Due to scarce rainfall, farmers in Vinschgau had to come up with creative ideas. That’s why they built the so-called "Waale", irrigation canals that transported water to pastures and fields. Today, the fascinating narrow trails that meander through forests, orchards, past castles, forts and chapels, are popular hiking destinations – surprisingly, the irrigation canals on the Malser Haide in the Obervinschgau valley have also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above all in spring and autumn, you should walk through this Mediterranean-like landscape and listen to the healing sound of water.
Zaalwaal
A hike along a picturesque irrigation channel, or Waal, near Schlanders with fabulous views of the chestnut groves and orchards that carpet the Vinschgau Valley.
Irrigation channel path hike with views of the Medieval city of Glurns/ Glorenza, BBQ spot at Platzganggl.
Hike on the Gschneierwaal Canal Trail in Schluderns/ Sluderno
A relaxing hike along Val Venosta’s traditional irrigation channel paths.
The irrigation channel is shaded in the midst of the Stelvio National Park. View into the Lower Vinschgau and up to the Upper Vinschgau basin.
The "Waalschelle," which is attached to a larch tree above the irrigation canal, can be heard from afar. Opportunity to hike to Tschengelsberg Castle.
Tschengelsberg Castle was probably built in the 12th century by the eponymous knightly family as their ancestral seat. In the 14th century, it lost its significance due to its remote location and was thereafter used only as a mountain fortress in case of defense. It was replaced by Tschenglsburg, a comfortable, fortified residence. From then on, Tschengelsberg Castle was also called Hinterburg. The castle's construction site was strategically well chosen.
Duration: 120 min
Elevation gain: 369 m
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 Untermontani and Obermontani castles.
The Sun Promenade leads along a small irrigation channel carrying water from spring until autumn. There is a magnificent view from the trail of the old Schlanders town centre this as well as of the apple orchards up to Göflan and the Stelvio National Park.
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.
A somewhat longer but rewarding circular hike along the Mitterwaal in Glurns / Glorenza.
Discover the area of the Kondlwaal (wooden irrigation channel) and sunny Selva from Europe’s highest corn farm.
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
From spring to autumn, the ever-changing Ilswaal irrigation canal carries water, so in these months it is perfect for a canal hike in the sunshine.
From Schlanders, the trail leads past the Schlandersberg Castle (Schloss Schlandersberg) which is a nice place to enjoy the view. It continues past the wild gorge of the Schlandraunbach stream to the St Ägidius Church near Kortsch.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
Cumulative elevation gain: 440 m
The Castle path - An experience for the family on the Monte Sole at Castelbello
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.
This hike starts at Prato and continues slightly above the wide valley floor, to the idyllically situated village of Montechiaro.
A very special and various tour between Tarres and Morter. The tour starts at Tarres.
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!
The Gschneirerwaal is the highest irrigation channel path in Schluderns/ Sluderno.
Family Hike along the Canal Trails in Schluderns/ Sluderno
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.
Explore the Matschertal valley on the irrigation channel path Ackerwaal.
Family hike - Oberwaal Irrigation Channel Trail to Mals/ Malles in the Vinschgau Valley
The walk via the irrigation channel path of Agumes to Ponte Stelvio is an easy, sunny route along the Agumes moutain.
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