Hike from Tesimo to Foiana and Sant’Ippolito

The Tesimo-Prissiano high plateau stretches to the village of Foiana belonging to the municipality of Lana. The highland landscape at 700 m a.s.l. varies between fruit orchards, chestnut trees and mixed forests. A pleasant and easy path proceeds mostly flat through this landscape, only the last section up to the chapel is steep.

Our starting point is the hamlet of Narano near Tesimo at the junction with the road leading to the Passo delle Palade (Merano - Alta Val di Non valley). Here you'll find a parking space and a bus stop. The path no. 7 takes us through the deciduous forests to the biotope of the Laghetto di Narano pond. Past the Obermoar Farm we reach a way cross and branch off towards Foiana (path no. 8). After crossing the gorge of the Rio Brandis brook and passing the Talmühle tavern the trail takes us uphill again. Through some beautiful fruit orchards we reach Foiana with its St. Severinus Church and the interesting Museum of Farm Life.

On the way back we follow the same trail to the junction with the Moarhöfe farms, then we choose the path no. 5 towards Sant'Ippolito (St. Hippolytus). The sun hides behind the clouds and the weather gets worse - a short and steep section leads us finally to the small church. It is an ancient cult site with a breathtaking view on Merano and the Valle dell'Adige valley. A true feeling of freedom! The descent towards Tesimo is less steep - we follow the path no. 5 back to Narano, our starting point.

Please note: this hike is perfect in spring when the fruit trees are in bloom or in autumn with its mild climate and bright colours.

Author: AT