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    South Tyrol’s Waalwege Canal Trails

    Canals known as "Waale" were built centuries ago to irrigate meadows and fields. When rainfall was scarce, water was diverted from streams into the higher valleys. This ancient irrigation technique is predominantely seen in the area around Meran/Merano and Vinschgau/Val Venosta. See it for yourself during a tranquil stroll along the Canal Trails. Interestingly, the Waalwege canal trails located on the Malser Haide in Obervinschgau are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Results
    Summer
    Marling Waalweg, the longest of all the irrigation channel trails
    Lana, Meran/Merano and environs

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    458 m elevation gain
    3h:12 min duration
    Summer
    Via Vinum Venostis
    Kastelbell-Tschars/Castelbello-Ciardes, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    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.

    Difficulty: medium
    258 m elevation gain
    2h:40 min duration
    Summer
    The Marlengo/Marling irrigation channel path
    Marling/Marlengo, Meran/Merano and environs

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    162 m elevation gain
    1h:45 min duration
    Summer
    "Leitenwaal and Berkwaal" irrigation channel path
    Schluderns/Sluderno, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    A hike filled with cultural treasures and Vinschgau history: explore the Vuseum, the Ganglegg archaeological site, and the proud Churburg castle on this loop trail following the Leitenwaal and Berkwaal trails.

    Water flow: from April
    Refreshment stop: in the inns in Schluderns

    Difficulty: easy
    290 m elevation gain
    3h:00 min duration
    Summer
    From Algund/Tell along the Marling Waalweg canal trail
    Algund/Lagundo, Meran/Merano and environs

    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.

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    252 m elevation gain
    2h:58 min duration
    Summer
    Irrigation channel di Marlengo from Lana
    Tscherms/Cermes, Meran/Merano and environs

    10.5 km long, comfortable walk at 450 m altitude, above the villages of Lana, Tscherms and Marling.

    Those who are not yet tired of the hike can take the Algunder Waalweg (end Marlinger Waalweg, across the road, cross the small bridge in the direction of Lagundo) and then the Tappeinerweg (to Merano center) in the hike.

    Difficulty: easy
    150 m elevation gain
    3h:30 min duration
    Summer
    Tour Ramini-Montani
    Latsch/Laces, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    A very special and various tour between Tarres and Morter. The tour starts at Tarres.

    Difficulty: medium
    493 m elevation gain
    3h:32 min duration
    Summer
    Latschander irrigation channel path
    Latsch/Laces, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    The zigzag shaped Latschander irrigation channel path in between Laces and Castelbello was created in 1872/1873 and provides an ideal walk for the whole family. Those who wish to stroll along the entire irrigation channel trail should allow approximately 2.5 hours to do so.

    Difficulty: easy
    50 m elevation gain
    2h:00 min duration
    Summer
    The Brandis-Waalweg Trail in Lana
    Lana, Meran/Merano and environs

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    30 m elevation gain
    0h:49 min duration
    Summer
    Raminiwaal irrigation channel path
    Latsch/Laces, Vinschgau/Val Venosta
    Discover old ruins, chimes, and picnic areas at Raminiwaal Trail in the Untervinschgau region. This pleasant, almost level trail connecting Tarsch and Morter is nicely shaded and offers plenty to explore.

    Refreshment stop:
    Knofelkeller in Tarres
    Zum Riesen in Tarres
    Restaurants in Laces

    Water course:
    May-October
    Difficulty: easy
    0 m elevation gain
    0h:54 min duration
    Summer
    Castle path
    Kastelbell-Tschars/Castelbello-Ciardes, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    The Castle path - An experience for the family on the Monte Sole at Castelbello

    Difficulty: medium
    219 m elevation gain
    2h:00 min duration
    Summer
    "Stabnerwaal" irrigation channel path
    Naturns/Naturno, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    160 m elevation gain
    2h:00 min duration
    Summer
    Rautwaal irrigation channel path
    Latsch/Laces, Vinschgau/Val Venosta
    Idyllic irrigation channel path to the cultural treasures, with a unique panorama.
    Difficulty: easy
    122 m elevation gain
    1h:22 min duration
    Summer
    Hiking tour along the sun trail
    Mals/Malles, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    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. 

