25 years of garden dreams - The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano

The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are among the most impressive gardens in Europe. An extraordinary variety of more than 80 garden landscapes unfold on around 12 hectares - embedded in a panorama between Alpine mountains and Mediterranean flair.

What makes this place so special is the harmonious interplay of different plant worlds. Olive trees and palm trees meet alpine vegetation, sunny terraces alternate with shady retreats. Paths lead through flowering landscapes, past watercourses and new, impressive views of Merano open up time and again.

It is this combination of expanse and detail, of design and nature, that makes Trauttmansdorff a place that not only impresses - but touches.

A walk through the gardens is like travelling through different continents. Each of the four garden worlds has its own character and opens up new perspectives.

The sunny areas are dominated by Mediterranean plants such as cacti, agaves and olive trees, which immediately convey a feeling of the south. The water and terrace gardens impress with their clear structure, elegant lines and the interplay of architecture and nature.

On the north side, the forest gardens unfold a completely different atmosphere: shady, quiet and characterised by plants from Asia and America. This experience is complemented by the South Tyrolean cultural landscapes with traditional orchards, vines and farm gardens - an authentic insight into regional nature.

The result is a place that not only shows diversity, but makes it tangible.

What makes Trauttmansdorff special is its changeability. The gardens change with the seasons - and so does the experience.

In spring, a colourful sea of flowers emerges from tulips, rhododendrons and peonies. Summer brings with it a Mediterranean lightness, accompanied by the scent of lavender and flowering plants. In autumn, warm colours immerse the landscape in a tranquil, almost poetic atmosphere.

But it's not just the colours that characterise this place. It is also the soft sounds, the light, the scents - all of which create an atmosphere that slows you down and inspires you.

A visit becomes an experience for all the senses.

Rising high above the gardens is Trauttmansdorff Castle, which today houses the Touriseum - a museum that tells 250 years of tourism history in an entertaining way.

The castle was made famous by Empress Sissi, who spent her winters here and made Merano famous internationally as a spa resort.

Even today, Trauttmansdorff is a lively place: concerts by the water lily pond, events and special productions constantly create new experiences and make every visit unique.

Since its opening in 2001, the gardens have delighted visitors from all over the world. In the anniversary year 2026, this special chapter will be celebrated with new perspectives and experiences.

The centrepiece is the special exhibition "Designed Paradises - Of People and Gardens", which highlights the importance of garden culture over the centuries. The programme is complemented by events, guided tours and special experiences for all the senses.

A quarter of a century of Trauttmansdorff impressively demonstrates how a place can constantly evolve - without losing its original character.