Located just northwest of the old town, Merano’s main station opened in 1906 as a new junction for the Venosta Valley railway. It replaced the original station at today’s Mazzini Square, which had served the Bolzano–Merano line since 1881. The new station building, designed by architect Konstantin von Chabert, embodies the stylistic vocabulary of regional historicism: a striking round-arched entrance, elegant iron canopies, and symmetrical corner pavilions define its appearance. From the Bahnhofsplatz square, a direct line of sight leads to the stately Andreas Hofer monument, framed by old-growth trees.
Between 1908 and 1956, a tramline connected the station to the city centre – a much- remembered chapter of Merano’s urban history that still resonates with nostalgic charm. Today, the station continues to shape the city’s identity. Its façade, officially listed as a protected monument since 2004, reflects Merano’s balancing act between heritage and innovation. Inside, high-ceilinged halls create an open, light-filled ambience, while Art Nouveau elements and finely crafted cast-iron columns on the platforms recall the design aspirations of the early 20th century.
Together with the adjacent bus terminal, the station forms a key transport hub. It connects local, regional, and national networks – offering seamless access for travellers and convenience for locals. The station hall includes ticket counters, vending machines, a kiosk, a café, and step-free access throughout. From here, it’s a short stroll into Merano’s heart – through the arcaded old town or along the station park toward the Lido, the riverside promenade, Maia Alta/Obermais, or the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle.
To ensure that the station continues to serve as a modern gateway to the city, Merano’s mobility masterplan outlines a range of forward-looking measures: improved accessibility, more green infrastructure, and intelligently networked transport connections. Merano is approaching mobility with sustainability in mind – looking to the future while honouring the value of its established urban fabric.
Merano’s station is more than a point of arrival – it’s a bridge between past, present, and future. Ideal for all who arrive with open eyes and a spirit of urban discovery.