Hikes in Meran

The small but lively spa town of Merano is surrounded by a unique valley and mountain landscape that is just calling to be discovered. Idyllic villages around the city and picturesque valleys, be it the Passeier Valley, the Ulten Valley or the Schnals Valley, invite you to explore.

In addition, the city is known for its sunny weather and Mediterranean atmosphere, so good mood and wanderlust are pre-programmed. Gentle vineyards, romantic promenades, park benches to rest on and the botanical gardens are ideal for leisurely walks.

A classic hiking trail is the short hike on the Tappeinerweg on the slopes of the Küchelberg in Merano, which offers a wide view over the rooftops of the city. Palm trees and other exotic plants create a unique Mediterranean atmosphere.

The Sissi Trail remains exotic and beautiful: along the promenade of the Passer River, the trail leads to the botanical gardens that lead to Trauttmansdorff Castle. The castle was a favourite destination of the Austrian Empress Sissi. She loved to take a stroll through the gardens, which extend at the castle in the form of a natural amphitheatre, during her stays in Merano.

Themed gardens, interactive experience stations and artists' pavilions invite you to discover the gardens, while the Touriseum awaits you on the premises of the castle, guiding you through the history of tourism in Merano and South Tyrol and providing you with interesting information.

After you have explored the city well, you can go on a journey of discovery around Merano. From easy to difficult, numerous hikes through the varied nature await you, be it to an alpine pasture, a mountain or idyllic lakes.

A leisurely climb to the top and then start hiking from there? The numerous cable cars and chair lifts in the immediate vicinity of Merano make this an ideal option. For example, the Merano - Dorf Tirol chairlift takes you from the city centre to the idyllic village. From there you can take advantage of beautiful hiking trails back to Merano. If you want to go higher, you can also take the lift from Algund to the Merano High Altitude Trail.

A part of the Merano High Trail is also located on the Naturnser Sonnenberg, where you can walk through the popular 1000-step gorge. Stairs up, stairs down, stairs up, stairs down - leg muscles are definitely required. Around 1000 steps lead you through the picturesque landscape of rocks, forest slopes, gorges and valleys, while you enjoy the fascinating views of the Merano region and the South Tyrolean mountains.

In general, the individual stages of the Merano High-Altitude Trail are wonderful as day tours, as there are numerous options for ascent and descent that can be combined as desired.

The trail is one of the most beautiful multi-day circular hikes in the Alpine region and offers impressive views over almost 100 kilometres - divided into five to eight stages through the Texel Group Nature Park.

Surefootedness and a head for heights are required on the Vellau Rock Trail. A steep rock face awaits you, which gives the trail its name. The path runs above Merano along the rocky slopes and close to the abyss, but opens up wonderful views of the Adige Valley and Merano. Then the path leads you down to Vellau. From there, the trail leads back up to the Leiteralm pasture and then to the Hans Frieden rock path, which is also part of the Merano High Trail, to complete the tour.

Those who enjoy leisurely hiking tours are in the right place on the Waal trails in the Merano region, as they are mostly easy. Waale are artificial irrigation ditches that were created due to low rainfall in the region. To oversee them, a narrow path often runs along the irrigation channels.

Today, the Waalwege have developed into popular hiking trails that are particularly typical of the Merano region and the Vinschgau Valley. They are characterised by low gradients and grandiose distant views and can be walked all year round.

The municipality of Algund borders directly on Merano. There, for example, the Algunder Waalweg awaits you with beautiful views, colourful orchards and vineyards. With a length of 12 kilometres, the Marlinger Waalweg is the longest of all the Waalwege. From there you have a wonderful view of the Merano basin. Near Marlengo, part of the tour has even been designed as a hiking experience trail with information on flora and fauna. But there are many more irrigation channels to explore.