Important information:
Am 10. April 2024 wurden das Kundenportal sowie der Web-Zugriff auf das Kartenkonto eingestellt. Bitte laden Sie die Swiss Bankers App herunter, um weiterhin uneingeschränkten Zugriff auf alle Dienste zu haben.
Are you a Swiss Bankers sales partner?
Hier geht es zum Partnerportal.
Palm trees against snow-capped peaks, elegant Art Nouveau façades by the river and narrow alleyways where South Tyrolean down-to-earth charm blends with Italian light-heartedness: Merano has an atmosphere that is both Alpine and Mediterranean. Merano’s most beautiful sights can be explored at a leisurely pace on foot – with plenty of time to enjoy blooming gardens, cosy cafés and tranquil vantage points.
04.06.2026
Eliza
Contents:
Photo: The parish church of St Nicholas, with its striking tower, stands as one of the most famous landmarks in Merano.
If you’re visiting Merano for the first time, the best place to start your tour is in the old town. At the heart of the historic centre lie the Merano arcades, which wind their way through the town with their medieval arcades. Beneath the covered walkways are small shops, delicatessens and cafés, whilst above them, colourful façades and bay windows line the streets.
At the upper end of the arcades stands the parish church of St Nicholas with its striking tower. Just behind it lies the Steinach district, the oldest part of Merano. The narrow streets, simple houses and historic city gates serve as a reminder that Merano was a medieval trading town long before it became an elegant spa resort.
One of Merano’s most famous landmarks is the Kurhaus on the River Passer. With its richly decorated Art Nouveau façade, large windows and the well-tended promenade in front of it, it bears witness to the time when Merano was one of Europe’s most popular spa resorts. Particularly in the early evening, when the building is bathed in warm light, the town shows itself at its most elegant here.
A highlight outside the town centre is the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. Spread across the extensive grounds are landscaped gardens featuring plants from all over the world, water features, terraces in full bloom and numerous vantage points. Inside the castle itself is the Touriseum, which brings the history of tourism in South Tyrol to life with a fine sense of humour.
Photo: A hidden gem in Merano is the herb garden on Tappeinerweg – amongst medicinal plants, Mediterranean flora and fragrant herbs, a small, peaceful green oasis has been created above the old town.
Even away from the well-known sights in Merano, there are places well worth a visit. One of these is the herb garden on Tappeinerweg. Nestled amongst medicinal plants, Mediterranean flora and fragrant herbs, it forms a small, peaceful green oasis above the old town. The garden can easily be combined with a walk to the nearby Pulverturm, which offers sweeping views over the rooftops of Merano.
Another hidden gem in Merano is the Women’s Museum. Through clothing, accessories and everyday objects, the exhibition explores social changes and women’s lived experiences. The museum has a personal touch, is pleasantly compact and offers an intriguing contrast to the town’s classic historical sights.
Anyone looking for regional produce and handcrafted souvenirs should visit the Merano Market. Amidst fruit, cheese, herbal products and small design pieces, you can discover South Tyrol from its contemporary, quality-conscious side. The market is less a traditional farmers’ market than a stylish showcase for selected producers from the region.
For a quiet break, it’s also worth taking a detour into the narrow side streets of the Steinach district. Just a few steps away from the bustling arcades, you’ll find winding passageways, old walls and shady corners where Merano takes on an almost village-like feel.
Photo: The promenades along the River Passer are a particularly defining feature of Merano – the spa promenade runs right past the Kurhaus.
Merano is a town whose character is revealed less through individual monuments than whilst strolling through its streets. The promenades along the River Passer are particularly distinctive. The Kurpromenade runs directly past the Kurhaus and links well-tended flower beds, historic buildings and sunny terraces.
On the opposite bank of the river runs the Winter Promenade with its covered walkway. Artfully designed walls, old trees and the view of the water make it a lovely place for a stroll, even on cooler or rainy days. A little further on, the promenade merges into the Gilf Promenade. Here, the surroundings become greener and wilder: the River Passer rushes between the rocks, subtropical plants grow on the slopes and small benches invite you to pause for a moment.
One of Merano’s most beautiful spots is the Obermais villa district. Amidst stately homes, ancient walls and lush gardens, the spa town reveals its tranquil, almost timeless side. The Sissi Trail also runs through the neighbourhood, linking various sites associated with Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
Thermenplatz, with its modern architecture and surrounding cafés, has a livelier atmosphere. The square provides an intriguing contrast to the historic old town and is a particularly pleasant meeting place in the late afternoon.
Photo: One of the most enjoyable things to do in Merano is a walk along the Tappeinerweg. The path runs above the town and offers sweeping views over rooftops, church spires, orchards and the Adige Valley.
One of the most beautiful activities in Merano is a walk along the Tappeinerweg. The path runs above the town and offers sweeping views over rooftops, church spires, orchards and the Adige Valley. Palm trees, cypresses, prickly pears and flowering shrubs lend the route an almost Mediterranean feel. As the path is mostly flat, it is also ideal for a leisurely stroll without any sporting ambitions.
Anyone looking to unwind after a day in the city will find what they’re looking for at the Merano Thermal Baths. This modern glass cube is situated right in the city centre and features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and spacious relaxation areas. The thermal baths are a soothing retreat, particularly on cooler days.
The Meran 2000 area is ideal for hikes at higher altitudes. The cable car takes you quickly from the town to an alpine landscape of meadows, mountain huts and trails offering stunning views. In summer, the area is ideal for hiking, whilst in winter it is perfect for skiing and winter walking.
A worthwhile excursion also takes you to Dorf Tirol and the castle of the same name. The former ancestral castle of the Counts of Tyrol now houses a cultural history museum. Even the journey there, past vineyards and orchards, is part of the experience.
