In a nutshell
- You already know the main attractions in Merano and are now looking for insider tips and secret spots for your trip? You’re in the right place.
- We’ll show you 9 hidden gems in Merano — covering sights, restaurants, and hiking trails that most tourists never discover.
- Our personal favorites: the Steinachviertel neighborhood, the Spronser Seen lakes for a full-day hike, and Törggelen — South Tyrol’s beloved autumn chestnut tradition.
Hidden Gems: Sights in Merano
First, let us introduce you to 5 cool places in Merano that most tourists never find.
Wandelhalle
The Wandelhalle sits right in the city center of Merano on the banks of the Passer River. From the outside, the Art Nouveau hall is seriously romantic — and it looks even better after dark when it’s all lit up.
You can also step inside — admission is free. Many of the walls are decorated with South Tyrolean landscape paintings, and it’s a lovely spot to linger.
In the past, the hall served as an event venue; today it makes a perfect stopover on a stroll through the city. Once a month, a small flea market also takes place here.
Our restaurant tip: At the far end of the Wandelhalle you’ll find Café Wandelhalle, where you can enjoy delicious ice cream, coffee, cake, and fresh juices.
Pferderennplatz
A little outside Merano’s center lies the Mais Racecourse. The grounds cover a total of 40 hectares.
You can only access the racetrack during events, but catching a horse race here is a truly unique experience in Merano.
Every year on Easter Monday, the traditional Haflinger gallop race takes place there — young riders in traditional costumes on Haflinger horses. It’s a real spectacle.
The racecourse also hosts the “Gran Premio di Merano Forst” on the last weekend of September.
Check the racecourse website for upcoming events before you visit.
Steinachviertel
The Steinachviertel is Merano’s oldest neighborhood — its history stretches back to the Middle Ages. A wander through its narrow alleyways feels like stepping back in time.
You’ll find plenty of old buildings here, many of which have been beautifully renovated, giving the quarter a special charm and a cool mix of old and new.
Our personal favorite: the street art tucked away in Hallergasse and Passeiergasse. Totally worth seeking out.
Brauerei Forst
If you thought South Tyrol was all wine and Aperol Spritz, think again — South Tyrol has seriously good beer too.
Forst Brewery is the most well-known beer producer in South Tyrol, and you’ll spot its name on the drinks menu of almost every bar and restaurant in the region.
Of course, it tastes best at the source. The brewery is located in Algund, just outside Merano. You can book tours, enjoy a cold one, or settle in for a hearty meal at the restaurant.
Our accommodation tip: The brewery has its own Hotel Schlosswirt Forst — a lovely hotel in Merano with cozy rooms and excellent value for money.
Schloss Rametz
Schloss Rametz dates back to the 13th century — and even then, wine was being grown here.
That wine culture is very much alive today. Schloss Rametz now has a wine cellar, a wine museum, and a fantastic restaurant on-site.
You can also do wine tastings and guided tours here — check the Schloss Rametz website for details and booking.
Hidden Gems for Hiking near Merano
Most visitors head straight to the Dolomites for hiking, but the Merano area — one of the most beautiful valleys in South Tyrol — has some seriously great trails of its own. Many of them are still well under the radar.
Also check out our hiking tips for South Tyrol
Spronser Seen
The Spronser Seen are ten mountain lakes nestled in the Texelgruppe Nature Park. Each one has a different color, and hiking between them is absolutely stunning.
Because there’s no cable car and the ascent is genuinely strenuous, the lakes don’t get too crowded — which is exactly why they’re such a great local secret for hiking in South Tyrol.
If you’ve still got energy after reaching the lakes, push on to the Spronser Rötelspitze — the views from the top are fantastic.
If you’d rather take it easy, the Oberkaser Alm is the perfect spot to rest and refuel near the Spronser Seen.
There are several routes up — here’s an example of a mountain hike to the Spronser Seen. Either way, plan a full day for this one.
Stoanerne Mandln
The hike to the Stoanerne Mandln is more manageable than the Spronser Seen and is our top pick for hiking near Merano for all ages.
Several trails lead up to them. The best starting point is Flaas — from there you have the least elevation gain (580 meters over 7 kilometers). Alternatively, you can start from Hafling, which is closer to Merano.
Festivals and Events in Merano
Whether you visit South Tyrol in summer or winter, Merano delivers great events in every season — and they’re a wonderful way to experience the region authentically.
Törggelen
It’s South Tyroleans’ favorite autumn tradition: Törggelen. Every year during the harvest season from October to November, you’ll find stands throughout South Tyrol selling roasted chestnuts. In some villages, there are even dedicated Törggelen festival afternoons.
Locals love to pair their chestnuts with a good young wine called Süßer. For us, Törggelen is a genuine highlight in South Tyrol — don’t miss it if you’re here in autumn.
Merano Flower Festival
At the end of April every year, Merano bursts into bloom for its flower festival. There are flower exhibitions and impressive plant sculptures decorating the whole cityscape.
Rare plants are also sold, making it a great stop for both professional and hobby gardeners. Each year, the festival is held under a different theme.
Grape Festival
The Grape Festival is essentially a harvest celebration and has been drawing visitors to Merano since 1886. It always takes place on the third weekend of October.
South Tyrolean brass bands play along Kurhausstraße, local products are sold at the Merano market, and of course there’s no shortage of wine.
Hidden Gems: Restaurants in Merano
Finally, here are our best recommendations for great places to eat and drink in Merano — whether you’re after breakfast, dinner, or just a good aperitivo.
- Caffé Wandelhalle: right on the winter promenade along the river. Perfect for sitting outside in the afternoon with coffee and cake, or catching an aperitivo in the evening.
- Ristorante Saxifraga: rustic restaurant with Italian cuisine on the Tappeinerweg.
- Café Unterweger: on the other side of the Tappeinerweg — we especially love it for lunch or an afternoon snack.
- Forst Restaurant: the Forst Brewery’s own restaurant, serving excellent food and classic South Tyrolean cuisine. Highly recommended.
- Restaurant Schloss Rametz: an upscale spot with fantastic food — well worth a special evening out.
- Biergarten Tirol: a lovely, rustic spot for eating and drinking in the village of Tirol.
- Eisdiele Anny: in the nearby town of Schenna — the ice cream here is seriously, ridiculously good.
- Mair Stub’m: South Tyrolean home cooking at excellent value in Schenna.
- Moserhof: the restaurant belonging to the hotel of the same name, located in St. Georgen near Schenna.
- Pizzeria Petermann: great pizza in Schenna. Simple as that.
