Mountain peaks glistening in the sun, icy glaciers, lush green valleys and impressive vineyards: this is where the city of Merano is located - nestled in a colourful landscape between picturesque villages, foot and cycle paths. Especially in summer time, the area around Merano, Vinschgau-Val Venosta and Passeiertal-Val Passiria is a worthwhile destination for sports enthusiasts of all ages. Whether swimming, mountain climbing, hiking or cycling.
For in addition to the city of Merano itself, a visit to one of the villages rich in history will remain unforgettable for a long time after the visit. A summer holiday alone will probably not be enough to visit all the excursion destinations worth seeing, to visit old castles and above all to enjoy the wonderful landscape. The best way to enjoy the landscape is by bike, if you inform yourself in advance about possible cycle paths, mountain bike trails and destinations, such as alpine pastures. But even without a big plan - just out in the blue - you will also have fun in Merano and the surrounding area.
If you are enthusiastic about outdoor sports, you will find a wide range of opportunities in the surroundings of Merano. Whether you want to paddle a canoe on the Passer, go for a ride on a sturdy Haflinger at one of the horse farms or play tennis: The Merano region has many faces.
This diversity of offers is also reflected in terms of outdoor sports. Golf enthusiasts get their money's worth, as do climbers, paragliders, hikers and cyclists. Merano and the diverse landscape surrounding this Alpine-Mediterranean city can also be wonderfully explored on a steed.
If you have always wanted to see a pristine and clean mountain lake or a real waterfall, the Passeiertal-Val Passiria is just the right destination in summer. Because for active holidaymakers, discovering these unchanged natural wonders is still a highlight of any hiking or cycling tour. Hidden between mountains and valleys, the Schwarzsee, the Erensee and other mountain lakes are waiting to be discovered by you.
Probably the most impressive lakes in the entire area is also located in the Merano region: the Spronser Seen, which are at an altitude of 2,480 metres in a nature park. Crystal-clear water is the landmark of these small and large lakes, which belong to the largest mountain lake plateau in Europe. Below the lake plateau lie the romantic communities of Dorf Tirol, Algund and Partschins, which include several small village communities. These idyllic places are only a few kilometres away from Merano and can be reached by bike in no time.
Sports enthusiasts and locals find a wide range of possible activities around the villages of Merano. Partschins is considered a popular insider tip especially among paragliders. However, hiking enthusiasts and cyclists are also quickly captivated by the unique landscape with its mountain lakes and waterfalls.
The nature park Texelgruppe, which is under protection, covers an area of around 314 km². You will find a perfectly equipped alpine pasture experience trail with 18 fixed stations where you can learn interesting facts about the Texel Group itself as well as past and present alpine pasture farming.
The different altitudes within this unique landscape allow you to experience several climate zones in a single day. In the high alpine areas, rocks covered with mosses dominate the sparse landscape. A little further down towards the valley, there are already some lawns and mountain pines. In the middle altitudes you will find the typical alpine pastures and forests. Once in the valley, you can not only discover vineyards and orchards, but also - as in Merano itself - exotic-looking palm trees.
The remains of former glacier fields on the northern and eastern side of the Texel Group offer you a special highlight at lofty heights.
Overall, this mountain landscape is characterised by a rather harsh climate and is reminiscent of the endless forest areas of Canada. In the midst of these forests you will discover mountain lakes and magnificent torrents flowing towards the valley and fall in love with this unique mountain and valley landscape.
One of the most beautiful and diversified bike paths in the Alpine region.
read moreThe Apple Cycle Path through the Etschtal-Adige Valley connects the cities of Merano and Bolzano with almost no incline.
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home.cyclepaths.passeiertal.ctaAlso not far from Merano, set in the most beautiful light by the warm summer sun, are villages such as Algund (Lagundo), Naturns (Naturno) and Latsch (Laces). In summer, hiking and cycling trails through lovely valleys and graceful heights invite you to explore the varied landscape. Cleverly designed bike trails make this charming area a veritable Mecca for cyclists. If you want to stop for a bite to eat in between, you will also find plenty of opportunities along the cycle path through the Vinschgau Valley.
This also applies to the village of Algund, which is gently nestled between fragrant orchards and flower gardens. You should allow yourself enough time for an excursion to Algund. Because as manageable as this village may seem at first glance, there is an infinite amount to discover in Algund. A total of 7 districts, each with its own individual highlights, are waiting to be explored by you.
On the Merano High Trail (Meraner Höhenweg), in the Texel Group as well as on the MTB trails in the Vinschgau Valley, the diligent biker or hiker is rewarded with a giant view from the heights. Especially for mountain bikers, cyclists and sporty hikers, the Vinschgau Valley and the village of Naturno are a little paradise to be explored.
The Mediterranean-alpine village of Tyrol (Dorf Tirol) is barely 8 kilometres from Merano and a village with a definite Mediterranean character. While further up, hearty cyclamen and fragrant conifers dominate the landscape, typical Mediterranean plants thrive in the valley. Flowering oleander, tall cypresses and exotic-looking palm trees are the main eye-catchers in Dorf Tirol.
Should your way lead you to this visually contrasting little village, a visit to the Old Castle Tyrol (Schloss Tirol) is definitely recommended. Because the Counts of Tyrol once resided in this landmark of the Alpine region. Today, the Old Castle houses a museum for the cultural and regional history of Tyrol and is definitely worth a day trip.
Merano combines the most beautiful Alpine and Mediterranean influences and not only invites you to stroll through the city and taste wine in summer. For an exciting and impressive active holiday in summer, Merano and its surroundings are also just right. So if you are still looking for the right destination for your next summer holiday, you should definitely choose Merano, Vinschgau (Val Venosta) and the Passeier Valley.
