We're planning to spend 3 nights in early October in either Merano or Bolzano, traveling by train from Mantova. I get the impression that a lot of folks prefer Merano to Bolzano.
We definitely want to take in the museum housing Otzi. We'd also like to get in some light hiking or a walk to take in some mountain scenery. Can anyone compare the Renon Plateau to The Tappeinerweg in Merano? If we stay in Merano, how reasonable would it be to take in the museum and the Renon Plateau in the same day?
We really liked the old world spa town of Merano. It is a 45 minute regional train ride up the hill from Bolzano through lots of apple orchards. When you hike the trail around the city you walk through hillside vineyards and orchards while always having views of rugged mountains and the valley below. There were elegant hotels in the town as well as numerous agriturismos along the hiking paths.
It would be a quick 45 minute train ride to see the museum with Otzi. I’m not sure about doing the plateau hike on the same day as I haven’t done that. With an early start though it seems possible. In October there may be apple or other harvest fairs or festivals happening in the area.
I really enjoyed Merano also - walked the Promenades next to the Passer River, and walked the Sissiweg out to the Gardens at Trautmannsdorff Castle (which were good for several hours) and back. Beautiful views of the mountains, and lots of vineyards and apple orchards.
We prefer Merano over Bolzano as it is smaller and thus more charming. The Tappeiner is a gorgeous walk, but unlike the Renon plateau, it does not provide a view of the Dolomites. It is quite the sight to take in Schlern mountain from the plateau. You can see its entire profile, which is breathtaking. You can definitely do the museum and take the Renon cable car from Bolzano to the plateau on the same day. Consider doing a short hike to the Earth Pyramids on Renon. Also, since you will be there in October you may want to consider partaking in South Tyrol's Törggelen tradition. There is a historic wine farm on Renon that does a wonderful job hosting guests for a night of Törggelen: https://throneandvine.com/torggelen-south-tyrol/ Have a wonderful trip!
Thank you for the replies! I appreciate it.
Am I right in thinking that if we want to do the Renon hike and the museum on the same day, it would be better to do the hike first to catch better weather?
I do not think the order matters all that much as long you keep an eye on the forecast. We would actually do the museum first and then eat lunch in Bolzano before hiking. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the sunlight washing over the Earth Pyramids and the Dolomites.
