths and a spa facility where you can enjoy massages, body treatments and more.

Behind the building are 10 outdoor pools situated in such a manner that you feel as if you have been transported to a remote mountain resort. Between dips in the pools, you can sunbathe beneath palm trees surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens and a lily pond where turtles demonstrate the proper way to sunbathe.

The relaxing ambiance alone is enough to justify a visit; however, what makes Terme Merano truly special are the therapeutic properties of its thermal water. We were fascinated to discover that the facility sources its water from nearby Mt. Vigiljoch. Within the stony depths of the mountain is a spring gifting crystal-clear, mineral-rich water proven to have a calming and pain-relieving effect.

Terme Merano is open year-round and makes it easy to visit by providing towels and bathrobes for rent. If you are wondering about things to do in Merano when it rains, go here. We recommend at least half a day to fully appreciate the Alpine wellness benefits Terme Merano offers.

Few spectacles grip the imagination like a castle enthroning a mountainside. Dozens of such haunts punctuate the slopes in and around Merano, but there are four medieval strongholds we find most captivating.

The first castle you should not miss is the one that furnished the name for the entire region: Tyrol Castle. The ancestral seat of the Counts of Tyrol, it has braved the Alps for nearly 1,000 years.

From whatever side you approach Tyrol Castle, you are at once struck by its commanding position atop a glacial moraine. It looms more than 2,000 ft. (600+ meters) above the valley.

Our favorite way to reach the castle is by hiking along the Tappeiner Promenade highlighted above. This route also allows you to admire another medieval gem tucked just beneath Tyrol Castle.

The Brunnenburg Castle appears plucked from the pages of a storybook . Built nearly 800 years ago, the castle entrances walkers with its ivy-clad walls and romantic pose enveloped by steep vineyards and orchards.

Both Tyrol Castle and Brunnenburg Castle can be toured. See our post about Tyrol Castle and Brunnenburg Castle to learn more about the wonders they hold inside.

A castle in Merano even more romantic in character than Brunnenburg is Castel Rametz . Perched on a hill ripe with grapevines at the edge of Merano’s Obermais district, Castel Rametz looks as if only souls as regal as Empress Elisabeth should set foot inside. Fortunately for commoners like us, the castle is also a winery and welcomes all to sip the fruit of its vines.

If you wish to stay in Merano but still want to experience the enchantment of a castle, you are in luck. The Prince’s Castle is one of the best-preserved castles in South Tyrol and is nestled in Merano’s old town right before the beginning of the Laubengasse.

The Archduke of Austria commissioned the castle’s construction in the 15th century and it became the royal residence of the Prince of Tyrol in 1470. From the outside, the Prince’s Castle is certainly much more modest than that of the castles mentioned above; however, the inside is a captivating time capsule of life in the Middle Ages. Walking through you can study a treasure of medieval artifacts and artwork including everything from musical instruments to weaponry and furniture fit for a future king.

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The Waalweg trails of South Tyrol are among our favorite hikes in the region. These panoramic paths run along ancient irrigation channels that were carved into the mountainsides beginning in the 13th century. They continue to vivify many of the vineyards and orchards around Merano to this day.

Beyond the breathtaking scenery you encounter on a Waalweg, what makes them a true joy to walk is the tranquil melody of rushing water by your side. Something you do not always find in the Dolomites . The delightful babble serves as the world’s friendliest hiking guide.

There are several Waalweg trails located around Merano. The three we return to time and time again are the Algunder Waalweg, the Marlinger Waalweg and the Schenner Waalweg. All of these hiking trails are easy to walk and can be rambled throughout the year.

The closest Waalweg to Merano is the Alugunder. It is also the most scenic Waalweg in our opinion. The path sweeps you through an abundance of vineyards and woodland above the village of Algund all the way to Tyrol Castle.

The Marlinger and Schenner Waalwegs are like experiencing a romantic medieval poem by foot. The Marlinger is the longest Waalweg and leads you past the magnificent Lebenberg Castle — a 13th-century fortress that rivets the imagination from its vineyard-vaulted perch. The Schenner Waalweg , located to the north of Merano, winds through forests and fields, past mountain farms to the Church of St. George — one of the oldest in the Alps.

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Merano is alive with celebrations throughout the year. Whether you are into concerts, art and craft fairs, wine festivals and culinary feasts, or prefer the thrill of a live sporting event, odds are you can find a fun outing during your visit to Merano.

Many festivities in Merano and the surrounding towns and villages showcase the vibrant culture and traditions of South Tyrol. For example, in autumn, consider partaking in a night of Törggelen   at one of the many rustic wine taverns in the area. This centuries-old tradition celebrates the season’s new wine with a hearty feast that will have you loosening your belt a couple of notches.

Another joyful wine celebration taking place in autumn is the Merano Grape Festival. A multi-day event, the Merano Grape Festival is the oldest harvest festival in South Tyrol. Over the course of a weekend, festival revelers can enjoy a variety of activities including traditional music concerts at Merano’s famous Kurhaus , a lavish Art Nouveau event hall built along the Passer River in 1847. The festival culminates with a grand parade featuring ornate floats, marching bands and locals from all around Merano sporting colorful Tyrolean folk costumes that dazzle the eyes.

Speaking of dazzling the eyes, if you are keen on visiting South Tyrol during the holidays, be sure to etch Merano’s Christmas Market on your itinerary. It runs from the end of November to the first week of January and is a heart-warming winter experience no matter your age. To discover what you can expect, check out our post highlighting South Tyrol’s Christmas Markets.

If you want help finding festivals and other things to do in Merano, during your stay, connect with us through our South Tyrol Trip Planning Services.

As a historic spa resort town, it’s no surprise the hotels in Merano cater to wellness and luxury. If you are looking to spoil yourself with 5-star amenities, superb gourmet cuisine and soothing alpine wellness treatments, you will find some of the best spa hotels in Europe located in Merano.

⇒ Want to experience Alpine-Mediterranean splendor? Search for spa hotels in Merano.

In addition to luxury spa getaways, you can also book quaint apartments and villas to stay in while visiting Merano. Some are located near the town center while others are on the outskirts of Merano where you can experience more peace and quiet yet be in the heart of town in a matter of minutes by car or bus.

We recently stayed at a gorgeous property called Villa by Merano , which is located less than 10 minutes from Merano in the medieval wine village of Marlengo (Marling). Marlengo is situated on the slope of Larchbüchel Mountain and looks across the Val d’Adige towards the Sarntal Alps. The village is a hiker’s mecca as it places you near the trailheads for the Marlinger Waalweg, Algunder Waalweg as well as the lift station for the mighty Mt. Vigiljoch.

The Villa by Merano is ideal for couples. Its poetic setting makes you feel as if spring never leaves the villa. It is tucked neatly in a manicured neighborhood rich with song-happy birds, palm trees and other blossoming greenery you’ll wish you could cultivate at home.

The apartment itself is spacious and possesses an elegant alpine character. At once cozy and refined. Warm wood ceilings crown tastefully decorated rooms flooded by natural light. We adored the villa’s balcony which made welcoming the sun a must every morning. Watching the day dawn over the peaks awakens every uplifting emotion in your body.

