By bicycle from Naturns to Merano

Roll out from Naturns/Naturno and hop onto the Adige (Etsch) cycle path heading east toward Merano. It’s about 16 km, mostly paved and car-free, trending gently downhill—around 290 m of descent with only a touch of climbing—so it’s an easy cruise. You’ll spin past apple orchards and vineyards with big views toward the Texelgruppe peaks, loosely following the historic Via Claudia Augusta.

Pass Plaus and Rabland/Rablà, then glide through Töll/Tel, the gateway to Merano—watch for the old bridge and the river tumbling alongside. From here it’s a smooth roll into town.

Naturns is known for the tiny St. Proculus Church, home to some of the oldest frescoes in the Alps. Your finish, Merano/Meran, is South Tyrol’s elegant spa town: think Art Nouveau promenades, thermal baths, and, if you’ve got time, the Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens. Grab a gelato on the Passer promenade to cap it off.

Route notes: ~96% paved, mostly dedicated cycleway with some quiet roads—simple, scenic, and beginner-friendly.