The botanical gardens now extend around the former winter residence of Empress Sisi of Austria. Located on the eastern outskirts of Meran, they extend over twelve hectares. In the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, the plants are arranged according to their origin. For example, natural landscapes such as the Japanese floodplain forest stand next to cultivated landscapes such as rice terraces and tea plantations. Thanks to the climatic conditions in Meran, many things can be achieved here that would be impossible north of the Alps. In Trauttmansdorff, desert plants from Mexico as well as trees from the swamps of Florida exist outdoors all year round. Old Mediterranean cultivated plants such as olive trees, grape vines, fig trees, cypresses and lavender create the unmistakable image of the south in the Sun Gardens. Walkways wind up the hillside via terraces and open up views of the surrounding mountains.