The Villa by Merano is equipped with a cute kitchen allowing you to take off a night or two from dining out if you wish. During our stay, we picked up a few local specialties such as alpine cheeses, speck and the best apples in the world at a small grocer located two minutes from the apartment. After a couple of long days of hiking, we were thankful for the opportunity to relax the night away with homemade charcuterie and a bottle of wine. We also nabbed some delicious Tyrolean pastries from a nearby bakery to sweeten the sunrises.

When you do feel like dining out, a wealth of charming options is available in Marlengo. Several restaurants are favorably located near the Villa by Merano including the Haidenhof , a mountain-hugging wine tavern offering an outdoor seating area that will make your heart flutter with its canopy of fragrant grapevines and majestic views of the Lebenberg Castle mentioned above.

One of the best things to do in Merano is to embark on a wine tasting. The Villa by Merano makes it easy. Kellerei Meran , a major winemaker of Val d’Adige, is only a two-minute walk from the villa. They have been producing award-winning wines for more than 120 years, In fact, as you’re hiking in Merano, you’ll notice many signs highlighting its vineyards.

⇒ Ready to book? Explore availability at the Villa by Merano

SAVE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN MERANO (MERAN)

About KATE & vin

Kate and Vin are South Tyrol + Dolomites travel specialists and the founders of Throne & Vine. They're dedicated to helping travelers discover and visit the most beautiful region in the Italian Alps.

2 thoughts on “Bliss in the Alps: The Top 7 Things to Do in Merano (Meran)”

Dear throne and vine, Have you ever been to the churburg, the majestic medieval castle in the upper vinschgau with the most important private collection of armour in europe? Truly worth a visit!

Indeed we have! One of our favorite castles to tour in South Tyrol. A stunning fortress! We will be writing about our visit in an upcoming post.

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The best things to do in merano, south tyrol, italy.

We spent the first days of our Northern Italian road trip in the South Tyrolean town of Merano. And what a place to start with. This utterly charming, pastel-colored town captivated both Jan and me in only a few minutes. A beautiful, colorful environment with majestic mountain ranges on the horizon, impressive architecture, a cozy atmosphere and delicious cuisine. What more could I wish for? That’s why I would like to take you on a journey along the the best things to do in Merano.

A little bit more about Merano!

Merano or Meran is a region in the north of South Tyrol, not far from the capital Bolzano. The region consists of the charming town of Merano and the surrounding, imposing mountain landscape.

After a turbulent history, the city of Merano became very popular in the 19th century for its beneficial effects thanks to a healthy climate and medicinal thermal baths.

Many intellectuals and important heads of state from Europe traveled there. Merano was even the favorite winter spa of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sissi.

This resulted in the development of a real cultural centre with impressive Art Nouveau buildings and beautifully landscaped pedestrian promenades. This way Merano became a major tourist attraction. Today you can still experience the glory of the Belle Époque here.

How to get to Merano?   

Since Merano was a destination on our Northern Italian road trip we traveled there by car from Belgium. Prepare yourself for a few hours of meandering on narrow mountain roads, but don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular views.

Of course you can also travel there by plane. The nearest airport is located in Bolzano. During the winter season you can you can easily fly to Bolzano with the airline  skyalps from Antwerp in Belgium. In just 2 hours you are in beautiful South Tyrol.

From the airport in Bolzano you can choose to rent a car. It’s best to book one online before you leave. But of course you can also use public transport such as the train or bus. With the Südtirol ‘to go’ app, both for  IOS   and  Android , you can easily check the timetable of public transport.

If you travel by car, I advise you to book a stay with a parking area. The public parking facilities in the center of Merano are pretty expensive. You can easily move around the city on foot. For sights that are slightly further away, you can use your car or public transport.

When is the best time to visit Merano?

Merano is charming during all seasons. During the winter months, Merano is covered in snow. But this makes this town extra cozy. Around the Christmas period you can enjoy the famous Christmas market.Besides, it’s also an excellent base for ardent winter sports enthusiasts who will certainly find what they are looking for in the nearby ski area of Meran 2000.

From spring to autumn you can enjoy the beautifully landscaped promenades with the most fragrant and colorful flowers and plants. Each season has its own scents and color palette. With an average of about 300 sunny days, the climate here is extremely favorable for different types of vegetation, allowing you to admire the most unique and colorful scenes. This way you can dream away under a waving palm tree with a front row view of the surrounding mountains.

We were there in September and we had such a wonderful stay. We enjoyed the pleasant late summer weather and the many beautiful colors.

Where to stay in Merano?  

Since I already told you a bit about the history of Merano, it will probably not surprise you that you can stay here in most luxurious hotels & resorts.

The most famous hotel in the heart of Merano is of course  Hotel Therme Meran . This is located right next to the famous Merano Terme Spa. It’s also connected through an underground tunnel.

But of course Merano has many other accommodations. You can also have a luxurious and authentic stay in  Hotel Bavaria  or Hotel Adria .

And even better, there are also a couple impressive mountain resorts. They are a bit further from the city center. Besides all the luxury and wellness facilities they also offer a dazzling view of the surrounding mountain landscape. Interested? Then be sure to check out  Hotel Ansitz Plantitscherhof  or Prinz Rudolf Smart Hotel .

Would you like to spend the night in a beautiful castle in the mountains? Then  Relais & Chateaux Hotel Castel Fragsburg  is definitely the perfect spot for you! This place is already on my bucket list.

Of course there are also nice, more budget-friendly options. In the center these are usually apartments such as  Rosa Rooms Meran ,  Portico ventizerodue  or  Rennweg 114 .

A little further from the center you will also find budget-friendly B&Bs and guest houses such as   b&b Gästehaus Seitzhof  and  Tannerhof Bed & Breakfast.

The best things to do in Merano  

Wander around in the city centre of merano.

One of the best things to do in Merano is a visit to the historic city centre. Here you still find various traces of history. The oldest date back to the Middle Ages. Such as the city gates, the impressive St. Nikolaus Church or Duomo di Merano and the surrounding Steinbach district. The Duomo di Merano is by the way one of the oldest Gothic buildings in South Tyrol!

Make some time for a stroll along the famous Laubengasse shopping street or Via Portici. This is a beautiful 18th century street with arcades where you can find many authentic boutiques and tasty, local restaurants. If you can, try the local specialty dumplings or enjoy a delicious strudel for desert.

Via the city gate Bozner Tor you literally walk from one era to another. From the cozy medieval town to the stunning Art Nouveau area that is located along the river Passer or Passirio.

From the Postbrücke you have a great view over the river, the surrounding mountain landscape and some Art Nouveau gems such as the Kurhaus.

The Kurhaus dates from the 2nd half of the 19th century and has stunning spaces where today events are regularly held. The Kurhaus is unfortunately only accessible during these events.

Be sure to stroll further through the magnificent, covered winter promenade. An Art Nouveau gallery where you can’t only admire a stunning piece of architecture, but also the artwork of local artists.

