Autumn in South Tyrol it is the season of the greatest emotions, among the rows of vines and apple trees waiting for the harvest. In the traditional taverns you can taste the new wine accompanied by seasonal specialties and along the paths you can walk encouraged by the warm and clear days, admiring the multi-colored woods of the fall foliage. They know it well. Merano and its surroundingswhere hikers have access to outdoor activities to practice at two altitudes.
In the valley you can enjoy Mediterranean temperatures that make themed walks, such as those along the roger (Walkway)these 13th-century irrigation channels that wind through vineyards, apple orchards and woods in shades of gold, orange and red. Along the river Passirio you walk Winter walksheltered from the wind during the cold months, or on the Summer walk shaded during the warmer months. It is precisely because of its mild climate that the Merano basin is renowned wellness destinationwhere to Spa we recharge our batteries between swimming pools, saunas and relaxation areas under the large glass cube designed by Matteo Thun. Step by step, the city then reveals the scent of seasonal specialties on the menus of taverns and restaurants: it's time. Torggelen (Since torggle, torchio), this autumn tradition that brings everyone together around a table to celebrate the harvest. A fragrant path that can also be found as you climb higher, among the farms in the side valleys to be reached with thematic itineraries suitable for everyone.
Towards the Knottnkino, where nature is like a movie
Between Avelengo And VeranoAlong a new circular path offering spectacular panoramic views, lies one of the natural wonders of the Merano region and its surroundings. Formed millions of years ago as a result of lava and ash rains, the rocks (knight in the local dialect) of red porphyry are monuments sculpted by erosion to be admired as if it were a film. It is no coincidence that here, on the plateau between Merano and Bolzano, the artist Franz Messner created Noeudkino: the open-air cinema with 30 chestnut and steel chairs that dominate the entire Val d'Adige. In 2019, the project was continued by his children Verena and David, both architects, and now the three node red Rotstein, Beimstein and Timpflercan be observed from the respective viewing platforms accessible with a single excursion of approximately 4 hours.
The most beautiful walks: from farms to gorges
Moving to Pracupolanear Lake Zoccolo you enter a small ancient world that is still intact and rustic. There Ultimo Valley It is one of South Tyrol's best kept secrets with its slow pace and wild alpine landscapes. Following the signs to Ultner Höfeweg (Val d'Ultimo), you walk along the Path farms, observing the details of the old larch wood houses. It is precisely these conifers, which offer a spectacle in autumn with their bright yellow, which are also the protagonists of Santa Gertrude, at the bottom of the valley. At an altitude of 1430 metres in particular, they can be admired three thousand year old larches, which resist time like resistant witnesses protecting the city from avalanches.
Another valley, another scenario: in Val Passiria From the centre of San Leonardo we set off on the road through the gorges. The Passirio River has created these fascinating canyons, which are especially at their best near Langwies, in the “Smaller Stieber“, where the passage of water between the high rocks becomes narrower. Crossing it is the Gorges Trailwhich offers serpentines, waterfalls and steep slopes immersed in the woods, even more beautiful during the foliage months. The wildest stretch is along the Saldern Bach stream, where spectacular waterfalls alternate, among which the third highest in Europe stands out. Until you descend to the Passirio gorge, where you can walk on wooden walkways admiring the rock formations and picture-postcard water features.
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Zero impact thanks to the Alto Adige Guest Pass
In full respect of the natural beauty of the Merano valleys and its surroundings, the visitor can choose to leave the car parked from the first to the last day. In fact, in all participating structures you will receive South Tyrol Guest PassTHE which allows you to benefit from public trains, buses and cable cars to reach your favorite destinations, included in the price of your stay, as well as having guaranteed entry to over 80 museums throughout the province of Bolzano. One more reason to choose Alto Adige for a long weekend in the calm of autumn.
Info: merano-suedtirol.it
