Sightseeing 
everything nearby: mystical men from the ice. Imposing castles and fortresses. A harmonious blend of mountain and city. 

They used to say that here – and they weren’t wrong. And because God-given wealth is not enough, our people have made the region unique by adding cultural gems, religious marvels and worldly delights. From the vineyards and palm-lined avenues of Merano to the ancient ice of the Similaun glacier, there’s so much to explore that one visit won’t be enough. My hotel staff are always ready to assist you. Tell them what you like and they’ll find the perfect excursion for you. You might just find what you are looking for here. 

Ötzi does sound a bit better than Schnalsi, we have to admit. The story of why the mysterious Iceman was named after the Austrian Ötztal and not after Val Senales, even though he was found here on the South Tyrolean side of the mountains, can be read in detail in the Museum of Archaeology Bolzano (60 km) That’s where Ötzi lies on ice and can be seen through a small peephole. His history becomes much more vivid in the archeoparc (2.7 km). There, you can try your hand at Neolithic skills such as archery and dugout canoeing. You can find out exactly where the Simon couple stumbled across the world’s oldest mummy in 1991 from the spectacular and multi-award-winning viewing platform Iceman Ötzi Peak (13.5 km). And an incredible 126 three-thousand metre peaks to boot. If you are good on your feet and want to visit the Ötzi discovery site, the best way is to join one of the guided glacier tours. 

Some describe it as an aura, others refer to it as ‘that certain something’. There are those who, in awe, exclaim, ‘Heaven’s above, it’s beautiful here!’. But without a doubt, Val Senales and the entire Merano holiday region abound with extraordinary places, often regarded as ‘places of strength’. Notable among them is the Madonna di Senales’ village with its pilgrimage church and ‘Schnalser Miatarl’ statue of the Virgin Mary. Equally remarkable is the former Carthusian monastery Monte degli Angeli, where the ‘Silentium’ art project quiets the world’s noise. You can experience art in Val Senales. Olafur Eliasson installation –   Europe’s tallest work of art on the Senales Glacier serves as both an artistic marvel and a tribute to the preservation of glacier nature. Reinhold Messner’s residence, Castel Juval houses a collection of art treasures from Tibet, which you can explore at the Messner Mountain Museum. Accessible on foot or shuttle bus. A lesser-known gem than Lago di Resia is the Lago Vernago. Yet, it shares a similar history, where an entire village yielded to progress. In winter, the church tower emerges from the water at low tide, while in summer, the lake dazzles with its striking turquoise hue. Experience the glacier world like a bird, engaging all your senses on an extraordinary ride aboard the new Glacier railway. For a small additional fee, you can opt for an open-air ride on the gondola’s rooftop, ascending to over 3,200 metres above sea level.

While I, as an old mountain farm, may not quite grasp the allure of city life, my hotel staff assure me that Merano has its own charms. The historic spa town offers a plethora of entertainment options, from exploring the renowned Trauttmansdorff castle and gardens to indulging in shopping sprees at the local boutiques and traditional farmers’ markets.