The famous promenades of Merano

Merano is also sometimes referred to as a garden city. As I mentioned earlier, due to its favorable climate, this city is the mecca for a variety of colorful flowers and plants. Numerous walking trails leave from the city centre to discover the beautiful city and its surroundings. There is the Passer promenade along the river, the Kur promenade along the Kurshaus, the Sommer promenade across the covered Winter promenade on the other side of the Passer.

For those who would like to see something more than just the city centre, there is also the Tappeiner trail and the Sissi path. The Tappeiner trail is a 4 kilometer long walk on the flanks of the mountain with beautiful views over Merano and the surrounding area. Highly recommended!

Along the way you will also pass some cozy eateries, so a perfect walk to start just before lunch.

The Sissi path is about 3 kilometers long and takes you past the Empress Elisabeth aka Sissi’s favorite places in Merano with the Trautmansdorff Gardens as the final stop.

You can obtain a map for these walking trails at the tourist office in Merano.

A day of relaxing in Merano Terme Spa  

When you visit a city known as a spa, it goes without saying to plan a day of self-care. This is possible at  Merano Terme Spa .

From a beautiful setting with a view of the impressive, surrounding mountain landscape, you can enjoy the healingl effects of the thermal baths. There are no fewer than 15 swimming pools here, each with its own characteristics.

You can also opt for a ticket including access to the various saunas. And if you really want to go all out? Take a look at the extensive range of beauty treatments and massages.

In short, a paradise for the modern wellness enthusiast.

Explore the lush Trautmansdorff gardens

Traveling to Merano between April and October? Then I highly recommend visiting one of its most beautiful sights, the stunning  Trautmansdorff gardens . For all lovers of plants, flowers, art and panoramic views, this is the place to be.

Discover the landscaped paths between the most diverse plants and colorful flowers. Feast your eyes and enjoy. Don’t forget to hike to the peak for the most spectacular views. And pay a visit to ‘the garden of lovers’, by far my favorite spot in the Trautmansdorff gardens.

The Trauttmansdorff Castle is now a tourist museum where you can discover more about the history of tourism in South Tyrol.

You can easily reach the Trautmansdorff gardens from the centre of Merano on foot via the 3 km long Sissi hiking trail. But of course you can also use public transport. Take bus 4 or 1B at Merano train station.

Are you going by car? Then you can park a full day in the provided parking for 4 eur. A visit to the gardens and the castle costs 15 eur per person.

More things to do in the neighbourhood of Merano  

Admire the waterfall of parcines/ partschinser wasserfall  .

When you stay in Merano, make sure to plan some time to visit the most beautiful and also the highest waterfall in South Tyrol.

This beautiful natural phenomenon is about 20 minutes by car from the centre of Merano. On the way past the village of Parcines you will come across several parking lots. You can choose to park there and take the shuttle bus to the waterfall. But you can also continue along a steep mountain road to the nearest parking lot. This one is located near Gasthaus Birkenwald. There you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on the cozy terrace.

From here you can also take a shuttle bus to the waterfall which is located even higher. The bus stops approximately in the middle of the waterfall. From there you can climb to the top of the waterfall, but also descend back along a super cool, winding hiking trail between the woods. Personally, I found the descent a bit more spectacular, because from there you have a full view of the impressive waterfall than when you climb to the top and can only see the waterfall up close.  

One more tip, there are also amazing hiking trails to the waterfall from the mountain station and the valley station of the Texelbahn cable car

Experience an adrenaline rush on the toboggan run Alpin Bob  

Can’t a little adventure be missing from your trip? Then the 1.1 km long, winding toboggan run of Alpin bob is just what you are looking for. It is also a super fun activity for the whole family.

Alpin Bob is located in the Merano 2000 ski area . It is best to drive to the Falzeben parking by car. That is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Merano. You have to pay for the parking, but I don’t know the exact price. Since we arrived in the early evening, we were allowed to park for free.

From here you can take the cable car to the top of the mountain where Alpin Bob is located. A return ticket is 22 euros per person, but from 2PM the price decreases to 15.5 euros per person.

Arriving at the top of the mountain, it is best to take some time to enjoy the spectacular views. Prepare yourself mentally for a hellish ride and buy your ticket at the cash register. A ride costs 5 euros per person, for children under 10 years it’s free.

Of course you can do other fun activities in this ski area such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing and even paragliding.

Go for the most adventurous multiple day hike in South Tyrol: the Meraner Högenweg  

Thanks to its excellent location at the foot of the Texegruppe Natural Park or Parco Naturale Gruppo del Tessa, Merano is also the perfect base for active travellers. There you can take one of the most beautiful and adventurous mountain hikes in South Tyrol: the Meraner Höhenweg . This is an almost 100 km long hiking trail with views of the mountain landscape of Merano, the Vinschgau and, in good weather, the Dolomites and the Ortler Massif. This challenging hike for experienced hikers consists of several days, and is also offered with guides. Along the way you will pass several huts where you can stay overnight.

On the Meraner Höhenweg there are several entrances and exits that make it possible to make shorter trips. These access points are easily accessible by cable cars, public transport or car.

The best time to do this hike is from June to September.

How beautiful is this place? We were able to enjoy the best things to do in Merano for two full days. Moreover, we were very surprised by the versatility of this city. This is the ideal holiday destination for both culture and nature lovers, not to mention foodies and bon vivants!

Which things to do in Merano are already on your bucket list? Let me know below in comments.

Want to read more about Italy? Be sure to check out these blog posts as well.

An unique stay in Ortisei, Val Gardena, The dolomites.

Where to stay on Lake Garda? 

10 things Italy is known for

Best things to do in Florence 

The ultimate Cinque Terre itinerary

A perfect weekend in Umbria

The ultimate Puglia road trip

Thanks for reading!

Yours truly,

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11 best things to do in Merano (Meran), South Tyrol

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in the South Tyrolian Alps? Meran(o) is a city located in South Tyrol surrounded by a beautiful mountain scenery. Popular among Italians and foreign tourists, Merano is an absolute must-visit place for your bucketlist. From shopping to hiking and outdoor adventures – the city offers a great variety of things to do to make your trip as outstanding as possible. With these 11 best things to do on Merano, you can be sure to get the best out of your time.

As the city really do has different angles which you can experience, make sure to get something of everything. Meaning, do not forget about the stunning hiking trails and as well do plan a shopping afternoon. Merano is really about the mixture of all the different things to do to not miss out on any highlight. But see for yourself.

Walk the Tappeiner Weg

Let´s start the list of the best things to do in Merano with an outdoor activity. But don´t worry, it is not one of the extremely hard hikes you can do in the area. The Tappeiner Trail is the perfect choice for a long walk or an easy “hike”. The trail does not only start directly in the city but as well gives you panorama views of the whole area. You´ll pass traditional vineyards, orchards and beautiful cafés and restaurants where you can have a break and enjoy local food.

The Tappeiner Trail is one of the “Waalwege” for which the area is well-known. With a small stream directly next to the path, you´ll get an idyllic experience. Close to nature, fantastic views and easy to reach – if this isn´t the perfect traveller experience.

The path starts right behind the St. Nicholas Church and after climbing a few stairs, you´ll reach the official start. You can follow the trail as long as you want and return the same way. If you decide to walk for a while, you will not only get to see Merano from above, but as well the beautiful village of Algundo. It is highly recommended to walk the full trail and make this a day tour.  

