To get to Merano, you take the train from Verona or other northern Italian city supporting such trips.
Our’s took us from Verona through Bozen/Bolzano.
Coming into the city is natural enough, especially when you use the trains, since most trains stations in Italy are strategically located.
One disadvantage here is the local train line between Merano and Bolzano is region specific, like it is in Cinque Terre. That means you may not be able to buy your tickets using a phone application, but rather have to go to the train station to purchase them directly. In this day of technology this can be a bit annoying.
The City
Belonging to South Tyrol, this region is officially one of two separate provinces from Italy, it therefore has its own administration and government. Merano is a nice little city in the heart of the Alto-Adige. Very German with a heavy portion of Italian thrown in, yet neither German nor Italian, but Tyrolean, a strange mix of cultures to an outsider. Three languages are officially spoken and supported and when ordering in a caffé, it can become quite confusing and normal to hear both German and Italian spoken and even mixed.
The main river the cuts through the city is the Passer and it flows with some force. There are numerous bridges that enable you to walk in the many parks that are contained within and managed by the city.
The Tappeinerweg Trail
A great trail to hike is the Trappeinerweg, a managed gravel walkway that goes from Merano to Gratsch. For the average enthusiast it will take about forty-five minutes to complete, that’s if you do not stop along the way and sight see.
Along the way you may be able to purchase grape juice and some fruits and vegetables from small farmers who own kiosks along the way. During the wine harvest this may also include wine, like in many places in Germany and Austria.
Trauttmannsdorff
It is more noted for its beautiful gardens than the castle itself, though it still embodies some great history.
The Castle
As you can see below, the castle itself has a few exhibits and some interesting history on Merano. Its concept is to explain how people originally used the valley to transport goods between Italy and the rest of Europe, Italy being known for its great works of art and other mechanical items.
The Gardens
But the castle does not match the beauty of its gardens, which are in of themselves worth the visit. They are extensive and cover species from five continents.
Hotel Europa Splendid
Our hotel was marvelous, part history and with all the creature comforts. The included breakfast was amazing, so if you have the chance to include that in your stay I would do so.
Restaurants
Though we ate at a few restaurants, mostly typical Tyrolean fare, we only have one to recommend or note.
Trattoria Mainardo
This little Italian restaurant is by far one of the most best values for the money. The food is excellent and the desserts are just amazing, actually they are to die for, in more ways than one. If you want to try some truly amazing Italian food and very reasonable prices book a reservation here. Do not expect to be able to walk in without one. Though it is possible, you may find yourself either waiting a very long time or being disappointed you missed out on a great restaurant.
NB: This article will be re-edited at a later time to fix up issues that have occurred during edit. You may want to re-visit this post at a later date to get those updates.
Ok. You’re in northern Italy. Noted! Italian and German? The regions dictate many tongues there. I’m sure mixed cultures are pretty dominant with their speech. The hotels look fascinating.
Thanks for sharing,
Annie
Annie, yes, we were in South Tyrol or what is called the Alto Adige in Italy. The country here is amazing. Our hotel was actually great, first rate, the kind that you need for nothing there. We got a room upgrade and I must say the room was palatial, larger than our apartment in fact. We are glad you are enjoying the blog and our adventures.