Active summer in Merano
The Meranerland is a real paradise for sport lovers. Spend your active summer holidays in Merano at Hotel Westend and enjoy wonderful days.
The Hotel Westend is located in an ideal location for visiting South Tyrol. Thanks to a well-organized network of public transport, you can reach any place quickly: whether you want to take a tour with the bike or a breathtaking hike on the beautiful mountains of South Tyrol.
Hiking in Merano and Surrounding
Discover the splendid nature of the Meranerland while hiking. Around the South Tyrolean spa town there are many hiking paths which lead to the most beautiful places in the surrounding of Merano. Numerous panoramic paths offer beautiful views of the valley, the town and the surrounding mountains. A special highlight is the high alpine path of Merano, which leads around the Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park.
Merano, the surroundings.... everywhere in South Tyrol, it's the perfect place to have a relaxing or adventurous vacation. Merano is the place where various paths with different difficulties are awaiting guests and locals alike.
Find out:
| The famous Sissi Path leads you to the Gardens of Castel Trauttmannsdorf with special and unique impressions of Merano's culture. Find out about Castel Rubein, Castel Pienzenau whilst enjoying a gentle stroll, after about 45 minutes you will reach Merano's Garden of Eden, the Gardens. |
Starting from the Hotel Villa Westend, the famous Tappeiner Path will leave you stunned. Enjoy panoramic views over the valley whilst passing by the Powder Tower and stopping by the Restaurant Saxifraga, which will delight you with traditional cuisine and meat plates. Continue your walk and reach the end of the Path or simply continue all the way to Lagundo. The path to Marlengo, a nearby town, is nice in the morning hours because the sun will lead your way. Continue the path until you reach Cermes and Lana after about 3,5 hours. |
Explore the mountains around Merano and see what they have to offer!
| Monte Ivigna (Ifinger in German) is a striking summit high above Scena and Avelengo, located near Merano. With an altitude of 2,581 m, the granite mountain can be scaled from Falzeben, Avelengo e Scena and every trail boasts a different degree of difficulty. The path from Avelengo and Val Sarentino follows slightly beneath the summit and is rather easy, but the last 100 m of altitude are difficult and exposed and therefore only recommended to experienced hikers. Whereas the ascend from Scena is more difficult and proceeds via the exposed south-west chine up to the summit, only considered to those who are sure-footed. On top, you can enjoy a fabulous panoramic view on the Oetztal Alps and the Gruppo di Tessa up to the Dolomites. | Monte Cervina: at an altitude of 2,781 m, it represents the highest mountain peak of the Sarentino Alps. The tour is of medium difficulty and does not necessarily require special skills. The hike starts at Saltusio near Merano, from where a funicular takes you onto an altitude of 1,980 m. From the tavern Gasthof Klammeben you reach the refuge P.ta Cervina within a quarter only. Proceed on the trail leading from P.ta Cervina to the Giogo Piatto. This section is by the way part of the long distance trail E5. From the Giogo Piatto (2,699 m asl) follow the indications towards Monte Cervina. The ascend to Monte Cervina is not difficult thus overcrowded but once reached the summit you can enjoy a great view on Monte Mutta, Cima Rossa, the Val Venosta, the valley of Merano and also the Dolomites. | |
| Mutta: is popular hiking destination above Merano and provides a great view on the city and surroundings, Val Venosta and much more. The trail leading up to the summit is rather easy and thus recommended for beginners. From Cima Mutta you can enjoy a great view on Val Venosta, Merano and environs and the surroundings Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park. A hiking suggestion: starting from Tirolo, you reach the mountain station of the Hochmuth funicular at 1,423 m asl. From this point you walk to the tavern Gasthof Mutkopf via path n°22. Proceed on a narrow ridge on path n°23 up to Cima Mutta summit. |
Cigot: The Cigot is almost 3,000 m high and a well-frequented destination for those who love mountaineering. Towards south the Cigot falls away sharply to Parcines and Lagundo, in the north east there are the famous Lakes of Sopranes. Starting point is the tavern Gasthaus Birkenwald in Parcines. From there, the trail n°8 takes you to the Rif. Cima Fiammante in about 4 hours. Behind the mountain hut, the trail n°7 starts, taking you to the Lakes of Tablà (2,677 m asl) and further on to the Passo Rodella (2,808 m asl). From here a rocky terrain, reaching the north west ridge and to a striking rock, leads you further across a coloir. Before you reach the summit, you need to overcome a secured passage. From the Rif. Lodner to the summit, you have to schedule about 3 hours. Once reached the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view on the Val Venosta and the surroundings of Merano, impressive above all with good weather. We recommend appropriate mountain equipment, helmet, climbing belt and a self-belay device |
Dolomites
The Italian Dolomites are the most famous mountain range located in South Tyrol. They form part of the southern Limestone Alps and extend from the River Adige (Etsch) in the west to Piave Valley in the east. The northern and southern borders are defined by the Puster Valley (Pustertal) and the Sugana Valley (Valsugana).
