Merano and surrounding area: A hiker’s paradise in South Tyrol

Hiking holidays
in Merano in South Tyrol

Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature on a hiking holiday in South Tyrol and experience in the benefits of a holiday in Merano and the surrounding area. Breathe in the clear mountain air of the Merano region. Observe the animals grazing serenely on the mountain pastures. Take in the stunning views of the Ifinger mountain ridge and the Texelgruppe mountain massif while hiking in Dorf Tirol.

Nature lovers and hiking fans are in for a real treat at the Erika hiking hotel in South Tyrol. From cool mountain lakes in South Tyrol's largest nature reserve to trails through wildflower meadows in the valley. From alpine pastures and ancient mountain farms to promenades for relaxed strolls.

On our guided hikes we’ll show you more of the beauty of South Tyrol, such as the Seiser Alm – the largest high alpine pasture in Europe, or the Möltner Kaser in Schermoos.

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Up to the high peaks of South Tyrol

For keen hikers, the Texelgruppe Nature Park offers sporty tours with views of Tyrol, the Vinschgau Valley, Merano and the Etschtal Valley.

One of the highlights of our mountain world: the Spronser Lakes. The locals say: "Here you can experience pure nature". This high mountain tour is one of the most beautiful hiking holidays in South Tyrol. It takes around 5-6 hours to walk the round trip to the Hochmuth mountain station.

If you hike from the valley station to the Hochmuth, allow approx. 3 hours; the descent can be completed in 2 hours. Alternatively, the Hochmuth cable car takes you from Dorf Tirol to the Texelgruppe Natural Park at an altitude of 1,400 metres in just 5 minutes.

through the valleys - Hotel Erika — through the valleys

The Waalwege trail offer hikers in South Tyrol enjoyable, flat routes, mostly through orchards and woodland.

The wildflower walks in Merano and the surrounding area are particularly beautiful in spring. In autumn the colourful leaves of the beech and aspen trees and the chestnut, oak and spruce forests on our local mountain Hochmuth are captivating.

You can go on lots of easier hikes on themed trails and adventure trails starting from the Hotel Erika.

Advantages for hikers of holiday at Hotel Erika

The largest hiking network in South Tyrol is in the immediate vicinity
Texelgruppe Nature Park – hiking in the largest nature park in South Tyrol
Merano High Mountain Trail – one of the most beautiful hiking trails in South Tyrol
The Hochmuth cable car station is close by in Dorf Tirol
Including several guided hikes per week
Special highlight: Hotel hike with hosts Pepi and Patrick on Wednesdays
Hiking map hire
Hire of rucksacks and hiking poles
Hiking tips from the Erika team

Hotel hike in South Tyrol

Hiking is our passion. Every week we organise several guided hikes for our guests . Host Pepi and his son Patrick organise the hotel hike on Wednesdays – and choose suitable trails to suit the season and guests. At the Wanderhotel Erika, we select destinations that are not so easy to find on your own in order to offer a great hiking and holiday experience. We have organised hikes to the Seiser Alm, and to the Geisler Spitzen, the Möltner Kaser, Langfenn or from Raschötz to Villnöss.

On our guided hikes, you’ll discover the highlights of South Tyrol with us while learning interesting facts about the hiking areas.

If you would like to go on more guided hikes, you also have the option of taking part in guided hikes organised by external providers.

Photos and impressions of our hikes in South Tyrol can be found on the holiday photos page.

To the holiday photos

Hiking in Dorf Tirol and the Texelgruppe Nature Park

The beauty of Dorf Tirol stretches from Mediterranean valley up to the Alpine mountain landscape – rising from around 600 metres to the Spronser lakes in the Texelgruppe Nature Park which lies at around 2,500 metres.

The Hochmuth cable car whisks you from Dorf Tirol up to the Muthöfen, the mountain farms above Dorf Tirol, and into the Texelgruppe Nature Park.

You can visit the sights of Dorf Tirol, such as Brunnenburg and Tirol Castles on a hike along the famous Falknerpromenade, which starts right next to our hotel.

At the Wanderhotel Erika, we’ll be happy to provide tips on hiking in Dorf Tirol. Guests can borrow hiking maps free of charge.

Waalwege
around Merano in South Tyrol

Today, picturesque hiking trails –the Waalwege in South Tyrol – follow the former irrigation systems that brought water down from the mountains to the valleys.

Many hikers recommend the Merano Waalrunde, which connects 11 Waalwege trails in the Merano region and circles the Merano basin for a distance of 80 kilometres.

The most famous of the many irrigation channel trails in Merano and the surrounding area are the Riffianer, Kuenser, Partschinser, Algunder, Marlinger and Maiser Waalweg trails. On the northern edge of Dorf Tirol, on the Alte Dorfwaal you’ll enjoy a family-friendly hike that goes past well-preserved farmhouses.

Themed trails
in Merano and surrounding area

Each trail has a different theme and your hike is enhanced with interesting facts about apples, culture or wine. Right here in Dorf Tirol you will find the apple trail, wine trail, culture trail and panorama trail.

Adventure trails are particularly exciting for families as children will also enjoy the hike. The forest adventure trail along the Marlinger Waal is a fun and informative way to get closer to nature. How much energy does a tree need to draw water from the soil? How does this fit into the water cycle? What are the tasks of the different animals in the forest? These are some of the questions that are answered on the nature and adventure trail.

Hiking on the Merano High Mountain Trail

Walk along old mountain farm paths. Refuel at rustic mountain huts and on sun terraces. The Merano High Mountain Trail is a circular hiking trail around the central part of the Texelgruppe Nature Park.

On this almost 100 km tour, you hike from 1,400 to almost 3,000 metres in altitude. The route can be completed in several stages over 4-8 days.

The Mutspitze – the summit of the our local mountain, the Hochmuth – lies on the southern Merano High Mountain Trail. This is the perfect place to join the Merano High Mountain Trail or even just walk a section of it.

Among the highlights on the Merano High Mountain Trail are the Spronser Lakes – above Dorf Tirol – the highest lake district in South Tyrol.

Merano and surrounding area: A hiker’s paradise in South Tyrol

Hiking holidays in Merano in South Tyrol