Merano Archives ⋆ The Passenger

July 11, 2026July 11, 2026

Three languages

Alto Adige, or South Tyrol, is a fascinating region where languages and cultures overlap in a way that feels both Alpine and distinctly Mediterranean. Three languages are officially recognised: German, Italian, and Ladin. German is by far the most widely spoken in everyday life, especially in towns and rural areas, while Italian tends to dominate in the larger cities such as Bolzano. Ladin, a Rhaeto-Romance language, survives in a few Dolomite valleys and adds another layer to the region’s cultural richness.

December 6, 2010April 19, 2022

From Alto Adige to Veneto

When I was a child we were travelling every year to the same flat in the same village: Dorf Tirol near Merano in Tirolo, Italy. At the end of my twenties my brother and I decided to return for a short visit. Therefore we took the train from München, Germany via Brennero to Bolzano, Italy and continued to Merano. Continue reading “From Alto Adige to Veneto”

December 4, 2010November 30, 2018

Tappeinerweg

Franz Tappeiner was an Austrian doctor and botanist who studied in Padua, Praha and Wien. He settled in Merano in 1846, worked as a doctor and described 6000 plants. He is still well remembered as he created the Tappeinerweg, a 6 kilometers long promenade from Merano up the hill to Dorf Tirol. Continue reading “Tappeinerweg”

December 3, 2010April 19, 2022

Christmas market at the Passirio

In Merano, Italy the river Passiro runs into river Adige and at its river bank there is a beautiful Christmas market every year. This section of the town is lighted with thousands of lights and you can get mulled wine, sausages and different crafted products. Continue reading “Christmas market at the Passirio”