You can as well continue to walk the “Algunder Waalweg” afterwards, which starts right at the end of the Tappeiner Trail. This is another picturesque route through the orchards, which you should not miss when visiting Merano.

Hike the Meraner Höhenweg

Merano can best be experienced from above. The view from the mountains is breathtaking and experiencing the mountains and the feeling of being in nature is what travellers amazes in the area.

One of the most popular routes to follow is the so-called “Meraner Höhenweg”. Depending on your exact route, this can be quite an easy hike or as well rather challenging.

For an easy rout click here to get all the details.  

Visit the picturesque Trauttmansdorff Castle

Trauttmansdorff Castle has a safe place on the list of the best things to do in Merano as well. The Castle does not only offer an interesting insight into the history of the area but is as well home to a beautiful garden. With colorful flowers, exotic blossom and animals this is a great experience. You can walk around the area (which is quite huge), enjoy the view, relax in the park or enjoy a coffee in the café. Make sure to stop and watch the small parrots, you won´t regret it.

You can either get a ticket to visit the inside of the castle or you decide to only visit the outside area, which is the highlight of Trauttmansdorff. If you want to learn more about the history though, a tour is a good choice.

Enjoy a relaxing day in the Terme Merano

Need a bit of relaxation after enjoying the outdoors and mountains in South Tyrol? Merano got your back. The modern Terme is the place to be on a rainy or moody day. With a great variety of wellness and spa offers, you can spend a whole day relaxing and recharging. During the summer months you can as well visit the outside pools. Perfect for solo travellers, couples or even families.

Because sometimes you simply need a break from exploring and roaming, right?

Visit the Kurshaus

If you are in the center of Merano, one building does stand out: the Kurhaus. This is one of the most important buildings of the city and beautiful to look at from the outside. It is located right next to the Passer River and you can easily combine a visit with a shopping trip.

There even is a Café in the Kurhaus offering coffee and treats. Definitely worth a visit and a popular photography spot with the impressive mountain scenery in the background.

Have a coffee or an aperitif at the riverside, the Passeier Promenade

The heart of Merano is not only the shopping street but as well the river side, called the “Passeier Promenade”. Here, you can find many cafés, ice-cream parlors and benches to sit and enjoy the view. In a nutshell: the perfect place for a coffee or an aperitif.

Find a place in one of the cafés or grab an ice-cream to go. Sit by the river and watch the people passing by. This really is one of the best things to do in Merano to enjoy and experience the vibe of the city. But attention: this might make you fall madly in love with the city (if you not already are).

Visit Meran 2000 for a stunning mountain scenery

Ready for a mountain adventure? You really cannot spend time in Merano without really being in the mountains. Yes, hiking needs to be on your list. If you want to skip the hardest part – hiking up the mountain – and still enjoy the alpine feeling, Meran 2000 is something to consider. The gondola takes you up the mountain from where multiple tracks for any fitness level start.

You can either start the hike to the Ifinger (the local mountain of both Merano and Schenna) or you decide to take it slow and just walk around a bit. This is actually a well-known area for winter sports and perfect for a bike tour as well. There are huts serving delicious food.

Meran 2000 is a great thing to do for anybody – for hiking lovers, bikers and even for those who just like to enjoy the view without sweating too much. You can easily reach the gondola by bus or car (the parking is free) or you can walk from Schenna.

Go for a walk along the Passer

The Passer is the river flowing through Merano. It is both a popular river for kayaking and water sports, but as well the perfect place for a scenic walk.

Start your walk at the top of the Passeier Promenade (the Gilf) and follow the river side all the way to the city. This is one of the best things to do in Merano during the day to get a better impression of what the city really is about. You can sit on one of the benches, watch the water or enjoy a delicious ice-cream.

If you are lucky and you´re visiting the city during a kayak competition, this is by far an absolute highlight to watch. During these days, the riverside is full of people cheering and watching the kayakers fighting the water.

Visit the villages of Schenna or Dorf Tirol

It is not only the city of Merano which is worth a visit, but as well the surrounding villages. Most of them are a popular place to stay for tourists and hiking lovers as you can access some of the trails directly. Two of the favorite places to visit are Dorf Tirol and Schenna, both smaller villages but a popular tourist center. They are located above the city and offer a stunning view over the valley and the mountains.

You can stay in one of the beautiful hotels or stays or simply visit for some hours and walk around. They have shops, cafés and restaurants as well.

Spend a shopping day in the arcades or the market

Merano is perfect for some shopping. The city center is almost completely occupied by tourists during the high season. The shops are located in the arcades and you can visit one store after the other. From typical brands to outdoor shops and local shops – this shopping experience really is for everyone.

Be aware though, especially on the weekends, it can get quite busy. During a rainy day, the arcades are obviously crowded as well.

On Friday, you´ll find a market close to the city center (location: Prader Platz, close to the train station), which is also worth a visit. You can find anything from clothes to traditional food and fresh fruits and vegetables – and is there any better way to experience a city than a market stroll? No.

Ask in your hotel for any more information about markets and special events in the city.

Click here to visit the offical homepage of the city.

Do a wine tasting

South Tyrol is not only about mountains and nature, but as well about the wine. You´ll quickly notice the orchards as soon as you enter the area. During the autumn months, the grape harvest is one of the many reasons why tourist travel to Merano and the surrounding villages.

If you are a wine lover, this is another great thing to do in Merano. A wine tasting offers you the ultimate experience for the Italian wine and its taste. There are wine bars in Schenna, Algundo or Merano.

Surely, there are even more things to do in Merano. The list of hikes and walks in the area is endless, as well the options for museums and different tours. But these 11 best things to do are the absolute highlights and must-dos which you cannot miss when visiting the city. If you come for a second visit or even have more time left in South Tyrol, make sure to plan more outdoor adventures. Take the Hochmut Bahn and hike the Cima Muta (highly recommended), walk the other “Waalwege” or simply go for walks in the apple orchards.

Merano is waiting for you, are you ready to fall in love with the heart of South Tyrol?

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Italy Segreta

The italian culture magazine, a local’s guide to merano, alto adige.

“The mild weather and scenic backdrop made the South Tyrolean town a favorite of artists and writers, and the likes of Franz Kafka, Ezra Pound, and, perhaps most famously, the Empress Elisabeth of Austria have called Merano home.”

Nestled in a valley beneath the Alps, Merano is a Wes Anderson set come to life: butter-yellow houses, locals lounging by the river that crosses the town, flowers and cherry trees thanks to a microclimate that warms the Adige basin while the surrounding peaks still bear their soft snowcaps. The mild weather and scenic backdrop made the South Tyrolean town a favorite of artists and writers, and the likes of Franz Kafka, Ezra Pound, and, perhaps most famously, the Empress Elisabeth of Austria have called Merano home. It’s thanks to the latter, nicknamed Sissi, that Merano’s fame as a climatic wellness resort spread throughout Europe in the late 1800s, as it was her sickly two-year-old daughter’s miraculous recovery at the Trauttmansdorff Castle (now a museum) that kindled a fervor for tourism here. 

