Holidays in Merano

Marvellous Merano is an ideal summer holiday destination: a town famous for its vineyards and thermal waters with walking trails heading in every direction

Merano is a favoured summer holiday destination and a culturally rich town known for its radon springs and spas. Sitting in a beautiful South Tyrolean basin surrounded by mountains, it has medieval arcades, castles and churches dating back to the 12th century. In summer the mountains come alive with colourful wildflowers, crystal-clear streams and verdant vineyards and forests. Whether you're walking or just relaxing in one of the town’s many parks or its botanical gardens, the views are breath-taking.

Luxury in Merano: a royal flush

Once visited by Austrian royals, Merano became a popular summer retreat among the European bourgeoisie in the 19th century, and has beautiful hotels and architecture to show for it. Today you can follow in the footsteps of the 19th century elite by walking in the foothills, lazing in the many spas and visiting the incredible Trauttmansdorff Castle botanical gardens, which you can walk to from town on the famous Sissi's Path.

Thermal spa therapy

Merano is known for its natural hot springs, and there are several thermal spas in the area where you can relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters. Some of the most popular spots include the Terme Merano (the Merano Thermal Baths) and the AquaForum.

Sightseeing in Merano: centuries of culture (and wine)

Merano has a rich cultural heritage, with several museums, galleries and historic buildings to explore. The town is particularly well known for its Art Nouveau architecture, which can be seen in buildings like the Kurhaus and Villa Tivoli. If you visit the Castel Rametz, you can explore the ancient wine cellar, said to be the first place to produce wine in the Alps, going all the way back to Roman times.

Tyrolean treats: tuck into Merano's local food

The food might be the best thing of all in Italy’s South Tyrol and a highlight of your summer holiday. Blending Austrian, Italian and Mediterranean influences, traditional Tyrolean dishes include speck (smoked ham), knödel (dumplings) and kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) alongside the classic Italian favourites. Wash it all down with a glass of wine from a local vineyard.

Why book a summer holiday in Merano with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Merano's best activities at your own pace.

Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Merano. Join a professional mountain guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Merano include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Inghams rep based in resort

Includes flights and transfers

Exclusive to Inghams: Join up to two included walks with a professional, local guide (limited availability, pre-booking is essential)

Free 7 day Mobilcard: includes regional trains, buses, cable cars and more in the South Tyrol

Walking in and around Merano

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Merano

Merano is fantastic if you're looking for a relaxed holiday with a combination of easier and moderate trails to try out. If you want to explore vineyards, botanical gardens and walk along well maintained routes it's ideal. You get a real sense of being on holiday when you can come back from the mountain trails and head straight into the spa to wind-down.

Inghams guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of Inghams guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Getting around Merano

Summer lifts

There are ten lifts open in Merano during the summer, normally from the end of April to the end of September (please note some chairlifts or gondolas, may not open until June). Make use of your Merano Mobil Card as it includes free entry to several cable cars for up to 7 days. Lifts are a fantastic way to experience the scenery from a different perspective as you climb higher and higher. As a top tip, we'd recommend having cash on you, as some lifts and restaurants on the mountain won't accept card.

Public Transport

There are lots of buses and trains available in Merano to make getting around simple. You'll get all these included with your free Merano Mobil Card (up to 7 days), so getting around is really affordable and you'll have the freedom to explore even more of the area. What's great about Merano's public buses is that most of them are electric, which is a really positive step in making the air cleaner for generations to come.

For more information on the Mobil Card head to the 'Cards & Passes' tab.

Guided walks in Merano

Inghams guided walks - included in your holiday

We’ve included two full-day walks per week in Merano, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional mountain guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The walks will run every Monday and Friday from the 19th May to the end of season and you can add them onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see some of our planned routes below:

Alta Via di Merano Vernurio - Village Dorf Tirol

On this walk you'll get the chance to stop at a typical mountain hut and experience the Val di Sopranes and the village of Tirolo Vernurio. The bus "hiking bus" (Wanderbus) will take you from Tirolo or Caines to Vernurio. From the bus station in Vernurio, you'll walk along trail no. 24 on the Alta Via di Merano towards Gaveis/Longfall, which passes along several narrow hiking trails and some roadways. Passing through Gaveis, you'll go on a gentle walk down towards Val di Sopranes  where you'll have the chance to stop at the Longfall mountain hut. The final section of the walk heads up the other side of the Val di Sopranes. You'll then begin the ascent to the village of Dorf Tirolo.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 7km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 3 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 200m (ascent) 300 metres (descent)
  • Terrain: Forest paths
  • Useful information: You'll stop at the Longfall mountain hut where you can pay for lunch locally and have a rest. Any bus travel will be covered by your Mobilcard (up to 7 days). You'll need to bring cash with you as not all cable cars or mountain restaurants accept card.

