Tappeiner trail in the spa town of Merano

The winding Tappeiner trail gently leads up the hill above Meran, with panoramic views of the spa town and the Etsch Valley. Flowers, shrubs and trees line the path, fragrantly jostling for the attention of walkers. Aloes, eucalyptus, agaves and prickly pears bear witness to the proximity of the Mediterranean: fresh green shoots in the bamboo grove compete for the highest place in the sun, leaving those out for a stroll thinking they might just see a panda bear. Nature thus crowns the spa town and its cultural treasures.