Audio Guide of the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle

The gardens are usually open from April 1 to mid-November, generally from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (with reduced hours in November). You can easily get there by bus from the center of Merano or by car; check the exact location and opening hours on their official website.

Entry is not free; the standard adult ticket is around €16–18 and includes access to Touriseum (the Museum of Tourism). There are reduced rates for families, seniors, and groups, which I recommend checking before you go to get the best price.

The complex is huge, with 12 hectares and more than 80 botanical landscapes, so I recommend setting aside between 3 and 6 hours. If you want to enjoy it at a relaxed pace, take photos, and rest, allow at least half a day.

Trauttmansdorff Castle became world-famous as the winter retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, who fell in love with its views. Today it houses Touriseum, a fascinating museum that tells 200 years of tourism history in Tyrol.

Spring is unbeatable thanks to the blooming of thousands of tulips, although autumn offers a unique spectacle of reddish colors. If you go in summer, try to visit on a Friday afternoon to enjoy the 'Trauttmansdorff after work' events with music and atmosphere.

Yes, much of the path network is paved and designed to be accessible (marked on the park map), although there are sloped areas because the site lies on a hillside. There are adapted restrooms and elevators to make the visit easier for everyone.

You are very close to the charming center of Merano, ideal for a walk along the Tappeiner Path. I also recommend relaxing after your walk at the famous Merano Thermal Baths, an icon of the city.

Wear very comfortable shoes because you will walk for miles, and make sure to bring water, especially in summer. To avoid missing the details of the flora and the history of Sisi, a good idea is to complement your visit with an audio guide on your phone so you can explore at your own pace.