Tucked between palm trees and Alpine peaks in northern Italy lies the charming town of Merano. This is a place full of vibrant gardens, historic architecture, great food, and stunning mountain views. It was the perfect stop on our Dolomites road trip, and what made it even more special was our stay at dreamy Hotel Der Waldhof in nearby Lana! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Merano, Italy.
We spent an afternoon here (2-3 hours) on our Dolomites itinerary and immediately understood why people have fallen in love with this town for centuries. It’s a great mix of Italian warmth and Alpine coziness, with riverside promenades, thermal baths, and beautiful architecture.
Fun fact: Merano lies in the Val d’Adige, a wide valley with a Mediterranean microclimate quite rare for Alpine terrain. Its climate and thermal baths made it very popular in the 19th century.
Where to park? We parked at St. Joseph Park, close to the historic city center. You can then enter the old town by crossing the golden, detailed Postbrücke.
Walk through one of the old city gates and follow the famous Laubengasse (Via Portici), the oldest street in Merano, Italy. It has over 800 years of architectural history! Wander the arcades lined with little boutiques, local artwork, markets, and cute cafés, all set along a dreamy cobblestone street.
Tip: Merano is great for shopping, with boutique stores ranging from clockmakers to chocolate shops and artisanal goods. However, you’ll also find luxury branded shoes and clothing, as well as South Tyrolean delicacies like local wines and grappa.
The Laubengasse eventually leads to Piazza Duomo (Pfarrplatz), home to the towering Church of St. Nicholas, before opening into the beautiful Art Nouveau area along the Passer River. It literally feels like walking from one era to the next.
Tapijnerweg Walk & Kiosk Pulverturm
Our favorite thing to do in Merano was walking the Tapijnerweg (trail), a beautiful 4-kilometer-long path just above the city. Starting at a staircase between Duomo di San Nicolò and Palais Mamming Museum, it winds uphill to the most amazing views of the city.
Also read about our favorite things to do in the Dolomites.
Once there, we walked towards the historic tower Torre delle Polveri (or Pulverturm). Next to the tower, we stumbled upon the cutest cafe: Kiosk Pulvertum. With charming tablecloths, a little Piaggio, and the nicest ceramics, it’s a great spot to relax over a coffee.
The menu here changes daily. I had a yummy melon-and-goat-cheese salad, and Nick tried their bruschetta (which was huge, by the way!).
The Wandelhalle
Once you’re back along the river path, soak up the local scenery; you’ll spot locals jogging, walking their dogs, or simply relaxing. This scenic route brings you to the Wandelhalle, a peaceful outdoor arcade in Art Nouveau style. Surrounded by gardens and lined with paintings of the surrounding valleys, it’s a great spot to enjoy a coffee or apple strudel.
Tip: To finish off your Merano walk, grab a scoop (or two) from Iceberg Gelateria—it’s one of the highest-rated gelato shops in Merano, and we totally get why! We had pistachio and dark chocolate, which were so good!
Schloss Trauttmansdorff in Merano (Botanical Garden)
Although we couldn’t visit due to an event, Schloss Trauttmansdorff is one of the best things to do in Merano. Spread across sun-soaked terraces, it’s one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Italy.
Walking here seems like a little world tour, from Mediterranean olive groves and Japanese water features to fragrant rose gardens and hidden corners with palms and cacti. At the heart of it all sits the elegant Trauttmansdorff Castle, which was once a holiday retreat for Empress Sisi.
Relax at a Spa
As a spa town, Merano’s a popular destination for any wellness enthusiast looking for a self-care day. Soak in the hot waters while taking in the beautiful mountain setting. At Terme Merano Spa, for example, there are about 15 pools to choose from!
Besides baths, you’ll also find a pool, saunas, a thermal park, and plenty of spa treatments at the facility.
Where we stayed
Just outside Merano, in the quiet hillside village of Lana, we stayed at Hotel Der Waldhof. This was definitely one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve ever experienced.
The hotel also has:
- A gorgeous spa with a circular design made from thick tree trunks and glass.
- Several saunas, a jacuzzi, and relaxation rooms with panoramic mountain views.
- An indoor pool and a heated infinity pool—even in winter, you can swim outside while watching the steam rise into the snow-covered landscape.
- Optional beauty treatments and massages for a full wellness experience.
What about the food? Simply delicious. You start the day with a huge buffet breakfast, followed by a light lunch, afternoon coffee and cake, and a 5-course dinner crafted by talented chefs in the evening. Every night there’s a different menu, with two or three options per course, mainly made with seasonal ingredients from their own garden.
Other Hotels
Nevertheless, there are also some great accommodation options in Merano itself. Some have incredible views of the surrounding mountains and their own wellness area, too!
How to Get to Merano
Although not officially in the Dolomites, the charming spa town of Merano lies close by and is well worth a visit. It was part of our Dolomites itinerary, which we did with our own car.
However, most people visit the region by flying into Venice, Verona, or Innsbruck and then making their way to the town. The nearest airport is in Bolzano.
From any of these airports, we recommend renting a car and driving to town. This is the most flexible and time-efficient option to get around South Tyrol. Alternatively, you can also travel by public transport (it just takes longer).
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Eat
Merano’s food scene combines the best of Italy and the Alps. Try local ‘speck’, mountain cheeses, and bowl-sized plates of Knödel (potato dumplings). Oh, and don’t leave without a slice of Strüdel or Kaiserschmarrn—sweet mountain comfort at its best!
Where to eat in Merano? We really like:
- Kiosk Pulverturm (coffee and lunch)
- Iceberg Gelateria (delicious gelato!)
- Restaurant Hasen Jos, for hearty pastas and big antipasti plates.
- Bistro La Piazza, for shared plates, a beverage, and incredible views.
Best Time to Visit
Merano is stunning during all seasons, but we visited in summer. From spring to fall, you can enjoy the better weather, lovely scenery, and many wildflowers. However, come during the winter months, and the charming town is covered in snow—so cozy!
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