Meran/Merano

Meran/Merano. It promised to be a fine day. Ready to explore the Tyrol a bit more extensively, I headed west to Meran. I retraced the route I took to get here but instead of turning north to the Brenner Pass I continued on a bit and then south over the Jaufenpass. This is a high alpine road, closed in winter, that reaches an elevation of 2,100 meters. Meran is actually due west of the Pustertal, but since there is a mountain range inbetween you have to go around it either to the north or to the south. The Jaufenpass road was narrow and serpentine, another test of my stick shift driving skills. It was really hard driving. Although the scenery was spectacular I had to ask myself more than once why I was putting myself through this driving feat. The road from the pass descends gradually into Meran, one of the most famous resort towns in the Alps. It has long been particularly beloved by the Germans and they have been coming here for many decades. Meran has a fine natural setting with an amphitheater of mountains on three sides, opening to the south. This particular geographic arrangement means that the climate is milder and sunnier than most other places in the Tyrol. The town boasts a lovely broad promenade along the river. The old Kurhaus (see photo) is well maintained as are the splendid flower displays -- and a number of interesting topiaries. The town has accomodated the needs of modern visitors with some attractive new buildings. The old town with its narrow streets is still intact, built around a venerable gothic cathedral. It is a beautiful place, but not where I would want to spend a holiday. It was crowded with people and it was really hot (low 90's I'd say), too hot to stay out for long. I yearned for the cooler climes of the Pustertal and the more relaxed ways of Toblach. I returned via the southern route, bypassing Bozen/Bolzano. Some of this road is an autostrada (freeway). I got back in two hours. Today was the fourth of July, but who noticed?