Travel

Hotel

Castel Fragsburg

All wedding events will take place at Castel Fragsburg, and we’d love for you to stay with us onsite Friday and Saturday night—our treat. We’ll be covering the cost of your room entirely, so all you need to do is let us know your plans when you RSVP, and we’ll handle the rest. If you’d prefer to stay elsewhere, Merano offers plenty of lovely options—just keep in mind that the road to the castle is a bit winding.

Flight

Venice or Milan

Venice Airport (VCE): About a 3-hour, 10-minute drive from Merano, Venice is a great option with many international flights and convenient train connections. We drove this route in September, and it’s an easy, scenic drive. The first half takes you through open countryside, and the second half goes through the valleys of the lower Dolomites. If you’re planning to explore Venice first, consider renting your car afterward, as Venice itself is car-free. Milan Airport (MXP): If you're coming from Milan, it's about a 3-hour drive to Merano. The route offers beautiful views, especially as you approach the Dolomites. Milan is a major international hub with plenty of flight options, and it also has great train connections to Merano for those who prefer not to drive. *Important update* Munich Airport (MUC): For those coming from the north, the drive from Munich to Merano is stunning. However, please note that in January 2025, construction will be underway on the only bridge connecting Austria to Northern Italy. While locals aren’t sure yet how much it might impact traffic, delays of a few hours are possible. Munich is about 3h50m from Merano and is a major international hub. If you have your heart set on Germany, we suggest looking into their excellent train connections to get you to the area.

Flight

Smaller European Airports: Bolzano & Verona

Note: Most of these airports require a layover in Europe. Bolzano Airport (BZO): The closest airport, located about 30 minutes from Merano, but it has limited flight options. Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): About a 2-hour drive from Merano, this airport offers a wider range of international flights and good train or car connections. *Important Update* Innsbruck Airport (INN): Approximately a 2-hour drive from Merano, this Austrian airport has more flight options and is a great choice if you don’t mind a scenic drive or train ride through the Alps. However, be aware that in January 2025, construction will begin on the only bridge connecting Austria to Northern Italy. While locals aren’t sure how much this will impact traffic, delays of a few hours are possible.

Rental Car

Renting a car

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Northern Italy at your own pace. With parking available at Castel Fragsburg, you’ll have easy access to the wedding festivities while taking in the stunning countryside and lower Dolomites along the way. We haven’t driven from Milan to Merano, but here’s what worked well for us when traveling from Venice: From Venice to Merano - From Venice Airport, take the airport shuttle (~€10) to the city center, where you’ll find the Venice city Sixt rental car location, as well as the bus and train stations. - When you're ready to leave, you can pick up your rental car directly from the city Sixt location—no shuttle required. The Drive to Merano - Driving out of Venice is simple, and once you're on the road, traffic is light. There are two main routes to Merano, both avoiding steep mountain passes: - Fastest Route: A4/E70 and A22/E45 (on google maps) – smooth highway driving. - Scenic Route: SS47 della Valsugana and A22/E45 (on google maps) – a beautiful drive through the lower mountains with gentle curves (no extreme inclines). 🚗 Car Tips - Opt for a smaller car – Merano’s roads can be narrow and winding, and the final 10-minute drive up to Castel Fragsburg includes some switchbacks. A compact car makes this much easier. - Check your credit card for rental car insurance to avoid extra fees. Returning to Venice - If you have an early flight, staying near the airport is the easiest option. We stayed at Airport Hotel Annia, just five minutes away, with a restaurant on-site.

Train

Train to Merano

Merano has a local train station, making it easily accessible from various arrival points. If you decide to arrive by train and need transportation to the venue, our wedding planners can assist with options for shared rides or other arrangements closer to the events.