We South Tyroleans are surrounded by mountains every day. We drive down them, through them, hike all over them, and live them. For a lot of us, every day, whilst others do so as often as they can. If you think that South Tyroleans find their landscape getting on their nerves over time and that at some point they've seen enough mountains, you're mistaken! To the contrary. And there are some special places that magically lure us back at certain times of the year. In spring, when apple trees are in blossom, crocuses are pushing their heads through the blanket of snow on mountain slopes and the sun makes temperatures shoot up during the day, we hang up our skis and snow shoes for the year and get ready for the warmer months.

Dolce vita amidst the mountains

This is when Meraner Land gets really busy, as the area is well known for being one of the first to see the spring. We sit around with our sunglasses on, jackets hanging over the backs of chairs, holding a veneziano, a bright red sparkling aperitif with ice, and we let our gazes wander over the first fresh greenery and mountain peaks still capped with snow while enjoying the sun in our faces and the gentle murmuring of the Passer river in the background.

Austro-Hungarian Empire atmosphere accompanied by fresh springtime greenery

Springtime in Meran. There's nowhere else that you get to feel like the Empress Sissi (or her husband 'Franzl'). There's hardly another place where you can enjoy and wonder at the juxtaposition of worldly Austro-Hungarian charm, Mediterranean elegance and rugged 'Alpineness', as in the former favourite haunt of Empress Sissi of Austria. The numerous promenades, parks and avenues when all around is in bloom and flourishing are still conducive to lingering awhile, strolling around and catching a bit of spring fever. And then there are the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. Carefully tended, they show each visitor the meaning of 'Mediterranean-Alpine landscape' in spectacular fashion. A small hint – take a guided tour!

There's lots going on in Meran in springtime. It's definitely worth a trip. And anyone looking for authentic accommodation in the thick of the action will find what they're looking for with our private hosts, who are now just waking up from their winter hibernation. Have a look ...