Trasy kanálů v Jižním Tyrolsku

In the footsteps of the ancient rock paintings of the Waaler.
We start at the IceForum in Laces and follow trail no. 5 to the Margrinböden picnic area. There we enjoy the view over the castle ruins of Ober- & Untermontani. We then continue to the fork in the path where we follow path number 5a downhill to the Bierkeller. From there, the route leads through the orchards along the tarmac road back to the starting point. Variation: if you prefer a longer walk, you can descend from the Marginböden via the ruins of Ober- & Untermontani Castle and walk back along the irrigation channel path Mareinwaal via the Bierkeller.

On Neuwaal, a high-altitude irrigation channel, narrow paths and wooden footbridges take you through larch woods to the serene Schlandraun valley. Sure-footedness and a head for heights required.

Refreshment stop: Schlanderser Alm hut and Kortscher alm hut (in the summer month)
Water flow: May-October

Atmospheric hike on the Schenner Waalweg trail. This shady route winds without any noteworthy climbs along the course of the old irrigation channel and offers an exciting hike with wonderful landscapes to enjoy. 

In Meran and surroundings you can promenade along the ancient water canals, the so-called "Waalwege". The Waalweg in Rabland/Rablà is a tranquil circular hiking trail, perfect for a pleasant walk the whole year round for the whole family!

A relaxing hike along Val Venosta’s traditional irrigation channel paths.

The Stabner Waalweg trail is one of the most beautiful hikes at Sonnenberg mountain in Vinschgau valley. This family-friendly route pairs perfectly with a visit to Juval castle.

Agumser Bergwaal is a trail for sun lovers taking you through forests, meadows, 
hamlets, and past a barbecue site with a panoramic swing set before reaching the 
hamlet of Stilfserbrücke.

No water flow
Possibility of stopping for refreshments: In the inns in Stilfs and Prad

Enjoy the serenity and spectacular views on this sunny trail in Taufers im Münstertal near Italy’s border with Switzerland and explore castle ruins, Romanesque buildings, and sacrificial stones.

Water flow: from May
Refreshment stop: in the inns in Taufers im Münstertal

This is one of the oldest irrigation canals (Waalweg) of Merano and environs!
It was built in the XV century by the Counts of Stachelburg and is, therefore, more than five hundred years old. The canal is lined by birch-tree groves and rich, varied vegetation and is still used to irrigate the Parcines orchards, meadows and fields. 
An ancient “Wohnstein”, a free-standing, curved rock in whose shadow ancient people lived, and a pre-historic “Schalenstein” – a stone with strange round-shaped indentations on it, dating back to the Copper Age, can be seen at the eastern end of the Waal path.
This particular walk is especially interesting for those interested in local history.

Waalwege are paths along the ancient irrigation channels. The Algunder Waalweg Trail is split into two parts with a lenght of 5 to 6 km. The hike leads along an historical irrigation canal. The canal trail is almost flat. It is therefore ideal for older people or families with children. Hikers, young and old, will be rewarded with fantastic views of Lagundo/Algund as well as the entirety of Merano/Meran and the surrounding area.

At Kaandlwaal, which is still used for irrigation, hollow tree trunks (Kaandln) were joined together to channel water down from the mountains, and the Kaandlwaal trail winds up steeply right beside it.

The challenging Bergwaal trail with an ascent of almost 650 metres offers panoramic views of the medieval town of Glurns and plenty of information on forest and pastures on panels along the trail.

Water flow: from May
Refreshment stop: in the inns in Glurns

Explore Matsch, the mountaineering village with its spectacular view of the grand Ortler and the Matsch mountains. Traversing the valley, Ackerwaal takes you high above fields and blooming meadows.

Water flow: from May 
Refreshment stop: In the inns in the village of Matsch and in the Glieshof restaurant 

The Algund irrigation channel pathway, or Waalweg, is a 10 km long path running alongside the old irrigation channel. Flat and even almost all the way, the trail boasts incredible views over the Meran/o area and leads you through Plars, Algund/Lagundo village and Gratsch/Quarazze until you get to the Saint Magdalena Chapel and then along the Tappeiner path to Meran/o city.

The leisurely walk along the irrigation channel crosses the foothills of the Ortler Alps on its panoramic path between Oberlana and Niederlana.

