All Boardwalks in Meran

This scenic route, known as the Sentiero di Sissi in Italian and the Sissiweg in German, leads to the areas of town most beloved by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sissi. The charming Habsburg sovereign stayed in Merano several times in the second half of the nineteenth century, and was enchanted by its charm. This path dedicated to her connects the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle with the city centre; it passes through eleven stages along the way, each with a story to tell. From the castle that majestically dominates the botanical gardens, Sissi’s Path winds its way past Pienzenau and Rubein Castles, the Reichenbach Residence, Piazza Fontana (Brunnenplatz), Rottenstein Castle, and the Bavaria Hotel; it then continues down to the river, crosses the Roman Bridge, skirts the Wandelhalle and finally pays homage to the empress in the park dedicated to her. The park is on the edge of the Summer Promenade and there is a statue erected in Sissi’s honour. Obviously, the trail can be followed in either direction.

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.

Very sunny and well sheltered from the wind, the Winter Promenade runs along the river; it is the natural continuation of the Passer Promenade. Its most distinctive landmark is the Wandelhalle covered passageway, which provides shelter from inclement weather. The Wandelhalle also houses a gallery of paintings depicting landscapes of South Tyrol and busts of significant figures in the city’s history.

Franz Tappeiner, a doctor and medical researcher from Val Venosta who was a passionate proponent of tourism in Merano, created the promenade and donated it to the city. The four-kilometre-long path splits off from the Gilf Promenade and follows the curve of Monte Benedetto until it reaches Quarazze. In addition to typical local vegetation, cork oak, eucalyptus, lotus, pine, various species of palms including Chinese palms, bamboo, cactus, agave, magnolias and olive trees are planted along the path.

There are numerous access points from the town centre:
• the steps leading up from behind the Duomo (main cathedral) along the road that leads to Dorf Tyrol
• from Via Galilei near the chairlift to Dorf Tyrol
• near the Silvana hill on Via Verdi - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
• from the Gilf-Promenade past the Gunppowder Tower
• on the orographic right side of the Ponte Romano

Various inns and restaurants along the path. 

Please note that the Tappeinerweg is exclusively a pedestrian zone. Riding bicycles or other vehicles is prohibited.

Named after the torrent that flows through the city, this promenade winds along the right bank of the Passer River, in the centre of Merano/Meran. There are two stretches, one between the Ponte della Posta and Ponte Teatro, the other that hence takes to the Ponte di Ferro.

In the first part there are many artistic flower-beds, palms, ice-cream shops and cafes. Here you can admire the liberty architecture of the Kurhaus, whereas on the lower part of the promenade, surrounded by various historical buildings, you’ll find the artworks of the Human Figures project.

The promenade is easily walkable with pushchairs, too.