Promenades: Nature in the city

The Guncina promenade is one of the attractions of the Gries district. In the 19th century Gries was known as a health resort and attracted the aristocracy and educated bourgeoisie from all over Europe. The Guncina promenade dedicated to the Archduke Heinrich of Hapsburg, now one of Bolzano’s most valuable parks, dates back to that time.
From the Old Gries parish church the promenade runs in many double bends on the slopes towards San Genesio up to the Castel Guncina. You can return by the same route or descend via the Rio Fago promenade with its spectacular waterfall. The circular walk takes 1.5 hours and enthrals with its Mediterranean vegetation and its stunning views of the city, the Dolomites and the surrounding areas Oltradige and Bassa Atesina.
Worth seeing: the Old parish church in Gries, the views of Bolzano, the Dolomites, the surrounding areas Oltradige and Bassa Atesina, as well as the Mediterranean vegetation.

The Oswald Promenade runs from St. Magdalena to Castel Roncolo in Sant’Antonio. The path is sunny and scenic and runs past vineyards. The promenade is named after the church of St. Oswald that was destroyed during WWII and whose ruins are now protected.
Worth seeing: The stunning views across the city, the Dolomites and Val d’Adige .

In the south of the city the Virgolo promenade runs from Oltreisarco up to Castel Flavon and then on up Virgolo. Alternatively, you can walk on the road to Colle and after the third bend take the path up to Virgolo, or from the Granhof inn in Campegno follow the Sentiero degli Scolari, the “student’s path” through dense forest up Virgolo.
Worth seeing: the Virgolo church and the Baroque Santo Sepolcro church are worth a visit (outside only).

The Talvera promenade runs along the Talvera river and is one of the green oases in Bolzano. The promenade starts near Ponte Talvera and runs past Castel Mareccio, across Ponte S. Antonio to Castel Roncolo with its valuable secular frescoes from the Middle Ages. Continuing on the route you reach the Oswald promenade.
Worth seeing: Castel Mareccio (outside only), Castel Roncolo

The Prati del Talvera along the river Talvera are the Bolzano’s green belt. They are very popular with locals and visitors, because they offer plenty of opportunity to let off steam: sunbathing, enjoying the playgrounds, playing football, baseball and softball, and running and charging around on the large meadow. Jogging and cycling are also possible here.