    Difficulty: medium
    392 m elevation gain
    7h:00 min duration
    Summer
    "Neuwaal" irrigation channel path
    Schlanders/Silandro, Vinschgau/Val Venosta
    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
    Difficulty: medium
    370 m elevation gain
    4h:10 min duration
    Summer
    Marlinger Waal Woodland Nature Trail
    Tscherms/Cermes, Meran/Merano and environs

    The woodland nature trail was designed in line with scientific principles and, using a variety of different interactive exhibits, communicates a lot of interesting facts about nature, the forest and water.

     

    Difficulty: easy
    84 m elevation gain
    1h:15 min duration
    Summer
    Circular hike on the "Schenner Waalweg" trail
    Schenna/Scena, Meran/Merano and environs

    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. 

    Difficulty: easy
    325 m elevation gain
    2h:30 min duration
    Summer
    Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail
    Lana, Meran/Merano and environs

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    287 m elevation gain
    2h:00 min duration
    Summer
    Scena to Saltaus via the "Maiser Waalweg" trail
    St.Martin in Passeier/San Martino in Passiria, Meran/Merano and environs

    This easy, generally flat hike leads through the meadows and forests along the Maiser Waal irrigation channel and is especially popular with families who even enjoy walking the route on hot summer days. 

    Difficulty: easy
    285 m elevation gain
    2h:30 min duration
    Summer
    "Latschanderwaal" irrigation channel path
    Latsch/Laces, Vinschgau/Val Venosta
    Latschanderwaal Trail shows how vital water was for the farmes: parts of the channel are cut into rock. This longer but level trail leads from Latsch to Kastelbell.

    Refreshment stop: 
    Bar at the cableway station 
    Restaurants at Laces and Castelbello

    Water course: 
    april-october
    Difficulty: easy
    65 m elevation gain
    1h:30 min duration
    Summer
    Marling Waalweg Trail to Töll
    Marling/Marlengo, Meran/Merano and environs

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    485 m elevation gain
    2h:00 min duration
    Summer
    Circular Hike on the "Maiser Waalweg" trail
    St.Martin in Passeier/San Martino in Passiria, Meran/Merano and environs

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    260 m elevation gain
    1h:40 min duration
    Summer
    Neuwaal irrigation channel path
    Latsch/Laces, Vinschgau/Val Venosta
    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.
    Difficulty: easy
    177 m elevation gain
    1h:26 min duration
    Summer
    "Turnaunawaal" irrigation channel path
    Taufers im Münstertal/Tubre, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    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

    Difficulty: medium
    290 m elevation gain
    2h:10 min duration
    Summer
    "Neuwaal-Rautwaal- Mareinwaal" irrigation channel path
    Latsch/Laces, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    A loop trail with plenty to enjoy: farmland, orchards, woods, rest areas and 
    mysterious Waaler rock paintings paired with breathtaking views over the ruins of 
    Obermontani and Untermontani castles.

    Refreshment stop:
    Landhotel Latscherhof
    Bierkeller Latsch
    Hotel Krone in Morter
    Kostbar in Morter
    Stroblhof in Morter

    Water course:
    Water runs partly underground

    Difficulty: easy
    292 m elevation gain
    2h:47 min duration
    Winter Hiking
    Round trip along the ancient "Waalweg" (irrigation channel) of Partschins/Parcines
    Partschins/Parcines, Meran/Merano and environs

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    223 m elevation gain
    2h:00 min duration
    Summer
    "Soywaal" irrigation channel path
    Martell/Martello, Vinschgau/Val Venosta
    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
    Difficulty: easy
    215 m elevation gain
    1h:15 min duration
    1 2 3

      The path along the water was originally reserved for the "Waaler" (water keeper), who was responsible for the maintenance of the Waal and controlled that each farmer only took the amount of water he was entitled to from the Waal for a certain time. Today, the flat paths along the water are popular walking trails. Through forests, past apple orchards or vineyards, you can experience South Tyrol's cultural landscape up close on the Waal paths. In 2022, the traditional irrigation system of the Malser Haide was awarded the "Green Flag". This important award is given every year by the Italian environmental association "Legambiente" for innovative practices and systems that stand for high ecological, scenic and cultural quality.