In the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, plants from all over the world are gathered together and typical landscapes of South Tyrol are presented. Paths meander uphill through water and terraced gardens, leading to the Sensual Garden or the Japanese Garden, to the cacti and succulents mound or to cultivated plants of the south, like the olive tree and the grapevine.
A mild climate and a wealth of southern vegetation can sometimes work wonders. Already around the middle of the 19th century, physicians took advantage of this when they were treating spa guests seeking recreation. The most prominent visitor was the Austrian Empress Sisi, who actually used Trauttmansdorff Castle as her winter domicile. Today, the botanic garden extend around this historic building. Situated on the eastern periphery of Merano and bordered by a downy oak forest, the gardens extend over 12 hectares.