While the former spa town of Europe’s aristocracy is obviously a shoe-in for winter vacations–with five ski regions within near vicinity–we prefer visiting in the spring or summer, when those same mountains function as hiking trails, the plains are filled with wildflowers, and you can stay at the family-run Ottmanngut –our favorite hotel in the area, with a magnificent three-course breakfast to boot. 

Just outside the old city walls of the spa town of Merano, this picturesque white manor house and its Mediterranean gardens–full of cypress, palm, and lemon trees–holds a history nearly as majestic as the surrounding Dolomites, with the first reference to the building dating back to 1290. Here, Ottmanngut proprietor and Merano local Katharina Flöss shares her insider recommendations for the best places to eat, drink, shop, and visit in her city:

WHERE TO EAT IN MERANO

Meteo – Eccentric, in the best way possible. Run by couple Agata and Thomas–the former a working artist and the latter a cook/DJ–Meteo is in a beautiful, cream-colored building right on the river. Handwritten and so small that it fits on a sheet of A4, the menu changes regularly, but you can always find the fantastic pan dell’Oste, grilled friggitelli in oil and butter–the perfect antipasto to share. For primi, try the 24-hour ragù or the amatriciana, to be followed by a braised meat if Thomas has one on the menu.  

Miil – This upscale restaurant in an old mill is one of Alto Adige’s premier addresses for farm-to-table dining. Its seasonal menus with a focus on high quality, local ingredients may even give the likes of those in Copenhagen a run for their money! The on-site winery means that the wine list is equally thoughtful, with biodynamic options from their own production and rare bottles from others. Be sure to book a table–for lunch or dinner–in advance. 

Soulfood – At this recent addition to the town, from the same team behind the chic Backificio in the nearby Lana, sourdough pizza reigns supreme. Proprietor duo Francesco and Marie select only the best stone-ground flours from sustainable Italian producers, and the result is soft dough with crispy edges that’s easier on the stomach thanks to 24- to 48-hour fermentation. A tight antipasti section–which includes polpette di manzo Wagyu altoatesino –round out the menu of creatively-topped pizzas. 

Cafè Villa Bux – Find the quaint, cream-colored house on Via Karl Wolf and you’ll have reached the charming Cafè Villa Bux. Open and family-run since 2022, Cafè Villa Bux is one of the best places in town for a morning pastry, muesli, yogurt bowl, or salmon on a bagel–best paired with a frothy cappuccino–or for a casual lunch. Sit inside for a cozy, farmhouse aesthetic or, weather permitting, in the lovely, lush garden out back. 

Forno Ivo De Pellegrin – This sourdough bread bakery from Ivo De Pellegrin, a University of Gastronomic Sciences grad and former president of Slow Food South Tyrol, is where you can find the highest quality bread in town–all made with organic flours. Go classic with the Pane del Sud, with ancient grains from Sicily, or try one with either einkorn, rye, or farro. The shop is only open Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9 AM to 1 PM, but the loaves are worth working your schedule around. 

La Smorfia Merano – This family-run pizzeria brings a taste of the south to Alto Adige with fluffy-crusted, Neapolitan-style pizzas. They’ve got superlative versions of all the classics, plus a few inventive takes, including the Contadina with gorgonzola, speck, and champignons and the Ragutella, with a handsome portion of Neapolitan ragù, fior di latte, and stracciatella. Sit and dine in the airy, modern space or grab your pies to go.

WHERE TO EAT & STAY IN MERANO

Ottmanngut – For dinner once a week–Tuesdays during 2024–Ottmanngut opens its doors to non-guests, upon reservation only, for communal-table meals of seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine. For more information or to book, call or write an email to [email protected].

Cafè Villa Bux

WHERE TO EAT GELATO IN MERANO

(Four more reasons to visit merano in the summer!)

Sabine – With two locations in Merano, Sabine is so beloved by the locals that there’s sure to always be a line. It’s worth the wait, however, for the seasonal flavors, among them apricot-yogurt in summer and chestnut in autumn. 

Costantin – Come to the oldest gelateria in Merano for classic flavors (try the pistacchio !)–best savored in a silver coupe with a pirouline cookie on top. Sit outside along the river to people watch.  

Oasi – This artisanal gelateria feels like the ones you went to during summers of the 90s : retro vibe, big portions, countless flavors. Round out the picture with a cone of Nutella gelato. 

AiJOO Eismanufaktur – If you don’t mind going out of your way for a good gelato (we certainly don’t!), hop on the train to Naturno and run to AiJOO, where all gelatos are made from fresh, local, Mila-mountain milk and top-quality ingredients. The bourbon vanilla is great, as is the apricot, made from fruits harvested nearby. 

WHERE TO DRINK IN MERANO

Cafè Darling – Along the river Passer with views of the snow-capped mountains, Cafè Darling is the go-to for an aperitivo in the sun. Locals Damiano, Jessie, and Luca took over the caffe a year ago, breathing new life into the spot; it’s not always easy to score a seat during high season. 

Gigis – For the best cocktails in town, head to Gigis, also beside the river. Here, the chic, Scandi-style design complements drinks like the Watermelon Basil Cooler or the Elderflower Old Fashioned. Come on the early side to try the small plates, dished out until 9 PM. 

WHERE TO SHOP IN MERANO

The Monocle Shop – Visit this concept shop from Monocle magazine for a handpicked selection of design-forward pieces from northern Italy, Austria, Bavaria, and Switzerland. Managed by the lovely Linda, the shop is a great place to grab some holiday reading material. 

Haus Nr.13 – This shop-cum-gallery-cum-studio carries a curated collection of pieces from South Tyrolean artists and craftspeople, from geometric earrings to pastel porcelain. 

58 Chocolate – This minimalist’s dream makes fantastic bean-to-bar chocolate in flavors like Dark Juniper and Goat Milk. Look for the little shop down an alley off Via delle Corse (the red neon sign will give it away), pick up a few handcrafted bars or truffles to take home, and order the unsurprisingly superlative hot chocolate… and pair it with one of their chocolate chip cookies. 

Courtesy of The Monocle Shop

WHAT TO DO IN MERANO

Kunst Meran – A beacon of contemporary art in the region, Kunst Meran showcases paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations in a 500-square-meter, three-floor exhibition space. The museum is open year-round, with rotating exhibitions, so it’s a must-visit whatever the season. 

Frauenmuseum Meran – Located in a former convent of the Poor Clares in Merano’s historic center, the Women’s Museum tells the story of female emancipation, history, and justice through clothing, accessories, and everyday objects. Take one of their special city tours, dedicated to the women who shaped the history of Merano and South Tyrol.

Villa Freischütz – Built in the early 1900s, this aristocrats’ residence is now a museum where you can marvel at the unaltered interiors as well as the collections of the former owner Franz Fromm. The latter include cabinets from the 16th and 17th centuries, decorative arts, and works by Ellen Tornquist, Eduard Euler, and Georg Greve-Lindau. 

Kränzelhof 7 gardens & art – This garden, hedge maze, open-air gallery, and vineyard adds a dose of the fantastical to Merano. Inspired by English gardens, owner Count von Pfeil designed this lush, two-hectare estate–complete with gazebos and water features–that doubles as exhibition space for domestic and international artists.

