Summer Promenade

It runs along the opposite side of the Passer River compared to the Winter Promenade and provides a refreshing escape, thanks to the many shade-giving trees that line the path – including Lebanese cedars, sequoias, poplars, and various species of pine. The promenade begins in Elisabeth Park, a 7,100-square-metre green space that not only offers tranquillity and relaxation but also features a unique monument: an elegant statue of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sisi. Created in 1903 by the sculptor Hermann Klotz from Imst, using white Laas marble, the statue shows the empress seated in a quiet, contemplative, almost solitary moment on a grassy patch, lending the sculpture an understated dignity.

Merano has a long tradition of urban planning, which dates back to 1850, when the town’s development as a spa destination began. The city made clever use of the Passer’s embankment walls, creating extensive recreational areas in the second half of the 19th century, including the summer park that is now Elisabeth Park. The aim was to blend nature with the urban landscape by integrating green spaces and botanical highlights, thus giving the growing spa town the character of a garden city. Merano’s favourable climate played a crucial role in this: warm air flows in from the south through the broad Adige Valley, while the towering Texel mountain range to the north protects the town from cold winds. This mild, sub-Mediterranean climate allows a rich variety of plants from the Mediterranean, Asia, and North America to thrive here – a true paradise for nature lovers.

The Summer Promenade owes its name to the many trees that grow along its path, providing shade and a welcome sense of refreshment to those out for a walk. Strolling here, one can experience the history of Merano in all its richness – from its imperial past to its years as a renowned spa destination – while being surrounded by a natural environment that is far more than just a place to unwind: it is a haven of inspiration, peace, and beauty.

Along the Summer Promenade, there are also some artworks from the cultural project Art & Nature, which took place in 2015 and 2016 as part of the Merano Spring festival. The aim of the project was to set natural sites in Meran’s urban setting and artworks in relation to each other.

Directions

The route is generally suitable for wheelchairs and prams, although most of the path consists of gravel. Some of the trails branching off from the Summer Promenade also include steps or steeper sections, so careful planning is advisable. The walk is well-suited to elderly visitors and families with children. There are several benches along the way, providing opportunities to take a break and rest.

Along Merano’s promenades, there is no tactile guidance system or other aids for visually impaired visitors.

Recommended equipment

We suggest opting for comfortable footwear and bringing along a reusable water bottle, easily refillable at the fountains conveniently placed along the route. Water flows in the drinking fountains from spring to autumn. Depending on the weather and temperatures, the fountains are in operation from the beginning/middle of April to the middle/end of October.

Description to arrive at destination

Parking

There are reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities in via Galilei street and upper corso della Libertà street. Please note that these are traffic-calmed zones. Entry to this zones is only permitted if you have deposited your disabled parking permit and your car's licence plate number with the local council Comune di Merano in advance. Additionally, reserved parking spaces are also available on Franz-Innerhofer-Straße, opposite Elisabeth Park.

We would also like to note that the Merano Market occurs in the upper corso della Libertà on Saturdays until 2 pm (from March to October), making parking unavailable during this period.

Using the "Car Park Finder" app, you can view available spaces in real time.

Bicycle parking spaces are located on upper corso della Libertà at the intersection with via Cassa di Risparmio, in piazza Terme square, as well as on the Winterpromenade, right next to the Post Bridge. Please note: Cycling is prohibited on the Winterpromenade.
Take care not to park bicycles and e-rollers carelessly. They can pose a danger to blind and visually impaired people as they create obstacles to safely walking along paths and finding entrances. People in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs can also be hindered by carelessly parked bicycles. Please use the bicycle parking spaces provided.

Public transport

We suggest using public transportation. From the train station, the most convenient option is to board one of the city lines (1 or 4) to reach the "Merano, Parco Elisabetta" stop.