7 things to experience in Merano in October 2025! • VisitMerano

Welcome to golden October in Merano! Nature is truly shifting now: autumn colors start in early October and peak toward the end of the month.

If you’re out and about now, you can not only enjoy this explosion of color — usually under fine weather — but also witness the harvest in full swing. Apples and grapes, now at peak ripeness, need to be delivered to wineries and fruit storage facilities right on time! Merano’s autumn features numerous events and initiatives focused on the harvest and — unsurprisingly — on the culinary delights it brings.

Many program items are already set — from the Grape Festival to the Brass Festival. Check same-day schedules before your visit!

Things to do in Merano in October

1

Experience the autumn colors on the vineyard slopes above Merano

Crisp air, pleasant temperatures, brilliant fall hues and the distinctive scent of ripe grapes— on the vineyard slopes of Labers, Schenna and Algund, autumn takes the lead. Enjoy it on a relaxed walk through the vines, then stop at rustic farm taverns (Buschenschank) for fresh new wine and hearty Merano specialties.

2

Take a hike to Mount San Vigilio (Vigiljoch)

Autumn shows its full splendor on Mount San Vigilio as well. Up here, up to 1,800 m a.s.l., it’s not orchards like in the valley but larches, shrubs and hedges that set the season’s tone. The easiest way up is the cable car from Lana, taking you straight into autumn on the mountain. A visit should always include a detour to the storied St. Vigilius Church, built as early as the 11th century.

3

Törggelen at the Rauthof

The Rauthof sits just south of Merano, near Katzenstein Castle, above Sinich. Why come here if you want to go Törggelen? Simple: you experience it the way it’s meant to be. Sausages, speck, chestnuts—and the wine—all come from the farm, lovingly prepared by the family. Add its setting on sun-drenched, gentle slopes above Merano, and it’s hard to beat.

Tip for 2025: weekends book up fast — reserve ahead.

4

Drop by the Monocle Pop-Up Store

In the leafy district of Obermais (Maia Alta) on Via Dante, a Monocle pop-up store appears from time to time—by the internationally renowned lifestyle & magazine brand. Browse and buy Monocle goods and other labels (mostly from Northern Europe) and flick through the brand’s publications, while the store manager Linda is happy to serve a sparkling aperitif or a hot coffee.

5

Attend the Merano Brass Festival

The Merano Brass Festival returns for the 24th edition. Once again, two Saturdays in October bring top ensembles to the splendid Kursaal Merano.

2025 Program:
Sat, Oct 11 – “Blasmusik Supergroup” (Thomas Gansch)
Sat, Oct 18 – “The Cory Band” (England)
Start time: 8:00 PM.

6

Autumn hiking on Merano 2000

It’s still hiking season! The Merano 2000 cable car runs throughout October, whisking sun-seekers and hikers up to trailheads. This month brings pristine views of the Dolomites—best seen from Kuhleiten Hut, Kesselberg Hut, and Mittager.

Lifts 2025: main lifts operate until Nov 2; the Mittager chairlift runs until Oct 12 (weather-dependent). Check same-day schedules before you go.

7

Experience autumn in the Botanical Gardens

Autumn also arrives at the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, and right before the winter break things get truly exciting again: where blossoms draw the “oohs” and “aahs” in spring and summer, the spotlight now shifts to the fruits — many from far-flung regions of the world. To dive deeper, join a fr
uit-focused guided tour, which is both dedicated and genuinely engaging.

Opening hours October 2025:
Oct 1–15 9:00–19:00 (last entry 17:30) • Oct 16–31 9:00–18:00 (last entry 16:30).
In autumn it’s all about fruits & colors — panoramic paths and terraces are especially photogenic now.

8

Experience the Grape Festival in Merano

On October 18–19, 2025, tradition fills the old town: market stalls, live music and South Tyrolean specialties – free to attend. The highlight is the grand parade on Sunday, 10/19, at 2:15 pm from the Vinschgau Gate: decorated floats, marching bands, traditional costume groups, riders – and the Apple Crown.

Tip: secure a spot along the route early.