Nature & activities

Merano and Environs offers visitors a broad range of activity programs 365 days a year. The only thing that changes, is the altitude and type of activity. From strolls through the bloossoming orchards in spring or climbing the mountains in summer to breathtaking views in autumn or the crisp white snow in winter. The cycling season typically runs from March to November and offers cyclists the choice between romantic paths or more challenging trails at high altitude. Winter on the other hand, offers five different ski areas. We are happy to organize everything for you.

The promenades

Tappeiner Promenade

This sun-kissed trail offers extraordinary views of the Merano valley basin. Franz Tappeiner, a physician and researcher hailing from Val Venosta (Vinschgau) Valley who was a driving force for Mereano tourism, created the trail as a gift to the city.  The 4-km trail runs up to Quarazze (Gratsch) from the Gilf Promenade, along the contour of Monte Benedetto (Küchelberg) Mountain. There are many different access points around town: steps behind the Duomo, Via Galilei, from Salita Silvana off of via Verdi, from San Zeno (Zenoburg) Castle, and some of the promenades. Amidst the many specimens of typical local vegetation, you’ll also find Mediterranean plants such as cork oaks, eucalyptus trees, maritime pines, agaves and olive trees; even more exotic plants such as palm trees, bamboo and cactus thrive here. There is also an aromatic herb garden along the promenade: created in 2002, the collection comprises about 230 different herbs and aromatic plants. Horticultural labels help visitors recognise each plant. The trail is also dotted with ten fixed telescopes pointed at many of the palaces and buildings in and around Merano: the telescopes are part of the Focus on Architecture circuit, which comprises a total of thirty stations.

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Passer Promenade

Named after the river that divides the city in two, the Passer Promenade runs along the right bank of the river, directly in the centre of town. The promenade is divided into two sections: one runs from the Post Bridge to the Theatre Bridge and the other continues down to the Iron Bridge. The upper section (the old Kurpromenade) is graced with flowerbeds and palm trees in addition to plenty of cafes and ice cream parlours. Merano’s best-known art nouveau architectural landmark, the Kurhaus, is also located here. The lower section (the Passer Promenade) leads in the direction of the confluence with the Adige (Etsch) River; several historical buildings face directly onto the promenade.

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Sissi's Path

This scenic route, known as the Sentiero di Sissi in Italian and the Sissiweg in German, leads to the areas of town most beloved by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sissi. The charming Habsburg sovereign stayed in Merano several times in the second half of the nineteenth century, and was enchanted by its charm. This path dedicated to her connects the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle with the city centre; it passes through eleven stages along the way, each with a story to tell. From the castle that majestically dominates the botanical gardens, Sissi’s Path winds its way past Pienzenau and Rubein Castles, the Reichenbach Residence, Piazza Fontana (Brunnenplatz), Rottenstein Castle, and the Bavaria Hotel; it then continues down to the river, crosses the Roman Bridge, skirts the Wandelhalle and finally pays homage to the empress in the park dedicated to her. The park is on the edge of the Summer Promenade and there is a statue erected in Sissi’s honour. Obviously, the trail can be followed in either direction.

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Gilf Promenade

This trail runs along both banks from the Gilf Gorge down to the point where the river enters the city. On the right bank, it connects directly with the path that leads to the Powder Tower and the Tappeiner Promenade; on the left, it joins with the Summer Promenade. Gilf Promenade is particularly intriguing for its subtropical vegetation. Its Walk of Poets also makes it the most romantic of Merano’s promenades: modern and contemporary love poetry is engraved onto a series of benches here.

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Walk of poets

Poetry possesses the extraordinary power to build bridges between people, cultures and different languages. Taking this idea as a starting point and commissioned by the Merano Public Library, artist Marco Nereo Rotelli created a Walk of Poets along Gilf Promenade in 1997. Rotelli inscribed verses in German or Italian into the wooden benches along the path, providing numerous spots for contemplation. The verses are from poets who have either taken part in past editions of “Merano Poesia” or have stayed or lived in Merano.

The Waalweg Trails

Meraner Waalrunde

The Sentieri d’aqua Meranesi is a network of trails that encompasses the entire Merano Valley Basin, allowing for an 80-km hike all around the city area. Tranquil Trails The Sentieri d’aqua Meranesi walking route unites eleven trails alongside Waal irrigation channels. Along the way, you’ll find places to eat, bells, churches, castles and some of nature’s wonders. The trails are not located at a high elevation: they range from 400 metres to a maximum of 900 metres. You can hike the route, which has eight stages, in a week; of course, you can also do a single stage as a day hike.

