The month of March paints the area of Merano and surroundings in bright green colours - we use this beautiful time of the year for an early spring hike from Tirolo to San Pietro and further on to the municipal area of Lagundo. The circular trail follows the pleasant Lagundo Waalweg path, the Tappeiner Promenade and the so-called "Tiroler Steig". We start our hike south of the parish church at Tirolo village, on the western road side called Falkner Promenade. We follow this road up to the junction with the Castle Path leading to Tirolo Castle.

After crossing the "Knappenloch" tunnel built by miners of the near Monteneve, or Schneeberg Mine in 1682, we reach the mighty Tirolo Castle which houses the South Tyrolean Cultural History Museum. A visit to this special place is not planned today, but from the castle hill we enjoy a spectacular view on the Merano valley basin. The hike continues past the Bird Care Centre towards the hamlet of San Pietro. At the junction after the church we stay on the left side towards Thurnstein Castle and walk past the castle through the vineyards and forests high above Lagundo.

The Ochsenkarrenweg path takes us steeply downhill to the asphalt road where we follow the signposts to the Lagundo Waalweg path leading back to Merano. Beneath us there's the hamlet of Riomolino belonging to the municipality of Lagundo in the middle of the vineyards. Winter is not over yet, but the sunbeams heat the sheltered Waalweg path up to 25 degrees C.

The Lagundo Waalweg path ends soon afterwards and over a pending bridge we reach the Via Laurin at Quarazze, a quarter of Merano. Along the Tappeiner Promenade we come to Merano's biggest palm garden - the first cafés are already open and invite to stop. Now we have to look out for the signpost "Tiroler Steig" - the town centre of Merano with its St. Nicholas Church is right beneath our feet. This narrow trail leads us back to our starting point.

Please note: the hamlet of San Pietro is known above all for the Romanesque church with its beautiful frescoes. A visit is well worthwhile!

Author: AT