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.
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.
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.
The Gschneirerwaal is the highest irrigation channel path in Schluderns/ Sluderno.
A very special and various tour between Tarres and Morter. The tour starts at Tarres.
Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail with start in the centre of Marling/Marlengo.
This hike starts at Prato and continues slightly above the wide valley floor, to the idyllically situated village of Montechiaro.
Circular Hike on the Marling Waalweg and Höhenweg Trails with start at the Hotel Restaurant Waldschenke.
Irrigation channel path hike with views of the Medieval city of Glurns/ Glorenza, BBQ spot at Platzganggl.
Pleasure Hiking in Marling/Marlengo with start at the railway station.
Toward the sun: easy route with start at the railway station of Marling/Marlengo.
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.
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.
Discover the area of the Kondlwaal (wooden irrigation channel) and sunny Selva from Europe’s highest corn farm.
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.
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!
The relaxed circular trail leads hikers along the traditional Laces irrigation systems. It starts at Morter and heads from the Mareinwaal over the Neuwaal and the Rautwaal irrigation channel paths.
The Marlinger Waalweg is one of the most beautiful irrigation channels in the Meran region. With a length of 12 km, it is the longest irrigation channel path in South Tyrol. It starts in Töll/Tel (municipality of Partschins) and leads through the villages of Forst (municipality of Algund), Marling, Tscherms and Lana. The trail runs almost level along the irrigation channel and is ideal for families and children. Between chestnut groves and extensive orchards, the magnificent views of the Meran basin are inspiring. The ideal hiking time for this irrigation canal trail is spring (when the trees are in blossom) and autumn.
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 Mühlwaal along the Wasserfallweg and the Pröfingweg was renovated by the canal guards in 2011. It draws its water from the Zielbach stream, coming from the well-known Zieltal valley, and is used to irrigate the Rabland/Rablà orchards that spread along the east and south sides of the village. In winter, the historic Waal is used for fire fighting by the volunteer fire brigades.
A somewhat longer but rewarding circular hike along the Mitterwaal in Glurns / Glorenza.
Hike on a sunny slope along the Turnaunawaal irrigation channel path
Water supply: from May
Refreshments: in the restaurants in Taufers im Münstertal/ Tubre in Val Monastero
Hiking along old irrigation channels is one of the favorite Sunday activities of South Tyroleans - hardly surprising, because these walks are easy and you can take them with the whole family. One of the most beautiful is the Senales irrigation channel path!
Built: 1820
Refreshments: Ulfaser Alm mountain hut, Waalerhütte mountain hut
Due to altitude this hiking trail is not recommended until early summer.
The Castle path - An experience for the family on the Monte Sole at Castelbello
The last big irrigation path of Val Venosta dates back to 1873, using the waters of the Adige River near Coldrano at an altitude of 660 metres and ending after 6 kilometres in Galsaun, municipality of Castelbello.
This path between the water irrigation channels, so called Waalwege, embraces the valley basin of Merano and allows hikers to experience the area on a 80 km walking path.
The road joins eleven separate paths allowing the discovery of huts along the channels and even castles, churches and natural wonders. The path between the Merano channels isn't at high altitude, but cut into the valley between 400 and 900 meters in height.
Hikers can walk the entire trail in eight stages over one week, or alternatively experience one leg as a day tour. The path between the Merano irrigation channels supplements the beloved Merano High Mountain Trail.
"The channels" are artificially created canals for irrigation originating from the thirteenth century. A narrow bridge was built to maintain and care for each channel. In the past, the farmers dedided to build the channels using rudimentary tools to regulate the distribution of water, a very clever idea. Today, the paths along these water irrigation channels have become popular hiking trails and walks, suitable at any time of the year.
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.
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.
The irrigation channel is shady in the middle of the Stelvio National Park. The “Waalschelle”, which is fixed to a larch above the irrigation channel, can be heard from afar.
Duration: 30 min
Cumulative elevation gain: 100 m
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.
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