Merano offers walks of all levels from easy strolls close to the resort to intermediate walks following a network of attractive irrigation channels to advanced high level treks in the high Alps. A walker’s paradise!
Follow Sissy’s way, an interesting and informative walk along a historic path to Trauttmansdorff Castle and Gardens.
The Tappeiner way, is a gentle gradient walk through exotic vegetation with panoramic views across the town and the three surrounding valleys.
By cable-car: Use one of many mountain lifts such as Merano 2000 cable-car, to access a multitude of hiking trails on marked paths or just to admire the spectacular views.
By train: The Venosta valley railway from Merano station opens up walks all along the stunning valley. Marked trails are to and from and between stations.
Water Course Trails (Waalwegs)† | These are flat trails that follow a network of unique watercourses
(ancient irrigation channels) along paths with gentle gradients through apple trees and vineyards and past charming rustic cafés providing unspoiled scenery. A highlight of the walks are the local farms with rustic restaurants and cafés with attractive terraces, offering local specialities such as Speck (smoked bacon), dumplings, apple strudel and locally produced juices and wine. The walks are partially shaded by trees and follow the cool flow of the water – ideal in hot weather. With no severe gradients they are suitable for walkers of all levels.
†Walks including water course trails
3 Valley Walks* | Each walk gives you an impression of each of the three valleys around Merano. You can experience the heart of the South Tyrol with its age old farming culture, apple orchards and the pleasing sight of vineyards skirting the mountain slopes. Enjoy the cooling irrigation channels beneath the dappled shade of the trees. Perhaps you’ll see a mountain chapel, castle ruin or visit a mountain hostelry for refreshments and fine views across the valleys and to the mountains beyond.
* Walks including the three valleys.
Inghams Guided Wanderwalks
A weekly guided walks programme is organised by your Inghams representative and payable locally (all prices are shown as a guide only).
Introductory Walk | Easy | Approx 1½ hrs | A gentle orientation of Merano and surroundings. Delightful views and hints and tips to get the most from your holiday. Free
Water Courses and Waterfalls | Easy | Full day |
Follow an attractive irrigation channel providing the finest views of the Adige Valley, lots of points of interest and delightful places for refreshment. Round off the walk by enjoying spectacular water cascades and a scenic bus ride back to Merano. £10
Seiser Alm Sensation | Easy | Full day |
Enjoy a visit to an Alpine pasture, undulating greenery dotted with farms and flowers set against a back drop of the ferociously jagged peaks of the Dolomites. A strolling route through this fairy-tale scene brings us to a traditional Alpine restaurant for lunch followed by a scenic bus ride to the cable-car (extra charges, pay locally) and bus/train connections with more spectacular scenery on our resturn to Merano. £23
Mountain Cinema Walk | Moderate | Approx 3 hrs |
The highlight of this walk is the panoramic view from the cliff at the top of the range. Here seats are arranged in an amphitheatre format offering breathtaking views across the Alto Adige Valley to the Ortler, Texel and high Dolomite mountain ranges . £12
Valley of lost treasures | Easy | 8km | Approx 3 hrs |
The Val d’Ultimo is a alpine farming valley, which seems to have stood still in time. These small traditional farms still use old farming practices, for example, farmers hand scythe the fields where they are too steep for machinery. The Ultner Höfeweg is a route that links the farms around the head of the valley. The walk takes you to farms through alpine pastures with a variety of flowers, stunning scenery and some shady forests. Passing through the ancient village of San Nicolò we make a stop for coffee, and then continue to San Geltrude with its water operated saw mill, old larch trees and an opportunity to taste some local fare in a farmhouse restaurant. £12