There are situated a lot of national and regional parcs. In August 2009 the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Dolomites (a 40 Minutes drive from the Hotel Villa Westend in Merano) are renownet for skiing in the winter months and mountain climbing, hiking, cycling and paragliding in summer, spring and autumn.
Book your own personal mountain guide
|
Starting now, we offer our dear guests the opportunity to experience unforgettable mountain adventures with qualified mountain guides throughout the year. |
Among the activities offered are: |
|
Mountain Bike
Also for mountain bikers the Meranerland offers numerous possibilities. Choose between gentle bicycle routes or steep mountain passes. Experience an extraordinary event is cycling with the Vinschgerbahn. Take the train to Malles, rent a mountain bike and cycle back to Merano. If the way is too long you have the possibility to hand the bike back at any station on the route and to board the train again. The nearby Vinschgau Valley offers countless other ways of entertainment with your bike, too: as a paradise for mountain biking it provides one of the best-signposted cycle network throughout South Tyrol with many downhill trails of various difficulty levels.
Passionates about mountain biking will find true paradise while following the gentle path to Val Passiria. Start from Hotel Villa Westend over bridges and gravel roads until you reach the golf course and follow your path to San Leonardo. For more expert riders, be excited about what the South Tyrolean Mountains have to offer for you...
Find the rent-a-bike spot just 5 minutes from the Hotel and start your journey!
Racingbike: Convince yourself about the pleasure of exploring the South Tyrolean Area by bike. Starting from Merano, the course leads you up to the Val Venosta Valley, while you may enjoy tipical views over the snow-capped mountains. Explore the Messner Mountain Museum for a tibetian relax and inspiration. For more demanding trips, explore the route to Lago di Garda and Val Pusteria.
Nordic Walking
Nordic Walking in Merano and surrounding – a great method to keep in shape during your holiday. This popular sport is perfect to improve your endurance. Around Merano you will find many beautiful paths across the splendid landscape of South Tyrol. Professional coaches of the nature fitness parks in Scena and Naturno will teach you the right technique. Get in touch with yourself, feel the nature and train your body. Nowhere Nordic Walking is more beautiful than in Merano.
Playing golf in and around Merano
Merano and surroundings offer two of the most beautiful golf courses in the area. The golf course Brandis in Lana (6km from Merano) invites to spend sunny golf hours around 9-holes. Perhaps the most precious one is located in San Leonardo di Passiria (15km from Merano), with 18-holes. Both courses are easily accessible and it just takes a 20min drive from our Hotel Villa Westend. A new Golf area opened at Appiano: positioned in the Adige valley you’ll find a 9 hole golf field „The Blue Monster“ with its 10.000 square meter of green.
We would love to arrange a booking for your exceptional golf-day.
Water fun in Merano
South Tyrol is offering a variety of water fun for you!
| The famous and well-know Merano Thermals Baths designed by Matteo Thun are just a few footsteps away. Being our guests, you get 10% discount on every entry. The huge outside area is cultivated by professional gardeners and offers a pool for the kids as well as whirlpools, a Kneipp path and a Beachvolley space. | The pools at Tirolo, a 10 minutes drive from Hotel Villa Westend, are a true highlight. Visitors relax on the grass green fields whilst admiring spectacular views over the mountain landscape. There's a pool for the adults and a pool for the kids waiting for you to have fun and enjoy the sun. | |
| The only and unique natural pond for the public is located at Gargazzone, 5km away from Merano. Relax in the clean waters, surrounded by plants which purify it and allow the pond to be without any chemicals. It's great for those who fear the deep of the lakes, but who do not want to go without having a pure and natural experience. The pond is easily accessible by car, taking the MEBO and exiting at Gargazzone after 20 minutes. | Lago di Monticolo: Starting from Hotel Villa Westend follow the MEBO and take the exit Appiano. Follow the road after you reach the big Lago di Monticolo after 15 minutes and take a swim in the waters. For those of you who look for action, go around the lake until you reach the big rock and attempt a jump into the water. Mountainbikers love the lake and the woods around it for an adventurous trip and a cool dip afterwards. | |
| The Lago di Caldaro is the warmest lake and most popular among the wind surfers. Easily reachable in a 20 minutes drive, again follow the MEBO and exit at Appiano/Caldaro where you will find the lake nestled inmidst the vineries. | Last but not least, the Lago di Garda, perfect place to savour the Italian way of life. The Villa Westend Hotel in Merano is a good starting point, take the MEBO again and follow it down South after reaching Affi after about an hour. Exit here and follow up to Bardolino after 15 minutes, one of the most charming spots on the lake. |