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Maiser Waalweg

Walking upstream, this trail connects Maia Alta (Obermais) and Saltusio (Saltaus), a village located at the entrance to Val Passiria (Passeiertal); the channel runs along the left bank of the Passer River. We start at Planta Castle (at the intersection of Via Planta and Via Bellavista) and gradually head into a forest of dense and broadleaved trees along rocky hillsides. About two thirds of the way in, we find the little Waaler House, the water wheel of which signals the smooth flow of water. The trail ends at Torgglerhof. Most of the Maiser Waalweg is flat and nicely shaded; it is an especially nice place for a summer stroll because of its proximity to the cooling river.

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The Lagundo Waalweg

The trail runs from Quarazze (Gratsch) to Tel, passing above old Lagundo, Plars di Mezzo (Mitterplars) and Plars di Sopra (Oberplars) and leading through a series of meadows, chestnut groves and vineyards. The Merano Valley Basin below is visible along the entire length of the trail. If you start from Tel, you can keep going after you pass Quarazze and continue on the Tappeinerweg Trail, which leads to Merano. This Waal canal was built in the fourteenth century utilising water from the Adige River.

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The Caines Waalweg

The trail runs along Findelebach Brook between Mutlechnerhof (840 metres) and Longfallhof (1,075 metres); these are the two farms situated, respectively, at the lowest and highest altitudes above the village of Caines. The starting point, which you have to climb a slope in order to reach, is the highest point; the path, much of which is shaded, thus descends gently as it proceeds.

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The Marlengo Waalweg

The starting point for this Waalweg is the Tel lock. The path runs parallel to and above the Adige River from Marlengo all the way to Lana. The first segment runs through a fairly dense forest; then the trail transitions into more open orchard landscapes, which allow for unique views of Marlengo and Merano. After reaching the elevation at Cermes, there is a short descent leading to the village of Lana. There are several intermediate points that allow you to enter or exit the trail, which runs at constant elevation of around 500 metres. The whole route is easily passable in every season. Dating back to 1737, this is the longest of the Waalweg trails.

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The Scena Waalweg

This channel still irrigates fields in Verdins, Scena and San Giorgio, although most of the water runs through underground pipes. From the valley station of the Taser cable car, the trail enters a forest and you’ll reach a stairway carved into the rock that leads to Schnuggen Stream. This segment is rather wild relative to the rest of the trail, which runs amidst orchards and chestnut trees all the way to the Church of San George, interesting mainly for its circular shape. Follow signs to the Merano 2000 Cable Car and you’ll reach the entrance to the Val di Nova (Naiftal), from where you can head down to Labers Castle.

The Hiking Trails

Sentres.com

The online hiking guide sentres.com - Nature and culture, sport and leisure opportunities, information and entertainment. Your perfect excursion and trip planner - online and from your smartphone. Wonderful hikings, exciting mountaineering and amazing biking trails. Suitable accommodations, tasty food in special restaurants and cosy mountain huts for your stay in South Tyrol.
www.sentres.com

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Meran 2000

This recreational area offers many hiking trails for families as well as trails suited to very experienced hikers. Mountain huts and refuges along the trails provide a pleasant place to stop, take a break, and enjoy some of the local cuisine. The Alpine Bob is a bobsled ride, that runs over a kilometre in length with an elevation differential of over 150 meters. It grants adrenalin-enducing fun for people of all ages the whole year round. Many of the trails are passable in winter either in appropriate boots, snowshoes or on cross-country skis. Merano 2000 is the closest of the winter ski areas to the city. The new cable car whisks passengers to the slopes in just seven minutes.

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Merano High Mountain Trail

An extraordinary hiking trail through the Texel Group Nature park. The Merano High Mountain Trail (trail n. 24) is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the entire Alpine Region. Being at a constant height, the path acts as an intermediary between the high mountain climate of the Texel Group and the sub-mediterranean climate of the Etsch valley. The whole hike is 100 km long and takes from 4 to 6 days, depending on your fitness level.

The Merano High Mountain Trail is divided into northern and southern circuits enabling one to hike along the trail in different seasons. The whole trail is normally open from the end of June until October, depending on when snowfall begins.

