Here, tradition and present meet, and history comes to life. Visitors experience the unique atmosphere of the Meran region up close.
Perched vividly above the village. Majestic, yet not remote: Schenna Castle. It belongs to the landscape just as much as the slopes, the gardens and the view into the valley. Here, tradition and modern life meet, and history comes alive. Visitors experience the unique atmosphere of the Meran region at close quarters.
From many vantage points at Hotel Hohenwart, the eye is drawn to Schloss Schenna: it welcomes and bids farewell on the Bellavista terrace at the entrance to the main house and creates a familiar setting while relaxing in the quiet room "Traumkulisse" or in the warm water of the 360° saltwater pool in the VistaSpa. Those who set out from Hotel Hohenwart for a stroll through the lanes of Schenna are accompanied by the castle at every turn. Its walls and towers feel reassuringly familiar, a constant in the landscape - and yet each visit reveals something new. At times it is the gardens in full bloom, at others the stillness of evening, when the sun bathes the valley in warm light. Schloss Schenna changes with the seasons, continually opening up fresh perspectives over the Meran region, the town itself and the surrounding walking areas.
A castle at the heart of village life
Built around 1350, the castle gained particular significance under Archduke Johann of Austria and today ranks among the most important historical castles in Tyrol. Yet Schloss Schenna is no silent monument, fixed in time. It is part of everyday village life: inhabited, accessible and open to encounters. The Countess of Meran resides in the castle with her husband, Count Spiegelfeld, and gladly opens its doors to bring life into its historic walls. Guided tours of Schloss Schenna are offered several times a week; in addition, events regularly animate the inner courtyard, cellars and historic rooms.
The castle is an integral part of village life, and anyone strolling through the lanes of Schenna will immediately sense this connection. In the evening, while life pulses in the centre below, a gentle calm settles over the castle hill above, subtly illuminated. The link between present and past, between everyday life and history, becomes palpable - a unique interplay that defines the Meran region.
Insights beyond the walls - history brought to life
A guided tour of Schloss Schenna is almost essential. Not only for its architecture, but for the stories preserved within. On display is the largest private collection dedicated to Andreas Hofer, complemented by paintings, portraits, antique furniture, weapons and everyday objects spanning several centuries.
The evening tours, personally led by the Count are particularly atmospheric. As the day draws to a close and the rooms grow quieter, history suddenly feels close. You listen to the stories, sense the atmosphere in the knights’ hall, look into the faces of Tyrolean rulers and feel transported to times long past. At Schloss Schenna, it is not a lecture, but storytelling - vivid, up close and personal.
Castle and events - a stage for special moments
Schloss Schenna opens its doors for more than guided tours. Throughout the year, carefully curated events take place here, enriching village life and attracting visitors from both near and far.
In May, the Gin Festival fills the castle courtyard and vaulted cellars. In June, the vintage cars of the Südtirol Classic pass by: historic automobiles set against a historic backdrop. In December, during the castle Advent, traditional crafts can be observed using time-honoured methods; folk music and the aromas of local specialities evoke the everyday life of times gone by.
Schloss Schenna also holds a firm place in the musical calendar: performances by the Musikkapelle Schenna and high-calibre classical concerts as part of the Südtirol Festival Meran bring its walls to life time and again. Visitors can hear, see and feel history here - an experience that engages all the senses.
Tips for guests of Hotel Hohenwart
For guests of Hotel Hohenwart, Schloss Schenna is easily reached. A short walk through the village lanes is all it takes for the historic walls to come into view. Those who take their time will discover not only the castle itself, but also sweeping views over the Meran region and the slopes of Schenna.
The walks around the castle are particularly rewarding: paths lead through well-kept gardens, along ancient walls and to viewpoints offering unique vistas over the village, over Meran and across the surrounding mountains.
History that endurest
Schloss Schenna is not simply a place to visit. It is a place to experience. In motion, through the changing seasons, in harmony with the village, the lanes of Schenna and the surrounding landscape. Each visit reveals new perspectives, shaped by light, season and atmosphere. Those who take their time can enjoy the tranquillity, sense history and experience the connection between landscape and culture in the Meran region.
Conclusion
Schloss Schenna is a landmark that brings history to life. It weaves together past and present, village life and culture into a living whole. Those who visit the castle gain not only insights into the history of South Tyrol, but also unforgettable views over Schenna, Meran and the sights of the surrounding Meran region. Schloss Schenna is set above it all, yet fully integrated. A place of calm, and at the same time full of life.