Oberkirn to the Grube and Gompm alm huts 

Starting at the Verdines-Talle cable car mountain station, you'll head to Grube past the Oberkirn Inn and the rustic Portnerhof. You'll then begin an ascent  along a forest and meadow path which takes you past the Wahlerhöfe, the highest mountain farms in area. Once at the Grube, the trail becomes relatively flat. You'll then head to the Gompm Alm huts, where you'll stop at a fantastic restaurant. From here, you'll begin your descent which will go via Hochwies to the mountain village of Prenn, all the way back to the Verdines-Talle cable car mountain station. The final section of the walk starts above the Prennanger Inn and will head along a pretty forest and meadow path back to the starting point.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 10.5km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 4 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 520m (ascent) & 530m (descent)
  • Terrain: Forest paths and meadows
  • Useful information: You'll stop at the Gompm alm mountain restaurant along the way where you can pay for lunch locally. During the walk you'll take the Verdines-Talle cable car (payable locally, approx. €13 return, per person). Any bus travel will be covered by your Mobilcard (up to 7 days). You'll need to bring cash with you as not all cable cars or mountain restaurants accept card.

Tall to the Taseralm

This is a stunning walk which takes you through forest and meadow slopes and past rustic farmland. The walk starts at the Verdins-Tall cable car where you'll head up to Tall (Oberkirn). The walk will take you along asphalt roads, through woods and meadows and will give you some fantastic views of the Ifinger mountain and the Merano basin. After about an hour you'll reach the pretty mountain hamlet of Videgg which has some lovely farmland and a little church. The trail continues through the forest on the Taser Höhenweg where you'll pass streams, and head up some small climbs. Eventually you'll come to the Taser Alm mountain station where you'll hop on the gondola and finish the walk.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 9.5km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 3 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 208m (ascent) 187m (descent)
  • Terrain: Asphalt roads, wooded terrain, meadows, some small ascents
  • Useful information: You'll stop at a mountain hut where you can pay for lunch locally and have a comfort break. During the walk you'll take the Verdins-Tall and the Taser Cable Car (payable locally, approx. €16.50 per person, combined ticket). Any bus travel will be covered by your Mobilcard (up to 7 days). You'll need to bring cash with you as not all cable cars or mountain restaurants accept card.

San Vigilius

San Vigilius is a very special place for walking, it has been producing radon-containing mineral water since the 60's - this water is used in various therapies. You'll start your day on public transport which will take you to the Vigiljoch Cable car. From here you'll head up to the top where you'll start the walk. The first part of the walk heads through larch and spruce trees - the nature here is unbeatable. In about half an hour you'll reach the spring of the thermal waters of the Terme of Merano. Finally, you'll head to Naturnser alm. This section entails a climb of about 420 metres but it's well worth it for the incredible views.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 11.7km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 4.5 hours)
  • Ascent/Descent: 410 metres
  • Terrain: Forest trails, farmland, some steep ascents
  • Useful information: You'll stop at the Maturnseralm Hut where you'll have a comfort break and have some food and a drink (payable locally for approx.€18 per person return). During the walk you'll take the Vigiloch cable car (payable locally, approx. €22 return, per person). Any bus travel will be covered by your Mobilcard (up to 7 days). You'll need to bring cash with you as not all cable cars or mountain restaurants accept card.

The Hinteregger Alm

The Hinteregger Alm forms part of the Talle pastures and has been used as a meadow for rearing local farm animals for generations. The starting point for this hike is the Verdines-Talle cable car mountain station. From here, you'll continue your ascent using the Talle-Grube chair lift. The beginning of the walk is along a flat footpath towards Klammeben, which leads to the Hirzer Hütte Inn. After an easy ascent, you'll carry on along a hiking path through the Tallner Alm farmland all the way to the Hinteregger Alm. The latter stage of the walk follows the path to the Gompm Alm and you'll find yourself walking along a forest path to the Grube. Finally, you'll take the Talle-Grube chair lift followed by a cable car back to Verdines. To end the walk you'll take the bus back to Merano.

