In this article we will immerse ourselves in the heart of the renowned spa town of South Tyrol and its enchanting surroundings, to experience a golden autumn full of spectacular views, extraordinary culinary experiences and unforgettable outdoor activities.
Why the fall season is so magical
Merano and its surroundings is a destination known for its mild climate and here in autumn nature puts on a show: the clear air and colorful leaves create an enchanting atmosphere. The golden, red and orange shades that paint the landscape in every corner of the city and the surrounding countryside offer a truly evocative glance. The long sunny days offer an ideal climate for relaxing walks among the vineyards and orchards that surround the area.
What to do in Merano and surroundings in autumn
The autumn season is particularly suitable for a visit because of all it has to offer: spectacular views with clear skies and vivid colours, Mediterranean temperatures which make excursions on the paths along the canals, the so-called “Waalwege”, pleasant in the valley. ancient irrigation canals that wind along flat paths, perfect for relaxing walks, ideal for families and anyone who wants to enjoy nature without excessive effort.
Typical villages like Scena, Marlengo and Partschins, especially known for charming water paths, they guarantee a high-level experience to rediscover the pleasure of walking in the open air, among the colors and sensations typical of the autumn period.
The spa town of Merano it then lends itself to relaxing walks with a stop at the Merano Spa, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of wellness treatments and relax in the thermal pools. The routes along the tree-lined avenues, between manicured gardens and historic buildings, offer a unique experience that combines the pleasure of a peaceful walk with moments of pure relaxation. The Merano Thermal Baths, with their beneficial waters, represent the ideal place to regenerate after a day spent exploring the city and its surroundings.
At higher altitudes and in the side valleys, the outdoor activities they are especially pleasant at this time of year. The cool, but not too cold, temperatures make mountain excursions, trekking and walks immersed in nature particularly enjoyable.
The well-marked paths and the views of the snow-capped peaks and autumn-coloured valleys offer a unique experience. The side valleys Val Passiria and Val d’Ultimo and the gentle plateau of Avelango and Verano with their picturesque villages and uncontaminated landscapes, they allow you to discover hidden corners of South Tyrol. Sports activities such as mountain biking and climbing also find ideal terrain for enthusiasts in these areas. Furthermore, the refuges and huts along the routes offer refreshment with typical local products, making each adventure a complete and rewarding experience.
We remember that thanks to the advantageous South Tyrol Guest Pass – a card reserved for guests of participating structures which allows you to travel for free on public transport – you can explore this splendid region in a sustainable and stress-free way. Visitors will be able to use public transport for free, including trains, public cable cars and buses and move comfortably and in an environmentally friendly way, exploring every corner of the region without any kind of worry related to traffic or parking problems.
Thematic excursions
In Merano and its surroundings, the possibilities for discovering more about the region’s wine culture are endless. The wine trails ensure a unique experience full of taste and traditions: we are talking about thematic routes that cross the local vineyards, where you can taste local wines and learn ancient winemaking techniques.
The Tyrolean Wine Trail
The Tyrolean Wine Trail is one of the most fascinating thematic itineraries in the region. Convenient and suitable for the whole family, it winds through the vineyards on the sunny slopes overlooking Merano, offering a privileged glimpse into local viticulture. Along the way, several information stations provide details and curiosities about wine production and its history, making the walk both educational and enjoyable.
As you proceed along the path, you can admire incredible views of Merano and its surroundings, the surrounding mountains and the castles of Tyrol. Every corner offers a new perspective, making the journey a continuous succession of visual discoveries.
At the end of the walk, there is nothing better than relaxing with a good glass of Schiava or Merlot, putting into practice the knowledge acquired along the way.
The Algundo wine-educational trail
In ancient times, the vineyards and orchards of Alto Adige were irrigated thanks to a system of canals called Waal (canals). With industrialization, more advanced irrigation methods were developed, but the canals continued to exist and today are used as walking and hiking trails. One of these “water paths” is the Algundo wine-educational path, located mainly in the Merano area.
The hike starts at the Lagundo water path and follows the course of the canal to the Schlundenstein path and the Leiter am Waal restaurant. Along the way, visitors can immerse themselves in the viticultural and cultural history of the region thanks to the simple information boards placed along the route. These tell the story of the Waal of Lagundo, of the ancient vines and of Saltner, the guardian of the freshly harvested grapes. The fascinating route offers a fascinating overview of a rich and continually active world.
A cuisine waiting to be discovered
South Tyrol is renowned for its varied and high-quality cuisine. Merano and its surroundings offer a wide range of culinary experiences, from starred restaurants to trendy bistros, from traditional taverns to rustic farms. In autumn, the tradition of Törggelen it is unmissable, between roasted chestnuts and new wine it is the most loved tradition of Alto Adige. In the vineyards and apple orchards around Merano there is great excitement: it is harvest time, and nature, together with the work of the farmers, brings rich gifts. People of all ages meet in the Buschenschänke, the characteristic farmhouses, in the cellars and in the peasant taverns to taste dumplings, roasted chestnuts, new wine, and the grape must called “Suser”. These tasty foods, accompanied by a rustic and convivial atmosphere, make “Törggelen” an autumn custom appreciated by locals and visitors alike.
There is also no shortage of other gastronomic events, such as the Radicchio Days in Alta Val di Nonduring which the chefs of local restaurants and trattorias experiment with recipes based on this healthy and tasty plant. The preparations vary from side dishes to first courses: radicchio is offered au gratin, grilled, as a filling for ravioli and gnocchi, and even in sweet versions, demonstrating its versatility in the kitchen. And a Nalstowards the end of the harvest, the Törggelen begins, a centuries-old custom that the locals call “our fifth season”. The country is also famous for its Chestnut Festivalwhich takes place in early October.
Don’t forget the Chestnut Days “Keschtnriggl”, organized for 27 years by the Municipalities of Tesimo-Prissiano and Lana and surroundingscelebrating tasty chestnuts from mid-October to early November. This event offers chestnut-based culinary delights and a rich program of cultural and traditional events. In the territory of Tesimo-Prissiano, Foiana and Lana, the chestnut and its fruit are an integral part of the local landscape and culture. In the Middle Ages, the chestnut was a precious staple food for the population and, even today, it maintains its value, becoming one of the most appreciated protagonists of South Tyrolean cuisine.
In autumn, in the taverns and cellars of the area, everything revolves around this fruit. Old chestnut-based recipes are revisited and interpreted in a modern style, offering a unique gastronomic experience.
We highlight the autumn events that you can’t miss:
For more information
South Tyrolean Wine Route in autumn: discovering vineyards, castles and breathtaking views