Merano is a small town that perfectly balances the urban atmosphere with the more “wild” feel of nature. So if you’re undecided between a stroll through the city center or a walk in the countryside, you can’t go wrong here. It’s just an hour’s drive from Trento to find yourself in the heart of this beautiful, bustling town, with shops, pastry shops, outdoor cafes, street music, events, and even stunning walks that speak to its glorious past. We never get tired of going back: here are the 10 must-see things to do in Merano with kids:
Tappeiner Promenade – Merano
An easy 4-kilometer trail that lets you enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city, surrounded by incredible Mediterranean vegetation. With an elevation gain of just 100 meters, the trail is stroller-friendly and is especially recommended in spring and fall. A must-see to round out your visit to Merano’s historic center. Learn more about the Tappeiner Walk.
Walks Along the Passirio River – Merano
Along the river that flows through the center of Merano, there are several easy walks that are also stroller-friendly. Starting from the Ponte della Posta, follow the Paseggiata d’inverno (which is particularly sunny) and then the famous Sissi Walk. Alternatively, on the opposite bank, you can head back toward the center along the Summer Promenade (which is much shadier). Find all the information about the walks along the Passirio River.
Trauttmansdorff Gardens
Princess Sissi’s gardens are among the most scenic and popular in Italy: the path winds through a vast area, featuring a succession of colors, ponds, mazes, rare plants, fountains, works of art, and modern design structures… At the center is the Touriseum, the tourism museum, which offers fascinating insights into how tourism developed in South Tyrol between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Plan on spending half a day there to explore at a leisurely pace and enjoy every corner. Info here: Merano: the Trauttmansdorff Gardens
Merano 2000
The cable car that takes you from Merano to an elevation of 2,000 meters in just a few minutes is usually open from early May through early November. Upon arrival, you’ll find several attractions: the Alpin Bob, a rail-guided toboggan ride with a track over one kilometer long; a beautiful playground with trampolines, a marble run, long slides, mini climbing walls, and balance courses. There are also several mountain huts and alpine pastures where you can eat, as well as trails for walks and hikes. More details on Merano 2000.
Merano Canals
Have you ever heard of the Merano water trails? These are paths that run alongside the ancient irrigation canals of the farmlands: true masterpieces of peasant ingenuity… 11 different trails through villages, forests, and the countryside, totaling 84 kilometers in the Merano basin. Discover all of Merano’s irrigation channels.
Squirrel Trail – Marlengo
Above the town of Marlengo, there is an educational trail divided into stages that combines nature and adventure. The trail, marked by the squirrel symbol, features 25 stations just waiting to be explored and played on: an adventure course, balance games, a long slide… The loop trail through the woods is about one kilometer long and presents no particular difficulties. All the information about the Squirrel Trail.
Castel Tirolo
A majestic and imposing castle overlooking the Merano valley. It’s easily accessible from the town center with a walk of about 20 minutes. There are many rooms to explore, featuring secret passages, walkways, and arrowslits. The costume room is a lot of fun—there, you can dress up as a lady or a knight. All the information about Tyrol Castle.
A nice way to get up to Tirolo is to takethe old single-seat chairlift from downtown Merano, which will take you up the hill in just a few minutes. From there, you can continue on foot along a paved road to downtown Tirolo—it’s a flat and very quiet road.
Alta Muta Cable Car
The cable car that takes you from the small village of Tirolo to an elevation of 1,400 meters in 7 minutes. It offers a stunning view of the entire Merano basin and the upper reaches of the Val Venosta, along with plenty of options for a special day out. Discover all the things you can do by taking the Alta Muta cable car.
Mount San Vigilio
The mountain above Lana is a perfect destination for a family outing and is easily accessible by cable car from the village. There are several hiking trails here that lead to charming South Tyrolean alpine huts, all known for their excellent traditional dishes and spacious, sunny terraces. All the information about Monte San Vigilio.
Lagundo Playground
Near the Lagundo recreation area, there is a truly picturesque playground for children. It features a long tube slide consisting of a wooden playhouse and a network of logs to climb on.