Cafè Villa Bux

Forno Ivo De Pellegrin

La Smorfia Merano

Gelateria Sabine

Gelateria Costantin

Oasi Gelato

AiJOO Eismanufaktur

Cafè Darling

The Monocle Shop

58 Chocolate

Kunst Meran

Frauenmuseum Meran

Villa Freischütz

Kränzelhof 7 Giardini & Arte

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A Local’s Guide to Sicily: Palermo, Trapani, and Central Provinces

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America's Best Towns to Visit

10 great US towns to check out now

These destinations, selected by CNN Travel editors, offer loads of personality and plenty to see and do without the elbow-to-elbow crowds of the big tourist cities.

Making the most of life on the lake: How this town got its cool reputation

This ‘scruffy little city’ tastes and sounds great

Why ‘Beer City USA’ is so much more than a drinking town

From ‘ghost town’ to ‘popping’: How this Southern destination got its groove back

This Grand Canyon pit stop is now a bona fide hot spot

The laid-back California dream lives on here

This coastal culinary hub has a ‘big-city feel in a small-city package’

‘Grit City’ shines thanks to stunning scenery and glass art

This Rhode Island gem moved rivers to emerge as New England’s creative capital

Our top town offers first-rate arts, food and festivals and a hard look at its complicated history

how we chose

We tapped our network of CNN Travel contributors for nominations for our inaugural list, winnowing the finalists to 10 by looking at each town's attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and wow factor. We also looked at lodging options and the ease of getting there and around.

PHOTO CREDITS

• Intro : Chris Johnson/Visit Richmond
• Duluth : Visit Duluth
• Knoxville : SeanPavonePhoto/iStockphoto/Getty Images
• Grand Rapids : Ideology/Experience Grand Rapids
• Macon : Visit Macon
• Flagstaff : CNN
• San Luis Obispo : Brittany App/Visit SLO
• Portland : Visit Portland
• Tacoma : CNN/Travel Tacoma/Museum of Glass
• Providence : N. Millard/GoProvidence.com
• Richmond : Richmond Region Tourism

Introducing Merino Wool Clothing: The Best Travel Fabric

A s you guys all know I am obsessed with merino wool clothing. For the past 2 years I have challenged myself to wear some article of merino wool clothing every single day. In this quest, I have ended up becoming quite a fan and aficionado of this natural fiber. In the process of learning more about merino wool clothing, I have tested a ton of products and wanted to share my finds with you here. Also, since the holidays are approaching I thought this would be a great time to convince you of the beauty of wool and why you should also start investing in this amazing clothing.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

What is Merino Wool?

I know many of you may be thinking “yeah yeah I have tried wool and hated it!”.  Or maybe it’s along these lines – “I can’t handle those old fashioned itchy wool sweaters!” Or perhaps “I live in Southern California, what use do I have for wool?” 

Merino wool is different. It is much finer and softer than the regular wool you may know from your childhood days. It is found on the Merino sheep in Australia and New Zealand. This breed  of sheep has the softest and finest fleece. With modern technology, merino wool makes for amazingly durable fabrics that outperform cotton and synthetics. 

Benefits of Merino Wool Clothing

Odor resistant.

Merino wool is unique in that it is antimicrobial. It absorbs odor caused by bacteria —trapping the smell and keeping the bacterial from building up.

Did you know that bacteria is actually what makes your clothes smell? 

This means you can wear merino wool clothing for longer without having to worry about smelling. This is one of the reasons it is perfect for travel and for the outdoors. We have worn wool for days on end while backpacking and honestly did not smell even after 5 days without a shower! 

Temperature Regulating

Merino wool clothing is also temperature regulating . It keeps your body temperature cool when you are hot and warm when it is cold out.  The breathing qualities of the fabric make it perfect for all-year-round clothing.

Non-Allergenic & UV Protectant

Merino wool is perfect for people sensitive skin. There is research that shows that wearing merino wool T-shirts or sweaters can reduce adult and infant eczema symptoms compared to other fabrics. For kids who struggle with sensory issues, merino fabrics are so soft and gentle they are bound to be happy. 

Merino clothes also have a natural UV barrier to keep you safe from damaging UV radiation from the sun.

Sustainable Material

Merino wool garments are much more environmentally friendly than other fabrics and are biodegradable .

Synthetic fabrics and cotton demand a great amount of manipulation and processing using water and other materials. Merino wool, however, is a natural fiber harvested from merino sheep twice a year providing renewability. 

Furthermore, merino wool fibers will naturally decompose back to the earth when it is disposed.

Why is Merino Wool Clothing Perfect for Travel?

Merino wool clothing is perfect for travel because you don’t have to wash it often due to the antimicrobial properties, it doesn’t wrinkle too much and like I mentioned above it is temperature regulating which means you will be comfortable no matter the weather. 

In addition to not needing to be washed often, merino wool clothing is quick drying. When you get stuck in that unexpected downpour, don’t worry, your clothes will dry quickly and you won’t feel it as much as the fabric is moisture wicking. Need to do a quick wash at night before you head off the next day? No worries, your merino wool clothing will usually dry overnight!

When you do need to wash your merino wool clothing, it can be washed in the washing machine. This makes it super easy to travel with. 

Given all of this above, it just made sense for me to give it a go. And you know where that has taken me. Obsession level. I truly love my merino wool clothes and find it to be the perfect travel garment. I now pack much lighter, don’t have to worry about doing laundry often and I know all of my clothes work together. My go to merino wool travel clothing includes a dress, leggings, merino wool underwear, wool socks and wool long sleeve shirts. 

The Best Merino Wool Brands

Merino wool clothing has taken off in the past few years with a large number of brands now entering the market. While there are constantly new brands emerging, the brands listed in this post are the ones I have tried personally and know the quality of their clothing. One of my favorite merino brands is Wool& . This brand only has women’s and a few kids options, but they are my go to first resource for all things made of merino fiber. For men, their counterpart Wool&Prince is the go to. 

But other great brands to keep an eye out for include: Smartwool, Unbound, Nui Organics, Iksplor (use my code NOBACKHOME for a discount!), Woolx and Branwyn.

Merino Wool Clothing for Her

My entry into the merino wool world began with a 100 day challenge issued by the company Wool& . Their challenge was – can you wear ONE dress for 100 days straight? If you can, and you document it, you will earn yourself a $100 gift credit to buy your next dress. I was intrigued by this and had to try. I ended up wearing my dress for 210 days straight before I got my reward dress and began switching things up. Now a year later I have 6 (eek!) dresses and almost a completely revamped wardrobe of merino clothes. 

Merino Wool Dresses

Wool& is my preferred brand for all of my wool products. This is the brand that started it all and the one that I still go back to over and over. I have 6 of their dresses, wool leggings, pants, a cardigan and probably more. In general I am SO happy with this merino wool brand. They are always very quick to respond to inquiries, send your products with free shipping and provide free returns up to 30 days from purchase/delivery.

