Are you longing for a break in the countryside? A pause from all the noise and smog of the big city? For peace, deceleration, and idyll? Then a nature holiday in South Tyrol in the Italian Alps is just the thing for you. The most beautiful nature experiences await you around the spa town of Merano, which is known for its clean air, pleasant climate all year round, many green spaces, but also the numerous places to relax and enjoy yourself in the city centre, where you can unwind after an eventful day.
Experience the apple blossom
The many apple orchards in the South Tyrolean valleys not only provide us with delicious produce every autumn, but also a wonderful spectacle of colour every spring. Between the end of March and the beginning of May, millions of buds open almost simultaneously, transforming the Adige Valley between Merano and Bolzano into a sea of white and pink blossoms that is in no way inferior to the famous cherry blossom in Japan. A trip to the apple orchards of South Tyrol is a must during your holidays in nature. Cycling tours on the well-developed network of paths through the orchards, which start in Merano, are particularly popular. As a little help to get you started, guests of Wosching Haus receive a discount at the Papin Sport bike rental at the Merano train station.
Walking old paths and promenades
Tourism was already flourishing in Merano in the 19th century. The European aristocracy had discovered the small town for their nature holidays. For this purpose, many walking paths were laid out, especially in Merano, which are still maintained and frequented today. On the Passer Promenade, you can stroll along the river; on the recently built access points, the adults can relax while the children play near the water. The shady Gilf Promenade is particularly popular in summer and on the Tappeiner Promenade, one of the most beautiful high promenades in Europe, you can enjoy a unique view of Merano at any time of year. Keep your eyes peeled for special features such as information boards, telescopes, fountains, and herb gardens. The Waalwege around Merano, on the other hand, attract visitors in autumn. When the leaves turn golden and the chestnuts fall, the restaurants along the way invite you to enjoy the traditional Törggelen.
Horse riding in Hafling
The sun sparkles here and there through the canopy of leaves, a light breeze blows through your hair and the ascent is easier than ever: more and more holidaymakers are exploring nature in South Tyrol on horseback. The first Haflinger horse was officially born in South Tyrol in 1874. Although originally intended as a beast of burden and workhorse, the Haflinger also proved to be a calm and friendly breed that is popular with beginners and children as a riding animal. In Avelengo above Merano, numerous riding stables invite beginners and advanced riders to enjoy longer and shorter excursions. The Alpine nature of the Avelengo high plateau serves as a backdrop: deep green forests, flowering meadows and seemingly endless paths spread out before you.
Discover Sissi's gardens
One of the most beautiful gardens in the world is located right in the centre of Merano. The award-winning gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle around the former summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria are a botanical paradise where visitors can discover every aspect of nature in South Tyrol and the rest of the world on 12 hectares, from palm beaches to coniferous forests, from viewing and sensory stations to a petting zoo, from the water lily pond to the garden for lovers. Even forest bathing in South Tyrol is possible in the extensive grounds that include a barefoot course. On some evenings in summer, special events take place in the gardens, such as concerts, aperitifs, or the popular picnic by the water lily pond.
Immerse yourself in nature
A luxurious oasis of peace is located in the centre of Merano: the thermal baths. Visitors can experience the healing power of nature in the pools, where the thermal water unfolds its effects, as well as in the extensive thermal park and the new Bio Nature Pool, which is completely chlorine-free. At MySpa, you can get particularly close to Alpine nature: during customised massages and treatments, you will be pampered with local apples, honey, milk or mountain herbs, among other things. And the best thing is that as a guest of Wosching Haus you’ll receive exclusive discounts. Simply show your Roemer GuestCard.
Sports in nature
Even on a holiday in nature, a little healthy exercise is a must. In the Merano 2000 skiing and hiking area directly above the spa town, you can whizz down glistening slopes and toboggan runs, trudge through fresh snow, hike across the country and climb mountain tops, bike along varied trails or even swim in a mountain lake, depending on the season. Even the little ones can get in touch with nature here, playing and learning at the Outdoor Kids Camp and on the Alpin Bob, the longest summer toboggan run in Italy - both of which are open all year round.
The nature experiences in South Tyrol are a blessing for body, mind, and soul. You can benefit from the health-promoting effect both when simply relaxing and when exercising. Direct contact with nature, the fresh air and the healthy rays of sunshine are what counts. We believe that everyone should treat themselves to at least one holiday in nature in South Tyrol every year.
Wosching Haus is the perfect accommodation for anyone who wants to combine a nature experience with a luxury feeling: located right in the centre of Merano, our large and quiet apartments with mountain views are both the ideal starting point for your outdoor adventures and the most relaxing place to come home to in the evening.
So, when will you start relaxing?