  • Grade: Moderate (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 8.7km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 5 hours)
  • Ascent/Descent: 380m (ascent) & 380m (descent)
  • Terrain: Farmland and forest paths
  • Useful information: You'll stop at the Hinteregger Alm Inn where you'll have a comfort break and have some food and a drink (payable locally). There will be a few more huts to stop at on the way for comfort breaks. During the walk you'll take the Verdins-Tall cable car (payable locally, approx. €12.50, per person) as well as the Talle-Grube chairlift (payable locally, approx. €7.50, per person). Any bus travel will be covered by your Mobilcard (up to 7 days). You'll need to bring cash with you as not all cable cars or mountain restaurants accept card. You'll need to bring cash with you as not all cable cars or mountain restaurants accept card.

The “Passer­-Schluchtenweg” Path

This walk is fantastic if you love to be near water. You'll head along part of the Passer stream and eventually you'll come to a hiking trail through which takes you along the Passiria gorge. The walk will take you through some wonderful forests and farmland and you'll even get to see the Stulles waterfall. At the end of the walk your guide will take you to a local restaurant where you can have some lunch and chat about the day.

  • Grade: Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 8km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 3 hours)
  • Ascent/Descent: 350m (ascent)
  • Terrain: Farmland and forest paths
  • Useful information: There will be the opportunity to have a comfort break about half way through the walk and at the end of the walk the guide will take you to a local restaurant for lunch. During the walk you'll take public transport (a one way ticket will cost approx. €5). On certain modes of transport you can use your Mobilcard. You'll need to bring cash with you as not all cable cars or mountain restaurants accept card.

Alta Via di Merano Moncucco - Unterstell

This walk starts by heading up in the Texel furnicular. You'll begin by passing through the Schindelbach stream valley and on to the Hochforch farm mountain hut where you can have a break. You’ll also get to see the ‘valley of a thousand steps’ which leads down to some attractive waterfalls. There’s quite an ascent at this stage but you’ll find farms and meadows at the end of it, where you can have some refreshments. The walk will take you past the Grubhof, Galmein and Innerforch farms, and you’ll follow the trail to the Unterstell cable car mountain station. You'll then head down to Naturno village. This walk is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the Alta Via di Merano and experience the Tessa mountain group.

  • Grade: Moderate - Challenging (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 9.5km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 4.5 hours)
  • Ascent/Descent: 480m (ascent) & 700m (descent)
  • Terrain: Farmland, meadows, some steep ascents
  • Useful information: You'll stop at the Hochforch farm mountain tavern where you'll have a comfort break and have some food and a drink (payable locally). During the walk you'll take the Texel furnicular. You'll need to bring cash with you as not all cable cars or mountain restaurants accept card.

Guided walks with qualified nature and landscape guides on the walking trails around Merano are also available. You can book and pay for these locally through the tourist office. 

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash for mountain huts/transport. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Our favourite walks in Merano

The walking in Merano is so good that every route could be classed as a favourite, but here are just a few routes that we really love:

Merano 2000m to Stoanerne

  • Challenging walk with a mixture of uphill and downhill sections 
  • Duration of walk is 6 hours 
  • See more than 100 small stone figures, which are situated around the mountain cross of Schöneck.

A well signposted route, which includes the use of some local transport. The highlight of this route are the stone figures, considered the Stonehenge of the Alpi Sarentine! Be sure to stop off at Möltner Kaser for a refreshment and a bite to eat. Here you'll find a South Tyrolean hut serving traditional food from bacon dumplings with fried potato and eggs to Kaiserschmarrn. 

Tappeinerweg Trail 

  • Easy walk
  • 4km 
  • Offers panoramic views of the town below 

Beautiful hike, accessible from many points in Merano centre. You won't know where to look on this trail. You will find various species of palms, magnolias and olive trees and an endless amount of flowers. Make sure to pack your camera, you won't want to forget all the sights on offer! 

Sissi's Path

  • Easy walk
  • 3.2km 
  • The hike is named after the areas of town most beloved by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (also known as Sissi)

Perfect for the history lover! Connecting the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle with the city centre; it passes through eleven stages along the way, each with a story to tell. The park is on the edge of the Summer Promenade and there is a statue erected in Sissi’s honour. Take a seat in the park, enjoying the views to be seen on a perfect summers day in Merano.

More great walking route inspiration

You can view lots more recommended routes and download tour maps and pocket-sized print-outs from the Merano tourist office, you can access public transport timetables and prices from here, too.

Useful information & guidelines

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs and rucksacks are useful for hiking around Merano. Walking poles are also useful for more challenging and uphill routes. 

Walking maps and apps

South Tyrol Guide is available for free on Google Play or the App Store and has quite a few walks on there to get you started. For paper maps, we recommend Kompass 459. 