If you are just jumping into their clothes I would suggest sizing down at least on the things that are not form fitting as they are quite roomy. I typically wear a large in other clothes, but in Wool& I wear a medium.

Merino Wool Shirts

Smartwool also makes a great short sleeve merino wool shirt that I have and adore. I now have two of these. Again, this is something I wore all summer long over my wool dresses while backpacking to help protect my shoulders from the sun and my backpack straps. They are amazing and very versatile.

Merino Wool Leggings

One of the issues you can have with wool clothes is static. This can be exacerbated when you have cotton clothes under the wool. I found this out the hard way in a very dry southern California climate with a lot of static electricity. The best way to combat this is to wear ALL wool! And thus began my voyage into wool leggings.

Woolx is another great brand for all things wool. I have a pair of their leggings which I wore all summer and on our backpacking trips. They are a bit thicker than regular leggings, but not overly hot even during hot temperatures. I also have tried their undies and love them.

There are a ton of brands and I am slowly trying them out. Another brand on my list to check out are SnagTights . They have legging type tights and regular tights that get rave reviews. 

Undergarments

I have tried a variety of wool underwear in this past year. Some were a total bust and others were pretty great. The ones I love the most are Branwyn . They are a super small company with a really great return policy. Basically if you buy multiple pairs of something and open 1 and don’t like it, you can return the rest and keep the one for free.That for me is excellent customer service. I did buy the bra from them and didn’t love it so they let me keep it. I ended up buying more underwear just because they are so awesome. These are a little thicker than the synthetic ones I used to wear, but they stay in place, don’t stretch out over the course of the day and are comfortable. 

I also have Woolx undies which are thin and more like my regular cotton undies. These are only in bikini size which can be a little small for some. 

Lastly, Smartwool has some nice options for underwear. They are thin and feel more like cotton, which makes them great and easy to travel with. 

Merino Wool Socks

I know most people love Smartwool socks and while I also like them, the best merino wool socks in my opinion are  actually compression socks from Comrad . First I love that this company is based in LA where I live (which means I get my socks in the mail very quickly!) and I love the actual socks! I can wear the same pair for several days and still not get any smell or funkiness. I exclusively wore their no ankle wool socks (that they currently don’t have. WAH!) while hiking the John Muir Trail .  They help keep my feet from hurting and swelling and all the while they are wool. If you like ankle socks, these are the ones for you. They now also have higher leg compression wool socks as well, so now you have more than one option. 

If you want regular socks, I do love the variety of Smartwool and have a few pairs that I wear in the winter. My son LOVES his Darn Tough wool socks . 

Yes, I even have managed to move into the world of wool shoes. I know. I am obsessed. Taos are adorable clogs and amazing wool quality. Love these. There are also wool shoes made by Allbird that people rave about. I am sure there are more coming out, but those are the wo that I currently know about. 

Kids Wool Clothing

And you can bet that I have also gotten my son into the wool wagon. He was a little resistant at first, but he now pulls out his wool clothes more than anything else in his closet and is on a quest to wear some piece of wool for the entire year. Granted wool clothing is a bit expensive for kids so I can understand why not everyone makes the jump into this arena. However I will say that having a few basics like thermals, a couple of t-shirts and a sweater will go a long way. We also LOVE wool socks which are a must when backpacking. If buying new is too pricey for you, check out Poshmark or online wool groups as people are always selling their outgrown wool.

Thermal Wear/Pajamas

Shirts for kids.

My son wanted to wear more merino wool fabric in his day to day life, so I found Nui Organics which has a line of tencel and superfine merino wool shirts that are glorious. These shirts are seriously so thin, light and soft. He loves them so much it’s about all you see him in these days. He has 3 short sleeves and 3 long sleeves. Sadly, they are discontinuing this line for a bit, so stock up while you can! Again I wish they made more of these and with pictures on them too to mix things up as these really are the best travel clothes.

Another brand that we have recently come into is Chasing Windmills . My son LOVES his long sleeve hoodie shirt and his sweatshirt from them. 

Even though we live in SoCal and hardly get the opportunity to wear sweaters, he does have one beautiful sweater from Nui Organics that I am constantly wishing for cool weather so he can wear! Great quality, beautiful colors and again soft and light fabric perfect for kids who might have sensory issues.

My son loves his Smartwool and Darn Tough socks equally. But a new pair we recently tried by Nui Organics has turned into the daily favorite. Again these can be worn for several days without any smell.

For the Men

We haven’t tried any men’s wool clothing (yet!), but my friend Eric has recently been obsessed with his wool from UnboundMerino . It looks very similar to the quality of what I’ve tried and worn, so given his love of it I would recommend it. I actually have their hoodie and have worn it constantly for 2 years and LOVE it. It is perfect for all temperatures. 

Also Wool& has a men’s line at Wool& Prince . Again I haven’t tried it, but I will be ordering some for the holidays to check out.

So what do you think? Are you sold on why you should buy merino wool fabrics? Apart from reducing our carbon footprint and having a lower environmental impact, I really love the feel of my merino wool clothing and how easy it has been to use as a base for a capsule wardrobe. 

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The post Introducing Merino Wool Clothing: The Best Travel Fabric appeared first on No Back Home .

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Flooding forces dozens of Iowa road closures. Here's where to avoid.

Travel continues to be discouraged across parts of northwest Iowa as flood waters block roads.

The Iowa Department of Public Transportation strongly discourages travel in Lyon, Sioux, O'Brien, Clay, Emmet, Dickinson, Cherokee, Woodbury and Plymouth counties. More than a dozen roads around those counties are closed.

Are interstates closed in Iowa due to flooding?

The Iowa Department of Transportation expects to close Interstate 29 and Interstate 680 near Council Bluffs on Tuesday night. The DOT originally expected to close the interstates around 11 a.m., but have been able to keep them clear of water and open.

I-29 is expected to close from mile marker 55 (25th Street on the north edge of Council Bluffs) to the interchange with I-880 near Loveland.

The state also plans to close a portion of I-680 west of I-29.

Live updates from Tuesday: Levee breached on Little Sioux River, Interstate 29 closing due to flooding

Where are there road closures in Iowa from flooding?

Many city and county roads are closed in flooded communities.

Here are the highways closed by the Iowa DOT due to flooding:

• US 169 at County Road C10 near Saint Joseph.
• IA 14 between County Road B53 and US 18 one mile south of the Emmetsburg area.
• US 18 between the branches of IA 4 one mile west of the Emmetsburg area.
• US 71 between County Road C13 and IA 10 in Sioux Rapids.
• US 18 county roads M50, one mile east of the Spencer area, and M54 near Dickens.
• US 71 between county roads B40 and B17 near Spencer.
• US 18 county roads M44 and B19 one mile west of Spencer.
• IA 9 between County Road M34 and IA 86 around three to four miles east of the Lake Park area.
• IA 10 between county roads M12 and M36 near Peterson.
• IA 10 between county road M12, four miles east of Sutherland, and M36 around three miles west of Peterson.
• IA 3 between US 59 and County Road C38 in Cherokee.
• US 59 between County Road C44 and IA 3 in Cherokee
• IA 141 between IA 31 near Smithland and IA 175 near Mapleton.
• IA 31 between IA 141 in Smithland and County Road D30 in Oto.
• IA 31 in between IA 141 in Oto and County Road D30 near Anthon.
• IA 31 between 141 near Anthon and US 59; County Road C63, three miles south of the Washta area.
• US 20 between IA 140; County Road K64 near Moville and County Road L43 near Correctionville.
• IA 12 between I-29 in Sioux City and IA 3 near Westfield.
• IA 3 between the South Dakota state line and IA 12 one mile west of the Westfield area.
• IA 12 between IA 3 and county road C12 near Akron
• At the South Dakota border two miles west of the Hawarden area.
• US 18 between county roads K18 and K24 five miles west of the Rock Valley area.
• US 75 between county roads A52 and A34 roughly four to nine miles south of the Rock Rapids area.

