Merano
The Bolzano-Merano Railway: History and Features
The Bolzano-Merano Railway is an important railway line that connects the two Italian cities, following the course of the Adige River. The line was designed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 19th century, with the idea of creating a "route to the Orient" between England and the Adriatic, excluding France and its railways. However, due to lack of funds, the project was never completed.
The Bolzano-Merano railway was inaugurated on June 11, 1880, and was initially managed by the private company Bozen-Meraner Bahn. The service offered was of poor quality, but after some improvements, the railway became very popular especially for the transport of goods and apples. In 1906, the Val Venosta railway was inaugurated, thus completing the second section of the project. However, the extension works towards the Resia Pass, started during World War I, were never completed.
After World War I, the Bolzano-Merano railway came under the jurisdiction of the State Railways, which carried out the electrification of the line up to Merano thanks to Triphase Traction. The track runs along the Isarco River bank until it climbs the Adige Valley, with a section used by the Bolzano-Caldaro railway. In the 1920s, two level crossings were created for the new industrial area south of Bolzano.
Attractions along the Bolzano-Merano Railway
The Bolzano-Merano Railway offers passengers a panoramic view of the Adige Valley, with the mountains of Alto Adige in the background. Along the way, there are several stations that connect the main cities and towns of the area.
Bolzano is the main departure city and offers numerous attractions, including the Archaeological Museum, which houses the famous Similaun mummy. The city is also famous for its Christmas market, which attracts many visitors during the holidays.
10 minutes by train from Bolzano is the town of Appiano, surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Here you can visit the Appiano Castle and the South Tyrol Wine Museum, which illustrates the history of wine in the region.
20 minutes by train from Bolzano is the city of Merano, famous for its thermal baths and the botanical gardens of Castel Trauttmansdorff. The city also offers a very picturesque old town and a walk along the Passirio River.
Moreover, along the Bolzano-Merano Railway, you can admire the numerous castles that dominate the valley, such as Castel Firmiano, Castel Tirolo, and Castel d'Appiano.
Food and Wine Tourism
Alto Adige is also famous for its cuisine and wines. Along the Bolzano-Merano Railway, there are numerous restaurants and wineries that offer the opportunity to taste typical dishes of the region, such as speck, canederli, sauerkraut, and polenta.
Among the most famous wineries are Cantina Terlano, Cantina Produttori San Michele Appiano, and Cantina Tramin, where you can taste the fine local wines such as Gewürztraminer, Lagrein, and Pinot Nero.
Conclusion
The Bolzano-Merano Railway offers passengers a panoramic journey through the Adige Valley, with numerous tourist attractions along the way. From medieval castles and thermal cities to local cuisine and wines, Alto Adige offers a unique experience worth living.