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Alta Via di Marlengo

The Alta Via di Marlengo starts out from Lana and leads to Foresta and to Rastbühel Farm, which marks the beginning of Venosta (Vinschgau) Valley. The trail runs at an elevation of about 700 or 800 metres: it isn’t particularly difficult and takes about 5 hours. There are several places where you can descend to the Waalweg trail of Marlengo (Marling).

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Ochsentod Trail

This trail starts at the valley station of the Algund-Vellau Chairlift and runs to Castel Torre (Thurnstein). This is an old road along which oxen-drawn carts once passed. The name of the trail (Ochsen = oxenl; Tod = death) derives from the heavy carts, which left a groove imprinted in the pavement. From Castel Torre, you can continue to the Church of San Pietro, which is Merano’s oldest church, and on to Tyrol Castle or down to the Tappeinerweg Trail.

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Masi di Mezzo

This rather steep path leads through Foresta and Monte San Giuseppe (Josefsberg) Mountain to the Masi di Mezzo Farms, which are located at 810 metres. From here, you can follow a high-altitude path to reach some more farms: Brünnl, Mahlbach (1,220 m) and Mühltaler (1,125 m).

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Malga Leiter

This trail leads from Velloi to the Malga Leiter alpine pastures. Stopovers include Kirchenegg Restaurant and Oberplatzer Restaurant (1,550 m), which can be reached only by climbing up a rather steep slope. The path gets more and more difficult as you ascend.

Information

Bike transport by bus and train

Discover South Tyrol in a sustainable way! In addition to bus and train, the bicycle is also a suitable means of transport to take a break from your car. The transport of bicycles is possible in public transport and costs € 7.00 per day. However, there may be bottlenecks in high season and rush hours due to the limited capacity of buses and trains. For this reason, a separate shuttle service is offered from the Merano train station, which transports the bikes. Alternatively, with the combi-ticket bikemobil Card you can rent a bike at numerous rental stations along the Venosta Railway to experience the best combination of train and bike trips.

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Bike Mobil Card

By Train and Bicycle The Venosta railway line, running 60 km from Merano/Meran to Malles/Mals in the upper Vinschgau Valley, is connected to an extensive bicycle-and-hiking-network. There is an outstanding cycling path that leads all the way from Malles to Merano winding slowly downhill through fruit orchards and picturesque meadows, following the ancient Roman trade route “Via Claudia Augusta”. Following in the steps of this ancient trade route provides ideal cultural and natural attractions for the bicycling enthusiast. Travelling by train and bicycle along this road through the Vinschgau Valley is simply the best and most environmentally friendly way to discover the beautiful landscape of Merano and Environs. With the bikemobil Card you receive a ticket for the public transport system and a full-day bicycle rental. It is not allowed to carry the bike on public means of transport.
More informations

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Bike Rental

Bici Alto Adige
Six railway stations on the line Merano - Malles are furnished with bicycle rental services: in Merano at the goods station area (Güterbahnhof), in Naturno, Laces, Spondigna, Silandro and Malles. The bicycles can be rented and also returned at any of the many rental services along the way, no matter at which service point it was originally rented.
www.suedtirol-rad.com

Papin Sport
Five locations on the line Merano - Malles are furnished with bicycle rental services: in Merano at the goods station area (Güterbahnhof), in Naturno (Ötzibike),  Silandro (Bikeman), Prato (Baldi Sport)  and Malles (train station). The bicycles can be rented and also returned at any of the many rental services along the way, no matter at which service point it was originally rented.
 www.papinsport.com

Tours & Trails

Almen-Tour

General description
Route length in km: 33,0
Vertical climb: ascent 979m – descent 1.814m
Surface: asphalt,forest path, 1 short Single-Trail-section
Required technical skills: S0/S1/S2 – easy with short Single-Trail-section S1/S2

Route description
Cableway to Aschbach/Rio Lagundo, infopoint turn right along the road until the village finish, forest path direction Vigiljoch/San Vigilio, turn right at the junction forest path direction Naturnser Alm, 9A to Vigiljoch church, forest path 9 to Seespitz, descent on Single-Trail to junction forest path, turn left to forest path 27A direction Aschbach, descent passing Unterobereben following road to Töll/Tel.

