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.
The sun is out, you’re fully packed – now where do you want to go? The peaks, pinnacles and towers of the Dolomites gleam invitingly in the morning light. Are they even more beautiful from the summit? The valleys are criss-crossed with trails through vineyards and apple orchards, past imposing castles, around enchanting lakes and along the Waalweg canal trails. South Tyrol has more than 16,000 km of signposted hiking trails that run through the ever-changing natural landscape, including themed trails, multi-day tours and high-Alpine trails.
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.
The area around the “Weisse Wand” is an eldorado for botanists, or anyone who admires flowers. Thanks to the influence of lime in the region you can find Steinröschen, Edelweiss and many other species here. The plants on the south of the “Durreck Group” are of particular interest and value, with the soft Matreier shale allowing vegetation to shin to the peaks. At the crest of the “Ochsenlenke” the breathtaking views of the “Zillertaler Hauptkamm” mountains, Europe’s primary rocks, open up. In the centre of the eighty 3,000 m+ peaks nestles the Ahrntal Valley which has retained much of its native qualities.
Toward the sun: easy route with start at the railway station of Marling/Marlengo.
The Waalweg trail -Hiking along the irrigation channel
Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains can be seen along the entire length of the Marlinger Waalweg trail. The agricultural landscape lining the irrigation channels is also impressive, with meadows and forests alternating with vineyards and orchards. Along the Marlinger Waalweg trail there are also impressive views of the Merano basin, the Val Passiria/Passeier Valley, and the imposing Texelgruppe mountain range.
The trail passes through the varied natural and cultural landscape of the district Waldberg, courts and private land, where people get an insight into the work and the life of the inhabitants.
The walk starts at the "Niederhof", from there follow the forest road to the "Oberhof", where the path no.26 leads uphill through the forest. This path leads up to the crossing path no.24A, where the family hike continues left to the "Suachbichl". Now it goes on at the path no.15A back to the path no.15, this path leads to an unlabeled but highly visible way again down to the trail no.15.
You walk past the "Stallwies- and Greithof" and from there follow the marking 15A. Once the path leads out of the forest, the trek continues left and returns through the forest path no.8 back to "Niederhof".
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.
The GEOTour starts at the GEOMuseum Radein/Redagno which shows the Bletterbach canyon’s special geological features. Our tour leads through a forest to the so called “Zirmersteig” (trail). Then we go down the canyon and follow the river upwards to the head of the valley (“Gorz”). From here we have to walk back to the “Gorzsteig”. This trail leads to the Visitor Centre GEOPARC Bletterbach in Aldino. From here we have two possibilities to return to Redagno/Radein: to walk back or to take the bus.
The special feature of this hike is the 360° panorama of the Rauhen Bühel and the Vigiljoch.
The GEOTour Bletterbach – End of the Valley starts at the Visitor Centre GEOPARC Bletterbach in Aldino. On our way down the canyon we pass two fascinating viewpoints with an outlook over the lower part of the Bletterbach canyon. We go up the valley, passing by the so called “Floscherbründl” (fountain), until we reach the head of the valley called “Gorz”. At the Corno Bianco le canyon opens up like an amphitheatre and gives a view of the Permian–Triassic extinction event which happened 250 million years ago.
Along the way you can find information panels about the history and culture of qine, as well as giant-size items used in winegrowing: a "Reber" (vine knife), a "Moster" (pounder) and a "Pazeide", an ancient wine and measuring vessel on the village square.
The goal of the hike are the “Koflerseen“ lakes. You pass through varied parts of the forest and mountain pastures. Over centuries people have shaped the landscape and cultivated the land which is still well maintained. The lakes themselves are embedded in a mountainous region bounded by the boulders and debris left by the retreat of an old glacier. Around the banks of the lakes there are meadows covered by a vast variety of flowers spreading in all directions. These flowers show the art of survival in the high mountains. Last, but not least, the hike offers views of the glacial peaks of the Rieserferner Mountains.
In Pfelders you take the cablecar Grünboden-Express to Grünboden (2,000 m) and continue along the wonderful panoramic trail No 4 to the alpine hut “Faltschnal Alm” (1,871 m). The hut is situated at the tree line, at the beginning of the Faltschnal Valley, to the southwest above Pfelders. It a refreshment facility, perfect for having a rest. Here, you have a 180° panorama and an amazing view of the impressive peaks of the main chain of the Alps surrounding Pfelders. Following the trail No 4, we will first walk across fresh meadows and then we will descend through the Arolla pine forest. Once we will have arrived at the bottom of the Lazins Valley we will cross the bridge spanning the brook of Pfelders to get to the inn "Lazinserhof". Along the Merano High Mountain Trail, which in this leg crosses blossoming meadows, we will hike down the valley, past the farms of Zeppichl and return to our starting point.
Moderately difficult but very rewarding hike along the "Mühlenweg" to Caprile/Gfrill.