Just west of Merano, the Marlinger Waalweg runs alongside a historic irrigation canal. The route winds through vineyards, apple orchards and small wooded areas and is particularly charming during the spring blossom or on mild autumn days.
Photo: If you’re in Merano on a Saturday, you should also take a stroll through the Merano market.
Merano’s cuisine combines South Tyrolean traditions with Italian lightness. Typical specialities include dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen, barley soup, South Tyrolean speck with Schüttelbrot, as well as apple strudel and Kaiserschmarrn. Regional apples, cheese, herbs and South Tyrolean wines feature prominently on many menus, whilst modern restaurants combine Alpine ingredients with Mediterranean flavours and seasonal vegetables.
A great place to find regional produce is Pur Südtirol. This stylishly designed gourmet market brings together specialities from South Tyrolean farms, artisan producers and wineries. As well as cheese, bread, spreads and wine, you’ll also find numerous organic products and seasonal souvenirs. If you fancy a quick break, you can combine your shopping with a coffee or a light snack.
Anyone visiting Merano on a Saturday should also take a stroll through the Merano Market, where regional food, South Tyrolean natural products and traditional crafts are on offer at stylishly designed market stalls.
For a special evening, we recommend Andrea Fenoglio’s Restaurant Sissi. The cuisine is creative, refined and, at the same time, closely linked to the region. Alongside the regular menus, a vegetarian tasting menu is also available, demonstrating just how versatile meat-free gourmet cuisine can be.
L’Insalatina in Laubengasse offers a lighter, more straightforward option. This small salad bar prides itself on using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Salads and bowls can be customised to your taste and are ideal for a relaxed lunch between sightseeing stops.
Right by the Bozner Tor is Restaurant Sigmund, a historic inn with stylishly restored rooms and a lovely terrace. The cuisine combines South Tyrolean specialities with Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Thanks to its central location between the Old Town and the Passer Promenade, the restaurant is particularly well suited for a relaxed lunch or an enjoyable evening.
Merano and its immediate surroundings offer numerous stylish accommodation options that combine historic charm, modern design and a personal atmosphere.
VillaVerde Aparthotel, Lagundo near Merano: Although this exceptional aparthotel is not located directly in Merano, it is situated right on the edge of the spa town, which is precisely why it is a particularly noteworthy alternative. The historic villa, with its modern architecture, spacious apartments, natural swimming pond and peaceful setting amidst the countryside, combines a relaxing holiday with proximity to Merano’s old town.
Ottmanngut Suite & Breakfast: This family-run establishment delights guests with individually furnished rooms, a Mediterranean garden and a carefully prepared breakfast served in a cosy atmosphere.
Hotel Adria: Situated in the elegant villa district of Obermais, this historic hotel combines Art Nouveau charm with a peaceful setting and a breakfast featuring regional and organic produce.
Boutique & Design Hotel ImperialArt: This small hotel near the Kurhaus and thermal baths offers twelve rooms individually designed by Merano-based artists and is ideal for a central, creative city break.
Whether in the heart of the old town, in the leafy villa district or just outside the town amongst gardens and orchards: the right hotels make it easy to discover Merano at a leisurely pace.
Photo: Merano benefits from its sheltered location south of the Alps. The climate is comparatively mild, which is why palm trees, cypresses and other Mediterranean plants thrive in the town, whilst snow often still lies on the surrounding mountains.
Merano benefits from its sheltered location south of the Alps. The climate is comparatively mild, which is why palm trees, cypresses and other Mediterranean plants thrive in the town, whilst snow often still lies on the surrounding mountains.
Spring is a particularly lovely time to visit. Between March and May, magnolias, fruit trees and flower beds are in bloom, and the temperatures are ideal for walks and the first hikes of the season. Anyone wishing to visit the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle should note that they are usually open from spring to autumn.
In summer, it can get warm in the valley. This makes for early morning strolls through the town, shaded promenades and trips to higher altitudes such as Meran 2000. Autumn is ideal for culinary getaways: vineyards and orchards take on their autumnal colours, temperatures often remain pleasant, and the Törggele season begins in the surrounding area.
Merano also has a special charm in winter. The town is quieter, the thermal baths become a soothing retreat, and the Christmas market brings a festive atmosphere to the River Passer.
Photo: The old town, the promenades and many of Merano’s attractions can be easily explored on foot.
For travellers from Switzerland, Merano is easily accessible by public transport. A common rail route runs via Innsbruck, the Brenner Pass and Bolzano, from where regional trains continue on to Merano. The journey via Landquart, Zernez, Val Müstair and Mals offers particularly scenic views. From there, the Vinschgau Railway takes you on towards Merano.
Once there, a car is hardly necessary. The old town, the promenades and many of Merano’s attractions can be easily explored on foot. Buses connect the centre with Trauttmansdorff Castle, Lagundo, Dorf Tirol and other nearby towns. Regional trains and cable cars make it easy to visit other parts of South Tyrol.
Many accommodation providers offer their guests the South Tyrol Guest Pass. This allows use of numerous public transport services in South Tyrol and may include additional benefits depending on the holiday region. It is therefore worth enquiring at the time of booking whether the pass is included in your stay.
Conclusion: Merano is not a town to be rushed through. Its special charm lies between the well-known sights: on a bench by the River Passer, whilst gazing over the rooftops from the Tappeinerweg, or over a coffee beneath ancient palm trees. Anyone who takes the time to explore Merano will discover a place that feels both elegant and down-to-earth, alpine and Mediterranean.
© Swiss Bankers 2026
Compare cards and conditions
