Area Guide

Obermais - my birth town and where the best Football team of South Tyrol can be found.

When to visit: Summer, Spring or Winter. Autumn can be a bit quite, but the flowers would look even better!

Languages: Whatever brings you around, a little bit of German would not hurt!

Time Needed: Half a day should be enough - although, you could spend a day if you like!

Obermais offers a carefully composed mix of quiet streets, historic buildings, and green spaces. Depending on the season, certain spots shine more than others—but every good visit starts the same way: breakfast.

Begin with a quick espresso at Bar Maia, then stop by Erb Bakery for something sweet to take along. It’s a classic local routine and a perfect way to set the pace for the day. Obermais isn’t a shopping district—it’s more about looking than buying—but if you do want to take something home, the Monocle Store is worth a visit. An excellent selection of international artisanal clothing and books, thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented.

Once that’s taken care of, Obermais reveals its most surprising feature: castles. For such a compact part of Meran, there are many. Castle Rosenstein and Rundegg sit close to the center, while Schloss Rametz and Schloss Trauttmansdorff lie to the north (easily reached by bus line 1B). To the south, you’ll find Schloss Rubein and Schloss Pienzenau. You don’t need to visit them all—just knowing they’re there adds another layer to wandering the district.

From Brunnenplatz, it’s easy to branch out depending on the season. In winter, buses connect you directly to Meran 2000 for sledding. In summer, Lido Schenna is a great option for a swim. Later in the afternoon, head toward Passer Fritz, pick up some prosciutto from the local Despar, and cool off with a dip in the river—an ideal way to end a hot summer day.

Trauttmansdorff is always worth keeping in mind, but it becomes particularly special in winter with its Christmas light installations in late December and early January. The Maiser Waalweg is at its best in autumn, whether for a short walk or a longer excursion toward the Passeiertal. From there, you can stop at the Apfelhotel for a bite or continue on foot or by bike all the way to St. Leonhard, following the Passer river.

To finish the day, go big with a pizza at Mösl, or opt for something more refined at Claudio Melis, a Michelin-starred restaurant right in the heart of Obermais. For a final drink, return to Bar Maia or drop into one of the local bars nearby—everywhere here feels welcoming, unpretentious, and comfortably familiar.

Must-Visit Spots

• Brunnenplatz The central meeting point of Obermais and a natural place to start the day. Calm streets, cafés, and a distinctly local rhythm.

• Monocle Store A carefully curated concept store offering international artisanal clothing and books. Minimal, thoughtful, and unexpected in this residential district.

• Castel Rundegg A historic castle embedded in everyday life, highlighting Obermais’ unique mix of residential calm and cultural heritage.

• Castle Rosenstein Slightly tucked away yet unmistakable once discovered—a reminder of the high concentration of historic estates in Obermais.

• Schloss Trauttmansdorff One of the most iconic locations near Obermais. Known for its gardens year-round and especially atmospheric during winter light installations.

• Maiser Waalweg A historic irrigation path ideal for calm walks, particularly beautiful in autumn and a perfect gateway toward the Passeiertal.

• Passer Fritz Not “beautiful” in a postcard sense, but extremely real. A local summer ritual and a rare place where Obermais feels almost private.

• Villenviertel Obermais Not a single spot, but essential. Walking these streets is more important than ticking off landmarks.

Drinks & Coffee

• Bar Maia A local cornerstone for espresso in the morning and aperitivo in the evening. Relaxed, familiar, and unpretentious.

• Brunnenplatz Café Classic Italian breakfast culture: coffee and a cornetto. A slower, more traditional start to the day.

• Café Kanzelemühle More towards the direction of the city center, it works for a nice stop along the way

  
  

Food & Snacks

• Erb Bakery Ideal for something sweet to take along. Straightforward, traditional, and perfect for fueling a walk through Obermais.

• Mösl Known for generously sized pizzas and a laid-back atmosphere—great after an active day.

• Restaurant Claudio Melis A Michelin-starred address in the heart of Obermais, offering a refined and focused dining experience.

• Pizzera Tanner

• Castel Rametz

  
  

Classic Locations & Shopping

• Schloss Rametz Surrounded by vineyards and gardens, this historic estate reflects Obermais’ aristocratic heritage.

• Schloss Rubein & Schloss Pienzenau Less prominent but highly characteristic, these estates are best experienced while wandering off the main routes.

• Meran 2000 (access via Obermais) A seasonal escape: sledding in winter, hiking in summer, and panoramic views year-round.

• Lido Schenna A warm-weather favorite for swimming, perfectly complementing a quiet morning in Obermais.

  
  

Getting Around

Stroll around by foot - it's only a small part of Meran, but definitely worth going for a walk around the lively old-town and the quieter streets around it.