Merano Archives ⋆ The Passenger

July 17, 2026July 17, 2026

India or Italy?

Our journey did not begin in Italy, at least not in spirit. It was meant to take us far beyond Europe, across continents, towards Sri Lanka via India – a trip we had carefully planned and eagerly anticipated. Yet, as so often happens in travel, events beyond our control intervened. Air India abruptly cancelled our return flight to Europe, citing kerosene shortages and price surges linked to escalating geopolitical tensions following Donald Trump’s confrontation with Iran. The airline’s decision was shrewd: by cancelling only the return leg into the EU, they avoided compensation obligations, while effectively forcing us to abandon the entire itinerary.

July 14, 2026July 18, 2026

Sessellift

The Sessellift between Meran and Dorf Tirol is a charming open-air chairlift that links the town with the sunny slopes above, offering one of the most direct and picturesque ways to gain altitude in the region. Suspended above vineyards and orchards, the ride affords uninterrupted views of Meran’s tiled roofs, the river below, and the surrounding alpine ridgelines. It’s brief but memorable: the slow, steady ascent lets you soak in the landscape in a way a road or bus cannot, and the gentle clatter of the lift adds a nostalgic alpine rhythm to the journey.

July 14, 2026July 30, 2026

Trauttmansdorff

The Gärten von Schloss Trauttmansdorff in Meran is a large botanical garden set around Trauttmansdorff castle, combining landscaped grounds with a historic castle and museum. It is known for its varied plant collections, sweeping views over Meran and the surrounding mountains, and for offering far more than a simple walk through flowers.

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”