A Perfect Italian weekend with Franziska Unterholzner in Merano

A Perfect Italian weekend - Merano

A perfect weekend in Italy without the limitations of time, budget, or distance. Every week we ask interesting and inspirational Italians, and Italians at heart, to take us along for a perfect, local weekend. 

This weekend, Franziska Unterholzner takes us through her ideal routine. A photographer based in Merano, Franziska and her husband, Stefan, have lovingly renovated a beautiful apartment just outside the city, where they live and also rent out two stunning accommodations.

 Franziska: “We’re a couple with two boys, and we feel incredibly fortunate to live in such a beautiful place and host guests. Stefan has a background in the catering industry, having worked in the family restaurant until 2021, while I am a self-employed photographer. We both value quality over quantity, which is why our home, with its two apartments, feels just right for us.”

Saturday

The perfect Saturday begins with a hearty breakfast on the terrace. In winter, we especially cherish the warming rays of sunshine that illuminate our home all day long. After breakfast, we enjoy taking a leisurely stroll around Merano, wandering along the promenade and sipping an aperitivo by the river. With countless charming spots to choose from, we are truly spoiled for options. Occasionally, there’s a flea market on Saturdays, where we love hunting for hidden treasures.

Sunday
 

Sundays are dedicated to family. We adore exploring the surrounding mountains and going on hikes. Even though we live here, there’s always something new to discover. We revel in the purity of nature, the fresh air, and the vibrant colors of the landscape. We appreciate how modern architecture harmonizes with the natural surroundings.

Depending on the season, we find an array of treasures in the forest: colorful flowers in spring, mushrooms in summer, and chestnuts in autumn. In winter, we embrace the serene whiteness of the landscape, whether skiing or taking peaceful walks where the only sound is the crunch of snow underfoot.

Check out our Merano guide for some of our favorite places to visit!