Trasy kanálů v Jižním Tyrolsku

12 kilometers long, the Marlinger Waalweg trail is a popular hiking trail which runs along the former irrigation channels, the longest of its kind in South Tyrol.

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.

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. 

From the first days of spring until late autumn, the Waalwege– paths that run along old irrigation channels – offer magnificent views of the mountains and the Adige Valley, as well as fascinating glimpses into South Tyrol’s diverse cultural landscape. These ancient trails, once built for irrigation, are among the most atmospheric walks in the region. They wind gently through vineyards, apple orchards, and chestnut groves along the lower mountain slopes.

Originally, the narrow paths were created for practical purposes. The irrigation channels, known as Waale, were constructed in pre-industrial times to supply water to fields and meadows. For many kilometres, the water was guided through small canals, while the Waalweg alongside them served the Waalermeister, who maintained the flow and the structures.

From Lana, two of these historic Waalwege are easy to reach: the Brandis Waalweg and the Marling Waalweg, both offering a perfect blend of nature, history, and scenic beauty.