Walking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

  • Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
  • Take all the recommended equipment
  • Make a note of emergency numbers:
    • Italian Emergency Services: 112
  • Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
  • Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
  • Always leave gates as you found them
  • Leave no trace

  • from£719pp
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Hotel_Adria_Pool.jpg

Hotel Adria is known for its excellent service, elegant décor and spectacular food. You can get to the centre of Merano in 15 minutes and it has an incredible modern spa with an indoor pool and garden views.

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  • 68 rooms
Hotel Meranerhof, Exterior

Hotel Meranerhof brings back the Belle Époque era and has some of the best scenery in Merano. The established gardens are backed by the peaks of Mutspitze, Hirzer and Tschigat. Enjoy the views from the indoor pool or from the fantastic glass-ceiling restaurant. 

  • from£909pp
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Park_Hotel_mignon_pool.jpg

The Park Hotel Mignon is one of Merano’s finest hotels. It's got a central location and fantastic gardens that make it feel peaceful and secluded. Enjoy the outdoor pool and spa area or top up your tan on the panoramic roof terrace. When it comes to dining, expect fantastic gourmet food made with some of the finest ingredients in the South Tyrol.

  • from£649pp
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Hotel Salgart, North Facing Room

Hotel Salgart's in a fantastic setting. It's surrounded by orchards and vineyards with panoramic views of the Etch valley. With the endless walking opportunities near the hotel, you'll be spoilt for choice!

7 Day Mobil Card

A 7 day Merano Mobil Card is included for all Inghams guests

The Merano Mobil Card is free when you stay in any of our hotels in Merano. It includes use of regional trains, buses, cable cars and more in the South Tyrol. Merano has a fantastic public transport system, and the card is brilliant for getting you around the town and up into the mountains for your walks, or to nearby cities such as Bolzano.

The card includes free use of the following buses and trains:

  • All city and urban buses
  • Regional trains in South Tyrol (Brenner/Brennero – Trento, Mals/Malles – Innichen/San Candido, excluding Italian InterRegional trains or on OEBB, DB, Eurostar or Intercity trains)
  • The PostBus Switzerland between Mals and Müstair

The card also includes free use of the following cable cars and mountain railways in the summer:

  • Ritten/Renon
  • Meransen/Maranza
  • Mölten/Meltina
  • Vöran/Verano
  • Kohlern/Colle
  • The narrow-gauge railway in Ritten/Renon
  • The cable railway up to the Mendel Mountain

Please note that use of this card is only valid for 7 days, beginning on the first day of use

Meran Card

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Things to do in Merano

Merano's thermal baths

Merano's thermal baths are a perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of walking in the beautiful mountains. At the spa you'll find everything from Finish saunas to steam rooms, plus 25 pools, each unique in it's own way. Be sure to make use of the outdoor pools, where you can swim from inside to outside and be met with the amazing mountain scenery - dreamy!

Activities galore

Cycling is a great way to see the area. Dedicated bike paths make it easy for all the family to go out and explore. Be sure to take your camera to capture the amazing scenery as you go. Or grab your tennis racket, for a match of tennis in one of the nine courts in Merano. Visit in the summer and be treated to live music and entertainment every Tuesday evening from the 12 July to 16 August. Each week takes the theme of a new decade with shows including dancing, laser and vintage cars.

Food & wine of South Tyrol

This region is well known for its wine and beer thanks to its Mediterranean climate. Orchards and vineyards line the mountains and stretch down to the town. We recommend visiting Castel Rametz, a wine museum where you can take a guided walk around and try the wine. There are a number of Michelin-starred restaurants here for fine dining and local, family-run places, too. Our go-to dish is Schlutzer. It's a traditional handmade ravioli dish stuffed with spinach, onion, nutmeg, and covered in butter - delicious!

Good to know

Hiking trails: 100km of hiking trails to explore

Terrain: Varied terrain from leisurely walks to high-altitude hikes 

Best time to go: June to mid September. It can get hot in August but the high altitude walks are a great way to cool off

Best for: Walkers of all abilities, nature, sightseeing, food & drink

Fly into: Verona (approx. 2 hours)

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours 15 mins by coach

What We Say
  • 'Our local guide knows the mountains better than anyone. He takes you to places you would never find, and takes the navigation, distance and steepness out of your hands so you can enjoy being out in the mountains in all their wonder. My favourite walk takes you past waterfalls and through forests... finishing with a stunning view of the Merano basin'

    Duncan, Resort Representative
What You say
  • '[The guided walk] was great. The added value of the resort reps and the walks is why we booked through Inghams rather than organising the holiday independently'

    Williams, August 2023
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