Merano and its surroundings have been famous for their excellent climate since time immemorial. Since the 19th century, with the arrival of Sisi, the Countess of Austria, the town has attracted many European nobility due to its air and its baths that served as an ideal place for health treatments. The Val Senales valley and its surroundings are the perfect area for hiking, relaxing by small lakes, and climbing to the surrounding peaks. It’s no wonder that the oldest complete skeleton, ÖTZI, was discovered in the mountain range of the area. It has survived relatively well over the thousands of years….
Merano
A quiet and very pleasant town. Known for its healing springs that became famous in Europe in the 19th century, it has since attracted locals seeking clean air. In the town center, you can see the ancient buildings that over the years have turned into shops.
On either side of the river, there is a promenade: the covered winter promenade and the shaded summer promenade. The Jewish Museum in the city, located in the synagogue, tells the unique story of the local community.
In town, there is a famous hot spring complex Merano Hot Springs known for the quality of the water for therapy and healing.
Trauttmansdorff Castle | The Gardens of Castel Trauttmansdorff
This remarkable botanical haven is highly recommended for a visit. Historically, it served as the residence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where Princess Sisi often took refuge to escape the main palace in Vienna. The castle has been renovated and now houses the South Tyrol Museum of Tourism. Built in the 14th century, it has changed ownership multiple times and undergone various renovations. The latest renovation coincided with the garden’s work, and it opened to the public in 2003 as a tourist center for the region. A stroll through the exhibition is advisable to learn about the local history, the enduring culture reflected in the valley towns, and to appreciate its place as part of Italy today.
Nestled below is a breathtaking botanical garden. Established in 1850, the gardens have seen several updates, the most recent in 2001.
After seven years of improvements, they were opened to the public, and today about 80 gardeners are dedicated to their maintenance!
Val Senales
Located 10 km from the town of Merano, south of the main Alpine ridge. The area has a long history of human habitation, and one can find ancient farms dating back 10 years that are still in operation, several small churches, such as Certosa di Senales, and other monasteries that have diligently preserved ancient traditions. At one of the peaks, a figure named Ötzi was discovered. This is the name given to the mummified body of a man who, according to recent research, died between 3239 BC and 3105 BC and was found on September 18, 1991. His name is derived from the valley where the mummy was found, Ötztal. Ötzi’s mummified body is the oldest among mummies discovered in Europe. With the remarkable preservation of soft tissues and clothing, Ötzi and the equipment found with him are currently displayed in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in the city of Bolzano.
Merano 2000
An excellent site for a daily or half-day trip with plenty of activities throughout the year. In winter, of course, the place serves as a ski resort, but in summer, a variety of family-friendly entertainment options open up. Whether it’s hiking, sports activities, mountain biking, mountain slides, children’s activities, a resting and relaxing point, a stone sculpture project, or restaurants with traditional local food. The cable car takes visitors up to an altitude of 1960 meters, from where a range of activities extends up to 2300 meters.
For the site click here: Merano 2000 Cable Car
The open cable car of Ghiacciaio Val Senales Ski.
This special cable car takes you in just a few minutes to the summit of Mount Similaun, where the mummified body of Ötzi the Iceman was found. The highlight is the unique addition recently added, which is a kind of terrace at the top of the cable car cabin that is fully open during the ascent.
Lago di Vernago
An artificial lake created in 1963 following the construction of a local dam. To build it, parts of the traditional local buildings called Masi had to be destroyed. The lake is a great starting point for hiking trails around it and towards the nearby mountain ranges that reach heights of over 3000 meters. Near the lake, at its western edge, there is an excellent ropes park. For the park website, click here: Rope Park Marano and area
In the southeastern part, there is a suspension bridge that crosses above a waterfall and creek, part of a lovely hiking trail through a forest at the foot of the mountain.
The town of Tirolo and Tirolo Castle
The town of Tirolo was once the stronghold of the region’s princes. From the castle itself, the Austrian princes ruled for centuries and it served as an important transit point from Northern to Southern Europe.
Today, the small town attracts many tourists in the summer months due to the festivals held there (such as the wine festival at the end of August) and because of the castle, which is a delightful hike through vineyards, landscapes, and history.
