South Tyrol, the other side of Italy

South Tyrol is a truly varied, enchanting region. Hotel Terme Merano is a great base for exploring the region.

The many South Tyrolean Waalwege trails are a good way of exploring the region. These channels were constructed by man in order to lead the water from the mountains to the dry meadows and fields in teh valley. Today they can be used for easy hikes (ideal for children) past fruit gardens, soft green meadows and lovely forests.

If you’re into culture, you will enjoy the Merano music weeks which offer classical and modern music by famous artists in summer. For information on tickets etc do not hesitate to contact reception.

Trauttmansdorff Castle is a definite must-see on any tourists agenda. Empress Sissi loved o spend time in the stunning park, which features a selection of local and exotic plants, a botanical gardne and a nature museum. Here you will find the first palm trees to the South of the Alps.

What to do on a rainy day

The Kurhaus building in Merano is a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture, a stunning construction with a wonderful dining hall, exhibiting paintings and boasting a beautiful pavilion which still seems extraordinary today.

The South Tyrolean Museum of Archeology gives you the opportunity to visit Oetzi the ice man, one of the world’s oldest, most famous and significant mummies.

Or how about a trip to Bolzano, the regional capital, with its fruit market and its wide range of attractive little shops in the beautiful city center under the arches. Taste a cappuccino on the main square and look at the passers-by, and you will find there cannot be many nicer places in the world.

Another highlight is the Messner Mountain Museum . There is a main museum in Sigmundskron and four smaller ones around the region, all dealing with the exploits of one of South Tyrol’s most famous sons, the mountaineer and explorer Reinhold Messner.