Alternative descent: Stuanbruch-Trail (S3) or Mohlboch-Trail (S1)

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Jaufen Mountain Pass

General description
Length 20.5 km
Altitude uphill 1466 hm
Altitude downhill 123 hm
Altitude max. 2094m m
Startpoint St.Leonhard
EndPoint Jaufenpass

Route description
The Jaufen Pass mountain pass connects the Passeiertal valley with the Valle Isarco/Eisacktal valley, and is one of the shortest connections between Merano/Meran and Vipiteno/Sterzing by the Brenner Pass mountain pass. The starting point for this racing bike tour is San Leonardo in Val Passiria/St. Leonhard im Passeier. With many switchbacks you climb the mountain with a gradient of approx. 12%. At Valtina/Walten the road bends towards the pass, providing a wonderful view from many sides, rewarding your strenuous pedaling. Descend either towards Casateia/Gasteig or back into the Passeiertal valley the way you came up.

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Blossoming Apple Orchads

Route description
The movement in the outdoors is not only healthy, it also causes mental miracles: Be it on foot or by bike - fresh air promotes circulation, promotes relaxation and brings good mood. The view of the Nalser Asparagus fields and the blossoming orchards promotes this feeling of happiness. This gourmet tour leads from Nalles along the Via Claudia Augusta to Andriano. Continue past vineyards to Terlano and along the Etschtal cycle path to Lana. Back on the Apfelradweg through flowering orchards to Nalles. In this tour, there is the possibility to learn about the cultivation of apples, wine and asparagus.

Tours & Trails

The Wurzer Alm

General description
Length 14.785 km
Difficulty 1
Altitude uphill 508 hm
Altitude downhill 500 hm
Altitude max. 1706 m

Route description
Delightful mountain bike tour (number 262) through meadows and forests to the Wurzer Alm Mountain Hut. From the parking lot in the village of Hafling/Avelengo below the parish church, the trail no. 2A takes through the forest to Wurzer Alm Mountain Hut in about one hour. From there, the route continues on the marked trails no. 2A and no. 11 to the Leadner Alm Alp Inn. The trail no. 16 leads back to the starting point. description to arrive at destination Coming from both directions of the freeway Meran - Bozen (MEBO), take the exit of Meran Süd/Merano Sud and follow directions towards Meran first, to then turn right towards Hafling/Avelengo, follow the street until the parking lot in Hafling Dorf (below the parish church).

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Val Passiria

General description
Length 48 km
Altitude uphill 456 hm
Altitude downhill 684 hm

Route description
The family tour into the original Val Passiria begins in Rablà on the famous cycling route Via Claudia Augusta. It continues along the Val d’Adige Cycle Trail to Tel, where we follow the cycle track to Merano. The cycling route to Val Passiria begins in the Sissi Park in the centre of Merano. We follow it though many picturesque villages to San Leonardo in Passiria. The return journey follows the same route to the train and bus station of Merano. The river Passirio accompanies cyclists along the 20 km cycle lane that runs through all of Val Passiria from Merano (525 m above sea level), passing through Saltusio (490 m above sea level) up to San Leonardo in Passiria (689 m above sea level).

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Family Tour

General description
Route length in km: 16,5
Vertical climb: ascent 98m – descent 928m
Surface: asphalt,forest path
Required technical skills: S0 – easy

Route description
Cableway to Aschbach/Rio Lagundo, Infopoint turn left forest path 27A to Mahlbach, Mohlboch-Trail, turn left road direction Quadrat, pass the restaurant Brünnl and Niederhof and follow the road to Töll/Tel. From there you take the cycling route Via Claudia Augusta back to Rabland/Rablà.

Spring / Summer / Autumn

Running

Between Merano/Meran and the villages of Tirolo/Dorf Tirol, Scena/Schenna, Rifiano/Riffian and Caines/Kuens, four well signposted routes have been created, where walkers, joggers, Nordic walkers and sports enthusiasts will get their money's worth. These routes run along promenades and footpaths, through green areas and forests, and along the picturesque riverbank of the Passer. They have different levels of difficulty (from easy to intermediate) and lengths (ranging from 2 – 10 kilometers). The route of the annual half-marathon Merano-Lagundo takes participants from the upper Corso della Libertà/Freiheitsstrasse street in Merano to Lagundo/Algund and back. The support program of the half marathon includes a "Fitness Run" over a distance of 12.5 kilometers and a "Run4Fun" for amateur runners (distance: 4.2 km).

