Meran/Merano

It's quite possible that you'll forget that you're in the middle of the Alps when in Meran: The climate is so mild that lemon trees and palm trees thrive here, and spring has long since begun, even though there is still plenty of snow on the surrounding mountains. The combination of Alpine surroundings and Mediterranean vegetation shapes Meran's unique atmosphere. For 20 years already, the Gardens of Schloss Trauttmansdorff castle have wowed guests with their 80 garden worlds and plants from all over the world. The Schloss Tirol castle looms above the city while the arcade of the old town are a reminder of bustling trade during the Middle Ages. After Empress Elisabeth of the Austro-Hungarian Empire first came to Meran for a cure in 1870, the town blossomed, becoming the noble spa town of the European aristocracy. Magnificent promenades and Art Nouveau buildings, such as the Kurhaus, bear witness to this rich history. Just across the street, the contemporary cube architecture of the Terme Merano is impressive. Strolling through the centuries-old Meraner Lauben arcade, you'll discover Italian fashion boutiques and international chains alongside historic commercial establishments. Meanwhile, the local area surrounding the spa town can be explored on countless hiking and biking trails. The idyllic Waalwege canal trails are typical of the Meran area.

Of the four gates that once granted access to the alleys of the historic town centre, only three still exist today. If you cross the Postbrücke bridge, you'll see some of the city's most important attractions along the Passer river including the Kurhaus, the Gilfpromenade, the Zenoberg district and the Pulverturm tower. Afterwards you will pass through the Bozner Tor city gate, which dates back to the 14th century. At this point, you are already in the middle of the old town on the Laubengasse shopping street, the origins of which date back to the 18th century. At 400 metres in length, it is South Tyrol’s longest arcade. Here, medieval buildings house elegant stores and stylish eateries featuring typical South Tyrolean food.

The Laubengasse street connects the Kornplatz square, where the market used to be held, with the St. Nicholas Church. The church, built between the 14th and 15th centuries, is one of the oldest examples of Gothic architecture in Tyrol. Its bell tower is over 80 metres high and has seven clocks. Behind the church is the Steinach quarter, the oldest district in Meran. Even though the buildings are modern today, the layout of the alleys always hints at the long history of this part of town.

While you enjoy spring on a morning promenade, you can go shopping in South Tyrol's towns in the afternoon. Meran's old city centre, located between Lauben, Rennweg and Freiheitsstraße streets, is definitely worth a visit. Not only Alpine cosmetics, but also craft shops, fashion boutiques, sportswear and traditional clothes are within easy reach. When your shopping experience has come to an end, you can take a break in one of the many cosy pubs, restaurants and cafés.