Walking Trails

An easy stroll, about 2.5 hours, with sweeping views over the roofs of the town of Merano: it's a South Tyrol classic. The path, which has an average altitude of 380 metres, affords fantastic views of rooftops of the city and sweeping views of the whole area.

From Merano, there are several approaches to the Tappeinerweg: going up the steep path called the Tiroler Steig behind Merano's parish church, from Via Galileo Galilei/Galileistraße road by the valley station for the Küchelberg chair lift, up the steep path called the Schlehdorfsteig off of Via Giuseppe Verdi/Verdistraße street, and from the Castel San Zeno/Zenoburg, past the Polveriera/Pulverturm Tower.

This path in the dramatic Passer Gorge, near the cliffs of the Zenoburg, winds through fascinating subtropical vegetation, and is guaranteed to appeal to romantic visitors. It was constructed by the Imperial Counsellor, Dr Hans Prünster in 1879-1880. Repeated rock blasting, and the erection of high supporting walls and arches, were necessary to allow the path to reach its objective - a small terrace directly below the Zenoburg castle.

Here you can see the raging Alpine torrent pour through the narrow gorge. A few steps back, and you reach the path ascending to the Powder Tower and the start of the Tappeiner Promenade, with a magnificent panoramic view over Meran and the Etsch Valley.

It must have created a flurry of excitement back in 1870 when the Empress of Austria arrived in Merano - together with her entire court - to make her winter home at Trauttmansdorff Castle and partake of the city's mild and healthful climate.

Sissi was an avid sports fan: her love of long hikes led her from the castle through the nearby downy oak forest on her "charming path, sprinkled with fine gravel" where she could "take a remote and undisturbed walk, far removed from the hum of the world".