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Climbing

Despite the proximity of the Dolomites at Merano (reachable in only one hour by car), there are many interesting and challenging attractions in the region surrounding the spa resort, particularly rock climbing. Here, there are walls with many different difficulty levels for climbers, from third and fourth grade of difficulty up to more challenging tours such as the sixth grade Cima Bianca Grande in the Parco Naturale della Giogaia di Tessa. Knowledgable local mountain guides are readily available for climbers with advice and suggestions from their many years of experience.

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Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts will find many spots to cast their line in Merano and Enviorns. There are numerous lakes, streams and mountain lakes far from traffic and the hustle and bustle of every day life. The most secluded spots are the “Schwarze Lacke“ and Val d’Ultimo. 

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Rafting

Rafting makes the Adige and Passirio Rivers accessible to everyone. Experience is not essential - a good feeling and respect for flowing water is all that is required. Professional guides will assist and plan every trip according to your personal needs. Once you have experienced whitewater rafting you will never look at a river the same way again. So, can you handle the rapids?

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Paragliding

The absolute best place for paraglide launching is located in Merano and Environs, with its amazing views of the Gruppo di Tessa  and the Dolomites. Experienced instructors will accompany beginners to the valley with tandem paragliding. It begins from Mount San Vigilio, without traffic, or from Muta, above Tirolo. 

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Tennis

It’s possible to play tennis in Merano, Lana and Marlengo. As well as this, a campus of the Van der Meer Tennis University in Marlengo offers practice sessions and weeklong intensive courses.

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Golf

Golf enthusiasts will get their money's worth in Merano and Environs, where they will find two extensive golf courses open year round. The Passiria-Merano Golf Club and Lana Gutshof Brandis Golf Club can be found here where from February to December, the courses are popular with golf lovers, of which many are professional.
Only a few kilometres away in Alta Val di Non in the neighbouring province of Trentino, is the town of Sarnonico. In the Dolomiti Colf Club, golfers will discover one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Alps.

Winter

Ski & Snowboard

The five winter sports areas in and around Merano are not solely for skiers and snowboarders of all levels: freeriders and telemark skiers will find fresh snow and expansive terrain - a recipe for unforgettable runs.

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Cross-Country-Skiing

The high plateaus of the holiday region of Merano and Environs are ideal for the Nordic winter sport. All five of the ski areas in the area offer cross-country trails of varying difficulty in addition to Alpine skiing.

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Snowshoe Hiking

Snowshoe hikers will find a vast network of trails and adventure-filled routes in the holiday region of Merano and Environs: from easy exploration hikes through the smaller side valleys up to a diverse range of circuit hikes up on the high plains above the tree line, with magnificent views of the snowy mountains.

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Winter Hiking

While there is a cheerful hustle and bustle at the recreational areas high in the mountains, the mild Merano Basin of the Val d’Adige (Etschtal) Valley is without snow for most of the winter. Here, a variety of summer hiking trails are accessible in the winter - and boast quite mild temperatures. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and use poles.

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Ski Touring

Two nature reserves surround the Merano and Environs region. To the north, we find the Tessa Group Nature Park, which encompasses eight municipalities of the holiday region; to the west, the end of Val d’Ultimo (Ultental) is the gateway to Stelvio Pass National Park. Anyone who is passionate about ski touring will find a vast network of paths, trails and unique routes in the region.

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Tobogganing

Tobogganing is very traditional sport in South Tyrol. Armin Zöggeler, the multiple world champion and Olympic winner is the most well known toboggan driver of the country and descends form the little village of Foiana, which is close to the city of Merano. All of the five winter sport areas in the holiday region of Merano and its surroundings make it their priority to take special care of their toboggan tracks, which is highly praised by all of our guests of all ages.

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Ice Skating

Anyone who loves ice-skating will find many options in the Meraner Land region: there are ice rinks in town as well as natural ice rinks in the mountains.The Meranarena: Ice hockey tournaments take place every week at the ice rink of Merano. This is an important meeting place for regional fans of the A2 division and is also a public ice skating hall with a skate hiring service between the months of November and March. 

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Ice Climbing

The surrounding area of Merano is renowned in the climbing scene for their boulder-spots that are accessible all year round. The most well known of these areas are placed in the villages of Lagundo and Scena. At the same time Merano and its surroundings offer numerous icefalls with various difficulty levels. This enables a variety of climbing forms that can be combined in one day.