Worth seeing

The history of the city of Merano and that one of the Thermal Baths are intertwined. The Spa-town is still one of the main attractions of Burgraviato. It was founded in 1836 in consequence of those benefits that Merano’s mild climate caused to the patients suffering from various diseases.

The Thermal Baths contributed to making Merano one of the most important tourist centers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and this vocation was carried on even in the 30s and in the after-war period, when the radon-rich waters were discovered on mountain St.Vigilio. Since 1972, these waters have been utilized in the establishment of the Thermal Baths, built with the help of S.A.L.V.A.R. (Equity Company for Processing Radioactive Water).

Nowadays, the Thermal Baths of Merano are 99,8% controlled by the Province of Bolzano that has given birth to the new establishment situated on the bank of river Passer. Here, on the surface of 7.650 square meters, in addition to 25 indoor and outdoor swimming-pools, there are saunas and Spa-rooms.

The earls’ castle Trauttsmandorff  arises where once the fourteenth century castle of Neuburg was situated. In 1846 the Earl Joseph bought the ruins of the castle and reconstructed it to a residence. Nowadays, it belongs to the Province of Bolzano and is home for the botanic garden and the Touriseum, a museum dedicated to tourism.

The botanic garden is an extraordinary example of how harmonically art and nature can be combined in a single whole. It is divided into four different areas: one of them is dedicated to reconstructions of the forests and landscapes of America and Asia,  one represents the foreshortening of Mediterranean landscapes, one pays tribute to the landscapes of South Tyrol, and finally the last area is dedicated to water gardens and terraces.

The history of tourism in South Tyrol

As for the museum’s exhibition, it is concentrated on the history of tourism in South Tyrol since 1700.
Illustrated in three languages (Italian, German and English), the exhibition presents spectacular reconstructions and dioramas that help to understand the way in which tourism has evolved in the span of three centuries, and the tight connection between South Tyrolean culture and economy, linked to tourist activity.

Traditionally, every year we have a classical appointment with Christmas markets of South Tyrol. It is a unique opportunity to enjoy the magic of Christmas and the charm of this land. Lights, colors, scents and flavors of South Tyrol mingle among the stalls.

While navigating among gastronomic stands and looking over products of local crafts, you can taste the most delicious Christmas specialties, sipping spicy mulled wine. There are many markets in South Tyrol, each one with its own peculiarities. We would like to advise you three of them: the market of Bolzano, that one of Merano, and also the Christmas market of Glorenzo, which are easily reachable from our hotel.

Bolzano Christmas market
It is the biggest Christmas market of the region, and it consists of 80 stalls. It is situated at the central square “Piazza Walther” and in nearby streets. Furnishing and decorations are renovated every year, in order to always provide citizens and tourists with a new show.

Merano Chistmas market
Extended throughout the historical center and the famous promenade along river Passer, the Christmas market of Merano offers unique attractions to its visitors.

Glorenza Christmas market
Closed between the impressive medieval walls, the historical center of Glorenza annually hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets of South Tyrol and Trentino. Besides the stalls with crafted products and gastronomic specialties, it is famous also for its numerous events, organized for the occasion. Concerts, costume parties and performances for children in one of the most beautiful historic towns of the region.

With the word Burgraviato we usually indicate the area surrounding Merano, and the community the capital of which is Merano itself. This area with a strong touristic vocation has been attracting travellers to South Tyrol since the 19^th century.

Besides the splendid valley bottom and the woods leading up to the peaks, Burgraviato is famous for its outstanding history. Lots of castles spot the reliefs and conceal the treasures of art and culture.

The first section of Adige Valley ranges from Merano to Bolzano, where the river receives waters from Isarco. It is a territory caught between two rows of mountains. On the valley bottom fruit trees are cultivated, apple trees in particular, while on the lower slopes it is the vineyards that occupy the leading position. As you go down from Merano towards Bolzano, passing from town to town, you can see the numerous castlesspotting the valley and ogling to travellers from the heights where they are located.

Venosta is the valley where river Adige, originating on the Reschenpass (on the border with Switzerland) and reaching the outskirts of Merano, runs across to continue its trip.

The Venosta Valley is one of the most important places for summer and winter tourism in South Tyrol. By following the trekking and mountain biking trails in the valley bottom, sport enthusiasts and lovers of mountains can reach the highest peaks. Thanks to the handy infrastructure network, the ski slopes are easily reachable in winter.

The valley attracts tourists with its numerous traces of history and culture of these lands, beginning with archaeological sites, passing through the typical South Tyrolean castles, and finishing with the monasteries.