Sunsets in Merano and environs: our 5 favourite places in autumn
Watching the sun set behind the mountains is one of those moments many travellers long to experience. In autumn, this spectacle takes on a character all of its own in Merano and environs. The sun lies lower in the sky, vineyards, castle walls and mountain slopes glow in rich shades of orange, and the outlines of the peaks stand out clearly against the evening sky.
At times, the weather creates particularly striking scenes. During a temperature inversion, mist or haze may settle in the valley while the higher slopes and mountain peaks remain beneath a clear sky. Below, the landscape fades into soft outlines; higher up, Schenna and the surrounding hills open out beneath clear, bright skies.
In autumn, the sun also sets at a pleasantly early hour. This makes it easy to plan an outing before dinner without returning too late.
There are still a few essentials to bring: sturdy footwear, a head torch and an extra warm jacket. And something we especially recommend: a flask of hot tea. As soon as the sun disappears behind the mountains, the air quickly turns cool.
These are our five favourite places to watch the sunset around Schenna and Merano.
1. The Bellavista Terrace: when the sun sets in the ‘Stoaßloch’
Sometimes the most beautiful viewpoint is right in front of you. From our Bellavista Terrace, the view stretches across Merano, the Adige Valley and the western mountain skyline. In autumn, a special spectacle can be seen here: evening by evening, the sun draws closer to the so-called ‘Stoaßloch’, a distinctive notch in the mountains between Vigiljoch and the entrance to the Venosta Valley.
In spring, the position of the sun held particular meaning for Schenna’s farming community. It served as a kind of natural calendar, indicating when certain seasonal tasks could begin. The phenomenon occurs again in autumn. It may hold less significance in local tradition at this time of year, but the sight is no less beautiful.
For several evenings, the sun appears to disappear directly into the opening between the mountains.
Our favourite place for: those who enjoy taking their time and staying seated until the very last light.
2. Schenna’s castle hill and church hill: a short evening walk
The centre of Schenna is only a short walk from Hohenwart. The castle, mausoleum and church hill all lie close together, yet each of these three local landmarks offers a slightly different view.
By autumn, fallen leaves lie between the historic walls. The trees still carry shades of yellow, rust red and deep green, while the last light glows bright orange above the rooftops of Schenna. As the sun disappears behind the western mountain skyline, the castle and mausoleum stand in dark silhouette against the evening sky.
Here, you can settle on a bench, stay for a while and quietly take in the atmosphere before nightfall.
Our favourite place for: a spontaneous walk before dinner.
3. The Gunpowder Tower: Merano in the blue hour
The Powder Tower stands above Merano’s old town at the beginning of the Tappeiner Promenade. From here, the view extends across the rooftops of Merano, the Adige Valley and the wider Merano region. The blue hour is particularly atmospheric: a trace of colour remains above the mountains while the streetlamps, windows and Kurhaus begin to glow below.
From the Gilf Promenade, a winding path leads uphill towards the Powder Tower. A staircase then takes you to the viewing platform.
From Hohenwart, Merano can be reached on the number 231 bus or on foot in around 50 minutes. This makes it easy to combine the sunset with an evening stroll through town. Once darkness has fallen, you can return conveniently to Schenna by bus.
Our favourite place for: city lovers, walkers and anyone who enjoys the blue hour just as much as the sunset itself.
4. Knottnkino: when the landscape becomes the film
On the Rotstein Knott near Vöran, South Tyrolean artist Franz Messner installed 30 cinema seats made from steel and chestnut wood, transforming a natural viewing platform into an open-air cinema. The panorama stretches across the entire Adige Valley, from the Texel Group to Penegal and Gantkofel, and as far as the Weisshorn. The programme changes with the weather, the light and the seasons.
Knottnkino is worth visiting at any time of day or year, but an autumn sunset is particularly impressive, when the red porphyry rocks glow in the warm evening light. Allow plenty of time for your visit, settle into one of the seats and enjoy a hot cup of tea from your flask.
After sunset, however, part of the return route leads through the dark forest. A head torch is therefore essential.
The starting point is around a 30-minute drive from Hohenwart.
Our favourite place for: hikers, photographers and anyone who likes a front-row seat for sunset.
5. Stoanerne Mandln: evening light in a place of legends
Admittedly, this sunset has to be earned.
The Stoanerne Mandln stand on the Hohe Reisch, a 2,003-metre summit on the Tschögglberg plateau between the Adige and Sarentino valleys. They can be reached on a moderately difficult but fairly long hike. Those who make the climb are rewarded with a panoramic view that seems to have no end.
Around 100 large and small stone figures are scattered across the open ridge. Anyone who has experienced the mysterious atmosphere for themselves can easily understand why stories of witches’ dances and secret ceremonies continue to surround them. When the stones take on a reddish glow in the evening light, it is easy to see why this place has captured people’s imaginations for centuries.
Our favourite place for: experienced mountain walkers in search of wide-open views, silence and a place with a particular presence.
Essential equipment
Anyone watching the sunset in the mountains will be returning in the dark. A head torch with a fully charged battery, sturdy footwear and an extra warm jacket are therefore essential. Your mobile phone should also be fully charged, and a power bank is advisable for more demanding hikes. Just as important as the right equipment is checking the weather forecast for the day of your walk.
From (rose) golden hour to the evening glow
Whether from the Bellavista Terrace, Schenna’s castle hill, above the rooftops of Merano or high among rocks and stone figures, autumn days may be shorter, but the early evening light has a special charm of its own.
The sun disappears behind the mountains, the air turns cooler and the first lights come on in the valley below. Then it is time to return to the warmth.