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.
Summer
Kuens/Caines, Meran/Merano and environs
Waalwege are paths along the ancient irrigation channels. From the Ungericht Hof farm (Neolithic engraved stone), follow the road for approx. 10 minutes up to the Mutlechnerhof farm (837m) from where the markers lead in a further 15 minutes to the 600-year-old Caines canal along a more or less flat trail. Follow this to its origin, the irrigation canal frame at the Finelebach stream (1,020m). This will take about 90 minutes. On the other side of the bridge, hike to the right of the canal some 100 m down into the valley, then turn sharply to the left onto the lower canal trail that takes you through shady woods back to the Ungericht Hof.
The path is not suitable for pushchairs.
