The Tappeiner Trail

The Tappeiner Trail is one of the longest and most beautiful high-level promenades in Europe.

The Tappeiner Trail owes its name to one of Merano's largest benefactors, the spa physician, anthropologist and botanist Dr Franz Tappeiner (1816-1902). His generous donations allowed the promenade to be built in three sections in 1893, 1911 and 1928.

Warmth-loving cypresses and pines give the Tappeiner Trail its character.

Access to the Tappeiner Promenade from the Schlehdorfweg/Salita Silvana and the public toilets on the Tappeiner Promenade are closed until further notice.

Things to see

1. The Gunpowder Tower
The Gunpowder Tower was originally part of a medieval fortification. In the 18th century it was used for storing gunpowder, hence its name. Its unique position makes the tower visible from afar: it marks the start of the Tappeiner Trail. The Powder Tower is open to visitors, and from its battlements offers magnificent views of Merano.

2. The public herb garden
South Tyrol’s only public herb garden was created in 2002 and comprises 250 beds containing 230 different types of herbs and aromatic perennials. The garden’s favorable location and Merano’s mild climate make plant life here quite rich, with colors and aromas that are truly intoxicating, especially in spring.

3. The glacial abrasions
These witnesses to primeval forces indicate how the surrounding landscape was formed. Glacial abrasion is the result of the movement of glaciers. The constant flow of the glacial masses planed and smoothed the rock, while stones frozen in the ice carved deep grooves into the underlying rocks. Here, at the Tappeiner Trail, evidence of these glacial actions can clearly be seen in the hard gneiss stone.

4. The Mediterranean Terraces
The entrance to the Tappeiner Trail in close proximity to the Prince’s Castle (Via Galilei) features a series of small, almost hidden terraces, which can be used as an alternative to the winding main path. Steep stone steps lead up to the platforms, which can hardly be seen from the entrance as the slopes are thickly overgrown with flowering prickly pear and winter jasmine. Pines, hemp palms, oleanders, and rockroses create a microcosm of southern European vegetation.

5. The Scented Garden
The Scented Garden is accessible via a narrow stone stairway. Surrounded by scented flowering bushes, one can rest on the wide terrace on old, pastel-white benches in complete detachment (yet just a short distance) from the busy Tappeiner Trail. The evergreen, majestic mountain laurel trees, a rarity outside Merano, are a further attraction of the Scented Garden. If you rub its leaves, the strong odor will remind you of the common bay tree, although the mountain laurel is not suitable for cooking.

6. The Belvedere
Who knows whether this rocky outcrop, next to which the Tappeiner Trail winds along the Küchelberg, was deliberately chosen as a lookout point. Whatever the reason, just a few steps lead up to wonderful views. The Belvedere is situated close to the end of the Tappeiner Trail in Gratsch near St. Peter. Those desiring more exercise can continue along the Algunder Waalweg, a path that follows an ancient irrigation channel.

The Tappeiner trail can be accessed from several entry points:

via the Tiroler Steig behind the Parish Church (steps)
from Via Galilei, near the lower station of the chairlift to Dorf Tirol
via the Salita Silvana in Via Verdi (currently closed until further notice)
via the Gilf Promenade, passing the Powder Tower
from the right-hand side of the Stone Bridge (Ponte Romane)

The entrance in Gratsch is level and ideal for strollers as well as for people with limited mobility. Alternatively, you can start from Via Galilei or the Gilf Promenade, although these routes involve an elevation gain of approximately 60 metres.

Quarazze can be reached by bus route 236 from Merano railway station or Rennweg. Please note that the "Passeggiata Tappeiner" bus stop is not raised and therefore has limited accessibility.

Yes, there are several cafés and restaurants along the Tappeiner trail. We recommend checking opening times in advance.

No, there are no public toilets along the Tappeiner trail. However, there are restaurants and cafés along the route. Restroom facilities are generally reserved for customers, so a purchase may be required. We recommend checking the opening hours of the establishments in advance.

The Tappeiner Path is largely accessible and is generally suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Although the surface is gravel, it is usually easy to navigate.

The most accessible entrance is from Quarazze, where the route begins on level ground. Alternatively, access is possible from Via Galilei or the Gilf Promenade, although these approaches involve a height difference of around 60 metres.

The path is also suitable for older visitors and families with children. Numerous benches along the route provide opportunities to rest.

Please note that Merano's promenades currently do not offer tactile paving or other guidance systems for visually impaired visitors.

Yes, a small car park with a designated accessible parking space is available at the Quarazze entrance in the via Laurin street.

Additional designated parking spaces for disabled visitors can be found in Via Galilei street. Please note: Entry to this zone is only permitted if you have deposited your disabled parking permit and your car's licence plate number with the city council Comune di Merano in advance.

We recommend travelling by public transport.

The entrance at Quarazze can be reached by bus line 236 from both Merano railway station and via della Corse street in the town centre. Alight at the "Tappeinerweg" stop. Please note that the "Tappeinerweg" bus stop in Quarazze is not raised.

The other entrances are located within Merano's pedestrian area. From the railway station, take town bus routes 1, 4 or 5 to the "Merano, piazza Theatre Square" stop and continue on foot.

No. The Tappeiner trail is a pedestrian-only route. Cycling and the use of any other vehicles are not permitted.