How can you check current road conditions? 511 Iowa has latest information

You can  check road conditions online through Iowa 511 , with an interactive map that can show you road closures, current radar, crashes and more.

If you don't have internet, you can call 800-288-1047, or 511 for updated road conditions.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at  [email protected]  or follow her on Twitter at @ Kkealey17 .

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Golf Talk Today: Can Scottie Scheffler win staggering 6th victory at Travelers Championship

The Travelers Championship has a stacked leaderboard as World No. 1 Scheffler eyes another signature event.

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Share All sharing options for: Golf Talk Today: Can Scottie Scheffler win staggering 6th victory at Travelers Championship

Welcome to Playing Through’s new morning ritual: Golf Talk Today.

Each morning will feature a Golf Talk Today, in which the crew will discuss various elements of the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and other professional golf tournaments.

The final round of the Travelers Championship is here, and to no one's surprise, Scottie Scheffler is in contention. His best friend, Tom Kim , continues to hold the lead by one stroke, but will he be able to hold off the two-time Masters winner?

Sunday will look different. The PGA Tour moved up tee times for the final round and put the guys into threesomes. With bad weather lurking in the afternoon, the leaders will tee off at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Kim, Scheffler and Akshay Bhatia are in the last group of the day. Let’s discuss Championship Sunday.

Travelers Championship’s final round will be wild:

Saturday saw Cameron Young shoot a historical 59 , but his play quickly got overshadowed by Scheffler, Kim, and Bhatia’s play.

He finished tied with Kim at 13-under, but by the end of Saturday’s round, he trailed by five shots.

The afternoon wave fought another weather delay, but that did not matter as the conditions were so soft.

While Kim played well the first three days, Scheffler and Bhatia also did well. They all shot 65 or better in the first three rounds.

Determining a winner on Sunday will likely come down to who can limit mistakes and sign for the most birdies.

Scheffler already has five victories in 2024. He won three Signature Events, the most recent being The Memorial, the 2024 Masters, and The Players.

Can he earn his fourth Signature Event win? Scheffler is so hard to beat right now, so it will be interesting to see if two young bucks like Kim and Bhatia can keep up.

Not to mention, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Sungjae Im and Tony Finau lurk in the groups ahead.

Scheffler did not play well at the U.S. Open , but his game returned to normal on Thursday. Regardless, Championship Sunday will be wild for the Travelers as records could get broken.

ICYMI: Top stories from across professional golf

Proud Dad Moment: Brooks Koepka’s son gives Bryson DeChambeau an incredible slight

LIV Golf pro calls out South Africa Olympic team, PGA Tour players should step aside

Wyndham Clark’s unexpected hot take on the Olympics will make Ryder Cup fans shake their heads

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Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.

Next Up In Golf

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• Padraig Harrington deep dives into worst golf swing advice ahead of U.S. Senior Open
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Planning on traveling for the Fourth of July holiday? Here's how to avoid the rush

The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and the travel rush is already heating up

NEW YORK — The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and the travel rush is already heating up.

Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming holiday week. That will likely mean busy roads, as well as packed airports and train stations.

Motor club AAA projects that some 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from their homes over a nine-day Independence Day travel period — surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the U.S. holiday. And the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen over 32 million individuals in airports from this Thursday through July 8, up 5.4% from last year’s numbers.

Are you traveling for the Fourth? Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

When is the best time to hit the road for July Fourth?

Smooth sailing for travel around any holiday is never a given. But avoiding the most hectic times, when others are rushing out of town, is a good way to start.

If you’re traveling by car for the Fourth of July, it’s best to hit the road in the morning, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Peak traffic congestion varies by location, INRIX data published by AAA shows, but the worst times to drive on, or leading up to, the holiday are generally between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Either way, be prepared for the roads to be jammed.

“Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a prepared statement.

July Fourth falls on a Thursday this year, and many travelers will likely take Friday July 5th off to extend their trip into a four-day weekend. Drivers in large metro areas can expect the biggest delays on Wednesday July 3 and Sunday July 7 — as travelers leave and return to town, Pishue added.

And if you’re renting a car ahead of July Fourth, the busiest pickup days will be Friday, Saturday and Wednesday before the holiday, AAA notes.

When will airports be busiest?

Airports will also likely be packed all week long — but the TSA expects most people will take to the skies on Friday.

It anticipates that it will screen more than 3 million individuals Friday. That would surpass the agency’s current record for most people screened on a single day, which reached just under 3 million last Sunday.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, adding that travel typical peaks around Independence Day.

Last year, the busiest day for Fourth of July air travel was also the Friday ahead of the holiday, TSA data shows. If past trends hold, travel will likely be higher on the days before and after the Fourth — particularly closer to the weekend. In 2023, for example, more than 2 million people were screened on the Fourth, which landed on a Tuesday last year, down from 2.88 million the Friday before.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Flights can be delayed or canceled for an array of reasons — from plane-specific mechanical problems to major storms impacting popular travel paths.

If your flight is canceled, airlines are required to provide refunds for customers, even if the cancellation is due to weather . Delays are trickier, because they typically have to meet certain criteria for relief, such as refunds or compensation — but carriers will often give customers to chance to switch to alternative flights, if available, at no cost.

In April, the Biden administration issued final rules that include requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. Those rules are set to take effect over the next two years, but the Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the commitments each airline has made for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Always check your itinerary before leaving home

It’s better to be stuck at home than locked in hourslong traffic or stranded in an airport terminal. Before heading out the door this holiday week, do yourself a favor and check the status of your travel plans.

Was your flight, train or bus ride delayed? Are there are traffic incidents set to disrupt your drive? And what about the weather? A quick look through your itinerary — such as trip updates on a carrier’s website — checking weather forecasts and monitoring traffic safety through services like the 511 hotline or your phone’s navigation apps can go a long way toward avoiding travel misery.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

— Leave early: There are more people everywhere during a holiday week, so lines will be longer and roads will be busier. Give yourself more time to get to your destination or to make your way through airport security.

— Keep an eye on the weather — and not just for your destination: Look at the weather for your entire travel path. Even if it’s sunny skies both at home and the place you’re headed, it’s important to keep an eye out for any storms in between. You may need to do some rerouting.

— Be kind: A trip delay or cancellation can be really frustrating — but if you’re running into disruptions, chances are others are too. Customer service agents have a lot on their plate at this time of year, and it’s important to be patient and respectful as they try to help you.