From the first days of spring until late autumn, the Waalwege, as the paths along the old irrigation channels are called, offer magnificent views of the mountains and the Adige Valley, but also exciting insights into a varied cultural landscape. The ancient irrigation channels are one of the most atmospheric walks in South Tyrol. They gently run through vineyards, apple meadows and chestnut groves along the low mountain ranges.

The narrow paths were originally created for purely practical reasons. The irrigation channels, called "Waale", were built in the pre-industrial age to irrigate fields and meadows thoroughly. For kilometres the water was led through small canals. The Waalweg along the canals, on the other hand, was used by the Waalermeister for maintenance.

From Lana, two irrigation channels in Merano and the surrounding area are easily accessible: The Brandis-Waalweg and the Marlinger Waalweg.

Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail with start in the centre of Marling/Marlengo.

A perfect family hike: Frauwaal trail gently winds its way up from Prad to Lichten-
berg, offering stunning views of Vinschgau valley and one of the largest castle 
grounds in the country.

Possibility of stopping for refreshments: In the taverns of Montechiaro and Prato
No water flow

A somewhat longer but rewarding circular hike along the Mitterwaal in Glurns / Glorenza.

Circular Hike on the Marling Waalweg and Höhenweg Trails with start at the Hotel Restaurant Waldschenke.

This picturesque hike along the Schenner Waal irrigation channel runs along an unspoilt trail through the chestnut grove and orchards high above the spa town of Merano, and is also thoroughly recommended for hot summer days.

The new theme path provides an insight into viniculture and wine history and spans an arc between agriculture and gastronomy. Different information panels describe local grape varieties, landscape and culinary specialties. The Val Venosta wine path is perfectly walkable from Easter to November and takes you along the irrigation channel paths (Latschander irrigation channel path and Senales irrigation channel path) over long distances. This hike of about 2.5 hours can be made in both directions and it is also possible to choose specific sections only.

The Monte Sole Panorama trail n° 91 (Sonnenberger Panoramaweg) connects Rabland/Rablà with the neighboring village of Naturns/Naturno, and offers hikers breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding mountains and villages.

An enjoyable hike and a spectacular Waal now put back in use: Soywaal trail
begins at the Soybach stream at an altitude of 1,950 metres and ascends steeply
through inaccessible terrain to Reitgraben.

Refreshment stop:
June–September

Water flow:
In the inns in Martelltal valley

Schnalswaal irrigation channel has been in use for more than 500 years and offers plenty to see: a Waalerhütte hut, a functional Waalschelle bell, chestnut woods, steppic vegetation, and, of course, Juval castle.

Waalwege are paths along the ancient irrigation channels. Ascend to the canal trail via the Kirchweg or Rösslweg streets. After approx. 300 m the Rösslweg branches to the left from the Kirchweg and rises gently to the shooting range where the Riffianer Waalweg trail begins. It runs between forest edge and meadows as far as Kuens/Caines and ends in the Kuensertal valley. Return either via the Kuenserstraße street, the Valtmaunweg trail or via the Hohlgasse street. If you wish, you can drive to the starting point in the Kuensertal valley by car, park there and then hike as far as Rifiano/Riffian (approx. 45 min).

The path is not suitable for pushchairs or strollers.

Sonnensteig trail - the theme trail in Upper Vinschgau Valley

There are some interesting points of exploration along this themed route such as the Benedictine abbey, the paths along the irrigation canals (known locally as ‘Waale’) as well as the natural landscape and some of the legends of the Alta Vinschgau Valley. And if you prefer, you can select just specific sections of the themed trail of interest to you. 

This easy hike along the Maiser Waal (or irrigation channel) winds pleasantly through mixed forest and orchards and is highly recommended on hot summer days thanks to its numerous shady sections.

This is one of the oldest irrigation canals (Waalweg) of Merano and environs!
It was built in the XV century by the Counts of Stachelburg and is, therefore, more than five hundred years old. The canal is lined by birch-tree groves and rich, varied vegetation and is still used to irrigate the Parcines orchards, meadows and fields. 
An ancient “Wohnstein”, a free-standing, curved rock in whose shadow ancient people lived, and a pre-historic “Schalenstein” – a stone with strange round-shaped indentations on it, dating back to the Copper Age, can be seen at the eastern end of the Waal path.
This particular walk is especially interesting for those interested in local history.

Schlanderser Sonnenpromenade, the sun trail, lives up to its name, winding along Sonnenberg mountain, home to Mediterranean plants and chestnut trees, and through orchards down in the valley.

Refreshment stop: In the inns in Schlanders
Water flow: May-October