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Gilf Promenade

This trail runs along both banks from the Gilf Gorge down to the point where the river enters the city. On the right bank, it connects directly with the path that leads to the Powder Tower and the Tappeiner Promenade; on the left, it joins with the Summer Promenade. Gilf Promenade is particularly intriguing for its subtropical vegetation. Its Walk of Poets also makes it the most romantic of Merano’s promenades: modern and contemporary love poetry is engraved onto a series of benches here.

 

Route description
While the Gilfpromenade can accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs, it's important to note that the route is gravel and includes some changes in elevation. Therefore, careful consideration and planning are advisable. Additionally, the tour is well-suited for older individuals and families with children. Along the way, there are several benches where you can pause and rest.

The Margarete-Maultasch connecting path between Gilf and Lazag is not suitable for wheelchair users or families with pushchairs due to the steps.

There is no tactile guidance system or other aids for the blind on this tour.

 

Parking
There are reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities in Franz-Innerhofer-Straße and the upper Freiheitsstraße. Please note that the upper Freiheitsstraße is a traffic-calmed zone. Entry to this zone is only permitted if you have deposited your disabled parking permit and your car's licence plate number with the local council Gemeinde Meran in advance. We would also like to note that the Merano Market occurs in the upper Freiheitsstraße on Saturdays until 2 pm (from March to October), making parking unavailable during this period.

Bicycle parking spaces are located in Sandplatz square and in Gartenstraße at the junction with Seiseneggweg (behind the Wandelhalle). 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.

Attention: Cycling on the Winter Promenade is prohibited. Please utilize Gartenstraße for cycling instead. However, given its narrowness, we kindly request that you cycle slowly and with caution.

 

Public transport
As the starting and ending points are situated within the pedestrian zone, we suggest using public transportation. From the train station, the most convenient option is to board one of the city lines (1, 4, or 5) to reach the "Meran, Theaterplatz" stop, followed by a brief 15-minute walk to the start of the Gilf promenade.​

 

Tip from the author
The Gilf Promenade is a refreshing escape even in the heat of summer. The abundant greenery along the Passer River provides welcome shade and a gentle breeze that tempers the summer heat. Nonetheless, it is advisable to take a stroll early in the morning or late in the evening to steer clear of the midday sun.

Extra tip: the early hours boast fewer crowds, providing an opportunity to appreciate nature in tranquil serenity and fostering a deeper connection with the surroundings.

 

Safety instructions
Please exercise caution: it's advisable to avoid this tour during heavy storms or thunderstorms for safety reasons.

 

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.