Our Top 5 excursion tips and "must do's" in Merano and surroundings
Things you should not miss out on during your stay at the Residence Désirée in Merano
There is plenty to do and discover in Merano! Often, there is not enough time to see everything. To make sure you know the "must do's", we have collected some excursion tips & interesting sights:
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle - The South Tyrolean version of the "Garden of Eden"
If you have never visited the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, you should not wait any longer! The 12 hectares large gardens provide a unique experience for old and young. 80 garden landscapes with plants from all over the world, impressive themed gardens, exciting adventure stations, and the wonderful view of the surrounding mountain world impress thousands of visitors every day. During the warm summer months from April to October, different events like concerts with international artists, workshops and late opening hours with aperitif are offered in this spectacular and unique setting.
When staying at the Residence Désirée, the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle can be reached on foot via the Sissi Trail. If you prefer to save your energies for the walk in the gardens, we recommend taking the bus line 1B.
Tappeiner Trail - The probably most enchanting promenade in Merano
One of the most renowned panoramic trails in Merano is the Tappeiner Trail. The botanist and spa doctor Dr. Franz Tappeiner designed it more than 100 years ago. The splendid walk leads via the Gilf promenade past the Torre delle Polveri (Powder Tower), and after almost 4 km ends at Gratscherland. Along this high-level path, there are a few fascinating viewpoints, splendid resting places and some inns. This sunny walking trail is characterised by an easy incline, and the Mediterranean vegetation, and the breath-taking view of the Merano and the Adige Valley.
Merano Old Town - A stylish, noble, yet splendid city.
Medieval, yet modern. Alpine climate, yet Mediterranean. No other city features as many contrasts as Merano. Thanks to the central position of Residence Désirée, you can reach the old town in only 5 minutes, and enjoy a stroll through the beautiful boutiques and shops or simply enjoy a typical Italian Cappuccino in one of the many bars & restaurants. In addition to the historic arbours, the St. Nikolaus Parish Church, a late-Gothic building, and the Town Theatre on Theatre Square are also worth a visit. Enjoy and be enchanted by the Italian flair in the old town of Merano.
Leisure time and hiking region Meran 2000 - Impressive mountain scenery, wonderful hiking trails & lots of leisure time options.
Looking for an adventure? Immerse in a world of great options. In summer, Meran 2000 offers wonderful hiking trails, mountain-bike routes and summit tours. In winter, look forward to cross-country ski tracks, ski slopes and snow-shoe tours leading to cosy alpine huts. The excursion area can be reached with one of the most modern cable cars in the Alps with a 7-minute ride. An enchanting panoramic view, numerous hiking trails, exciting leisure time activities, and adventurous mountain tours and summit destinations await you. The 1.1 km long summer toboggan run Alpin Bob guarantees fun for the whole family and an adrenaline kick. The Meran 2000 hiking area offers something for everyone... enjoy a day filled with action or a relaxing time on the sun terrace of Merano - the choice is yours!
Irrigation channels - comfortable hikes along the beautiful irrigation channels in the Merano & environs region
The paths along the irrigation channels were constructed in the 13th century to irrigate the meadows and fields. The paths made maintenance works on the irrigation channels possible. Today, these are wonderful walking and hiking paths. In Merano and its surroundings there are about 18 km of irrigation channels, each of them with its own fascinating characteristics. One of the most renowned paths in Merano is the Maia irrigation channel. It leads from Maia di Sopra, parallel to the Passirio river to Saltusio, and ends at the Torgglerhof farm. Most of this romantic walking path is rather flat and shady.
