Holidays in Merano and environs: active relaxation

Holidays in Merano/Meran and environs are greatly versatile. Whether you are planning to spend an active holiday, a culture-inspired holiday or a wellness holiday, the spa town has it all. Merano/Meran is the second most populated town in South Tyrol, right after Bolzano/Bozen. For a long time, it was even the official capital of Tyrol. One of the top highlights when on holidays in Merano/Meran is the Mediterranean climate with the mild temperatures.

Are you planning to spend active holidays in Merano/Meran and environs? Great idea! Spring, summer and autumn here are ideal for hikes and walks across the colourful and idyllic landscape. The extensive biking network make of holidays in Merano/Meran also a veritable dream come true for bikers. In winter, the snowy mountains and hip ski resorts offer great fun on the slopes and unforgettable culinary moments in the rustic mountain restaurants. 

If you like culture, you will love the sights in South Tyrol during your holidays in Merano/Meran or environs. This region is brimming with lovely churches, fairy-tale castles and lush green parks.

The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle

The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are one of the most popular destinations when on holidays in Merano/Meran. The gardens are located about four kilometres from the city centre, thus comfortably reachable by foot. On about twelve hectares with an altitude difference of 100 metres, you can find the most exotic plants from all over the world. A total of 80 garden landscapes boast beautiful flowers, bushes and trees in front of the impressive backdrop of the South Tyrolean mountains and the spa town Merano/Meran. If you visit the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle during your holidays in Merano/Meran and environs, make sure to stop at the Touriseum, the South Tyrol Museum of Tourism. The museum is located in the renovated halls of Trauttmansdorff Castle and exhibits all kinds of worthwhile facts from the past 200 years centred on the history of Alpine tourism.

Kurhaus and Municipal Theatre

If you are already familiar with the spa town, possibly from previous holidays to Merano/Meran, then you might be familiar with the Municipal Theatre and the Kurhaus. The Kurhaus is located in the city centre, on the Passiria/Passer promenade, and its majestic Art-Nouveau-style hall is a popular site for major events like concerts, festivals or conferences. The excellent acoustics, the elegant design and the festive atmosphere make of it the ideal setting for various events. The Municipal Theatre is popular for theatre performances, readings, concerts and presentations. The theatre seats 296 visitors.

Merano thermal baths: health and wellbeing

The Merano thermal baths are not far from the Kurhaus and another great attraction for wellness fans on holidays in Merano/Meran. This centre of health, wellbeing and wellness in Merano/Meran, designed by star architect Matteo Thun, opened its doors in 2005. The thermal baths offer a thermal park, a medical spa, a fitness centre, a bistro, a shop and a hairdresser’s shop. For many visitors, the thermal baths are one of the highlights during their holidays in Merano/Meran and environs; the healing waters of the thermal baths are known for their beneficial effect and said to even soothe joint ache.   

Horseracing track

The track in Maia/Mais is located near the city centre and one of the most beautiful horseracing tracks in Europe, a must for horse fans when on holidays in Merano/Meran. The horseracing season starts every year on Easter Monday with a parade through the old town and a Haflinger galopp race. The biggest event, however, is certainly the Grand Prix of Merano Forst. Ever since the opening of the horseracing track in 1935, the obstacle race is a popular attraction for visitors from all over the world.