The Pfunders Alpine Hut Circuit offers a varied hike through alpine landscapes, panoramic views, and welcoming hut stops. The route takes you past traditional alpine huts and stunning viewpoints, with vistas stretching across the Pfunders Valley to the Peitlerkofel.
The hiking tour “GEOTour Bletterbach Canyon” starts from the Visitor Centre in Aldino and leads to the “Taubenleck” and finally to the waterfall in the so called “Butterloch”. This tour is a journey through the “geological Middle Ages”.
Martinsweg trail is an easily accessible, newly laid circular route named after the small Church of St. Martin, which is located close to the Eggerhöfe farmsteads.
Ascending the mountain, the hike leads you to the so-called Schlafhäuser (sleeping houses), which the farmers used as shelters and for cooking when the hay was harvested. The route continues high above the Reintal valley, crossing the southern slope of the Mosstock peak. Dwarf shrub heathland, marvellous pines and characteristic highland moors can be found along the way. Blooming alpine flowers invite you to take a rest and to marvel at the stunning views, reaching from the close glaciers of the Rieserferner mountain range to the Dolomites in the distance.
Twelve 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. Starting at the Töllbrücke bridge, the 250 year-old path gently ascends through apple orchards and woods to firmer and more level ground. After pausing to admire the medieval Lebenberg Castle, hikers continue slightly downhill along the slope of Marling mountain to the village of Lana.
Beginning from the parking lot at the church, you should start off through forests and meadows until you come to the Knappen Holes. You will then proceed a short stretch along the Geo Trail – if you want, you could now turn off and visit the Bletterbach Gorge (admission fee). Otherwise, you can continue along the Zirmersteig back to the starting-point.
Following a long ridge between Wielental and Tesselberg you climb through thick, almost untouched, forest. The ecology aspect of a healthy forest ground covered with mosses, lichens and mushrooms provides for topics of conversation. The viewing points offer a wide panorama: you can see from the huts of the Wielental and Mühlbacher tal valleys over to the nearby three thousand metre peaks of the Rieserferner Mountains as well as the distant Hohe Tauern, the Zillertal Alps and the Ötztal Alps. To the South lies the unusual world of the Dolomites, which stimulates conversations about the development of their diverse geological formations.
Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail with start in the centre of Marling/Marlengo.
The Pfunderer Farms Trail is a varied hike through traditional farms, forests, and meadows with wonderful views. Perfect for those wanting to experience the nature and culture of the valley.
Climbing up, the hike leads you through bright larch forests which were used as pastures in former times. The variety of blossoms on the rough grassland just above, is absolutely unique. The Almweg crosses the socalled “battle zone” with dwarf shrubs, sedges and isolated trees. Mankind has decisively shaped the landscape in alpine pastures. The descend will take you through some remains of a dense highalpine pine forest.
This walk dedicated to the minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide runs between Laion, Novale and Albions. In the future there will be information board placed at specific points along the route, on the life and work of this minstrel, to pass on this information to those walking through this beatiful landscape. There are several places to stop for meal or a rest along the route.
High Altitude Hike on Vigiljoch in Lana with begin at 1,450 meters.
From the small village of Buchholz, you will then continue on to Gfrill. Right after Buchholz, the Truden Faultline becomes especially noticeable. This boundary is visible not only on the basis of the different geological strata (dolomites and porphyry), but also due to the change in vegetation. The trail is steadily uphill until you come to the ruins of the walls of an old cableway. You continue along the old cableway trail, steadily uphill, until arriving in Gfrill, an alpine village surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.
Hiking trough typical high forests and partly abandoned alpine pastures to reach the glacier world of the Rieserfernergruppe mountain range. Lots of creeks, brooks and waterfalls, fed by the glaciers, will give you an idea of the abundance of water in this area. At the Tristennöckl summit (2465 m) you can observe some arolla pine trees in their highest habitat in the Eastern Alps. The walk over boulders and moraines will bring you close to the edge of the floating ice which has vitally shaped the landscape.
The Glacier Trail begins at the parking area near the Enzianhütte at the end of Val Martello. It is divided into 9 sections and can cope in a circular route of about 10 kilometers and an overcoming of 600 meters. The hike is divided into stages and can be shortened or committed in a different order. All in all the tour takes 4 hours.
Stage 1: From the parking area to the Zufallhütte - 30 Minutes
Stage 2: From the Zufallhütte to the Plima wall - 15 minutes
Stage 3: From the Plima wall to the waterfall - 30 Minutes
Stage 4: Rise to Talschwelle - 30 Minutes
Stage 5: To the glacier front of the High Ferners - 30 Minutes
Stage 6: From the glacier front to the left moraine - 15 minutes
Stage 7: From the moraine to Martell Hut - 15 minutes
Stage 8: From the Martell Hut back to the Plima wall - 30 Minutes
Stage 9: From the Plima wall to the ex Hotel Paradiso - 30 Minutes