The spa town Merano (Meran) lies at 325 meters above sea level in a beautiful basin, surrounded by mountain peaks, vineyards and low range mountains. In 1920 Franz Kafka wrote that this landscape was the most magnificent he had ever seen.
Its uniquely protected position and the mild climate helped the town to its status of a spa town. The main symbol for the cure tradition is given by the modern Thermal Baths designed by the star architect Matteo Thun, in autumn many tourist arrive for the traditional grape cure.

The botanical garden The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle and the tourism museum Touriseum are very recommendable for a visit and have been nominated as the most beautiful gardens of Italy. The castle used to be the winter residence of the Austrian Empress Elizabeth (Sissi) and can be reached from the centre following the Sissi’s Walk path. Another unique path, easy to walk along, is the Tappeiner Promenade with Mediterranean plants and a magnificent view over the entire city. Every two years the Meranflora takes place in which plants from the whole of Italy and the entire world are exhibited. Along with these events also the music weeks of Merano (Meraner Musikwochen) and the Advent in Merano with the Christmas Market and the Grape Festival of Merano (Traubenfest) in autumn including a procession.

Every Friday Merano has a large market near the train station, moreover it has one of the most beautiful racecourses in Italy where various horse races are organized all year round. The old town of Merano with its arched lane and magnificent buildings of the Belle Époque are certainly worth visiting, also the City Museum, the parish church St. Nicholas, the Womens’ Museum, the Meraner Kurhaus (spa building on the promenade in the centre) the castle and museum Landesfürstliche Burg, the gallery on the Promenade along the river Passiria (Wandelhalle), the town theatre and various castles in the surroundings of Merano.