The Tappeinerweg in Merano is one of the most beautiful promenades in Europe and was created by the spa doctor Franz Tappeiner (1816–1902) from Laas in the Vinschgau Valley, a passionate anthropologist and botanist. This sun-drenched walkway offers magnificent views across the entire town and combines the distinctive inner-Alpine dry vegetation found on these exposed southern slopes with Mediterranean plants.

Accessibility

From Bolzano via the MeBo expressway to Merano. Near the station, we turn onto Laurinstraße towards Gratsch/St. Peter. Passing the Martinsbrunn private clinic, we finally reach the small car park at a exposed hairpin bend, where the Tappeinerweg begins (only a few parking spaces available, 1 reserved space for people with disabilities, the bus stop for the accessible Thurnstein bus route is not raised).

Description

The Tappeinerweg (380 m) starts right by the car park at the hairpin bend. This sunny promenade was laid out by the renowned physician Franz Tappeiner during the spa town’s heyday. The promenade starts on Laurinstraße in Gratsch, winds its way eastwards along the beautiful Küchelberg and ends on Zenobergstraße, where the Tappeinerweg connects with the Gilfpromenade.  After just a few metres, we come across the first establishment with a sun terrace, Café Unterweger, where guests are greeted at the entrance by an imposing wooden statue carrying a globe on its shoulders. On a sun-drenched hillside, amidst Mediterranean shrubs and plants, the walk continues on almost level ground. Finally, we reach Café Schlehdorf, from where a steep, winding path leads down to Verdistraße. We, however, stay on the Tappeinerweg. High above the town centre, we arrive a short while later at the renowned Saxifraga restaurant. From here, too, a small path with hundreds of steps leads directly down to the parish church in the old town. We continue along the Tappeinerweg and come to a herb garden and some rocks bearing glacial striations from the Ice Age. Among the sights along the Tappeiner Promenade is the large white marble statue in honour of Franz Tappeiner, situated at a beautiful vantage point. Finally, we reach the square-shaped Pulverturm (378 m), a medieval fortification tower that was used as a gunpowder store in the 18th century. Via a flight of 111 steps, the Pulverturm offers a breathtaking view. At this point, we turn back and head back to our starting point.