Hiking and walking in the Merano region

ACTIVE HOLIDAY IN SOUTH TYROL

The hiking area around Schenna and Merano is so diverse that you will certainly not run out of routes. You can hike directly from your Hotel Garni in Schenna to Merano via the Mitterplatterweg, walk along the Schenner Waalweg path (ideal for families) or take a challenging via ferrata tour to the Big Ifinger Mountain.
Otherwise, you can take the Taser cable car, which is only 2.5 km from Hotel Katnau, up to Monte Scena, or take the Verdins cable car (4.5 km from the hotel) or the Hirzer cable cars to explore the hiking area in the surroundings. In addition, you can take the Merano 2000 ropeway and take a hike or walk to one of the numerous trails, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and stop at one of the 15 typical mountain huts. Choose the right hike for you, depending on the level of difficulty and length.

Along the Mitterplattweg to Merano

AN EASY AND SHORT TRAIL FROM SCHENNA TO MERANO

This short and quick trail of an hour will bring you from Schenna to Merano in one hour. Only a few minutes from the family run Hotel Katnau following the Katnauweg you will arrive to Mitterplattweg. Along this sunny route amid apple fields and vineyards southwards you’ll pass first Lido Schenna and then the Planta Castle to the Merano villa district Obermais. You’ll then walk on the Schönblick Street and the beautiful promenade along the river Passer until you’ll reach the Mediterranean old town of Merano. Those who are interested can take the bus line 231 from Merano back to the hotel in Schenna.

Cycling in Schenna

GET ON YOUR BIKE AND CYCLE TO MERAN

Are you an enthusiastic cyclist and like to cycle whether with the racing bike, e-bike, mountain bike or just for leisurely pleasure? If the description corresponds, then come to Schenna! How about a relaxing bike tour along the Passeiertal cycling path or do you rather prefer cycling along the Etsch river from the thermal city Merano to Bolzano and through southern South Tyrol? Many cyclists get into the saddle and start to explore South Tyrol’s wonderful nature, especially during the warm season.

Cycling along the cycling path through Passeiertal Valley

AN EASY BIKE TOUR TO ST. LEONHARD IN PASSEIERTAL VALLEY

This bike tour is a bit long, but not very difficult. It leads mostly on natural roads through the Passeier Valley and the full altitude differences are small. The tour starts in Merano and leads along the cycling path from the Postbrücke bridge in the eastern part of the city across the Elisabeth Park and shortly before the Roman Bridge you have to turn first right and then left uphill before passing under the Passeiertal Valley main street. After an underpass you cycle until you reach the river that flows through the Passeier Valley, the Passer. Then continue to a steel bridge on the left bank of the river. Then you go over the bridge past the Riffian soccer field to another bridge near the valley station of the Hirzer cable car, where you turn right and keep going towards St. Martin until you reach your destination in St. Leonhard.

Etsch cycling path from Merano to Bolzano

... ADMIRING THE APPLE BLOSSOM

This bike tour from Merano to Bolzano is not only recommended in summer and autumn, but especially in spring. There you can admire the unique apple blossoms, which decorate the street in their white and pink colors. This pleasant bike ride is about 30 km long and perfect to enjoy your holiday and the wonderful South Tyrolean landscape. This so called “trail of the apples” starts in Meran Untermais/ Merano Maia Bassa and ends in Bozen/Bolzano. A part of the cycle path leads along the old Roman Street Via Claudia Augusta. It leads along the Etsch river and passes villages, castles, and mountains. A wonderful view is guaranteed.

If you haven’t brought your own bike, you can rent it in Schenna or Merano. If you arrive to Bozen and don’t want to cycle back all the road again, you can take the train back or if you rent your bike from "Südtirol Rad" in Merano, you can simply drop it off in Bolzano, stroll around the old town or stop at a nice restaurant before taking the train or bus back to Merano and Schenna.

Sights

Castle Schenna is one of the most beautiful and important castles of South Tyrol and was commissioned in 1350 by Margaret, Countess of Tyrol. The unique castle keeps precious treasures, including original furniture, paintings of famous Tirolean artists, weapons of six centuries, portraits from members of the Habsburg family, the biggest Andres Hofer (freedom fighter) collection, and more. The castle is located in a beautiful place over Merano and offers a breathtaking view of the Burggrafenamt and the surrounding mountains.

Guided tours take place from April to the end of October, from Tuesday to Friday at 11:30 a.m. and at 3 p.m. On Mondays and Thursdaysthere is an evening tour at 9 p.m.

The mausoleum in Schenna is a very good example of Gothic Revival architecture and is located only a few meters from the castle. This sacred building of the 19th century appears among the vineyards slightly elevated on a small hill. The interior of this building is flooded with light and Archduke John of Austria and his family are resting there. Small but beautiful: with its colorful windows the mausoleum is in every case worth a visit. Art enthusiasts will marvel at the perfect south facade.

Guided tours of the mausoleum are organized every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. from April to the end of October.

Thermal bath Merano - wellness in the thermal city par excellence

LET YOUR MIND WANDER

An area of 15 indoor pools and 10 outdoor pools, a spacious sauna area, wellness treatments, a relaxing area and park in the heart of Merano. Take a little time out, bathe, rest and let yourself be pampered. In this Mediterranean ambiance you will feel good and leave the stress of everyday life behind.

Walking through the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle

BETWEEN FLOWERS AND PLANTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

Those who are not in love with these gardens have never been there. In the thermal city of Merano on 12 hectares you’ll find over 80 different gardens. A visit to the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle is definitely an adventure. The four big garden areas (Forests of the World, The Sungardens, The Water and Terraced Gardens and the Landscapes of South Tyrol) are a habitat for numerous plants from all over the world. In fact, there are miniature forests, Mediterranean landscapes, pavilions, garden art, and much more. In summer open-air-concerts are organized and the Mediterranean and alpine flair is guaranteed.

HISTORY OF TOURISM - THE TOURISEUM

The South Tyrolean Museum of Tourism is part of the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle and provides an enlightening insight into the history of tourism. Due to the changing special exhibitions and diverse and interactive mediation offers for young and old, you will certainly not be bored. Embark on a journey and learn more about the history of tourism in South Tyrol. The same opening hours apply to the Touriseum in the castle as to the garden.

Typewriter Museum at Partschins

THE HISTORY OF THE TYPEWRITER

The small village of Partschins is about 20 km from Schenna away and there, right in the center of the village you can find the Typewriter Museum. This museum is dedicated to Georg Mitterhofer, the inventor of the typewriter and native of Parcines. About 2000 exhibits in the museum illustrate the history from the groundbreaking invention of the typewriter in 1864 until the transition to computers. Every first Sunday of the month, entry is free (2-6 pm).