A somewhat longer but rewarding circular hike along the Mitterwaal in Glurns / Glorenza.
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.
A somewhat longer but rewarding circular hike along the Mitterwaal in Glurns / Glorenza.
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
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 Matsch, the mountaineering village with its spectacular view of the grand Ortler and the Matsch mountains. Traversing the valley, Ackerwaal takes you high above fields and blooming meadows.
Water flow: from May
Refreshment stop: In the inns in the village of Matsch and in the Glieshof restaurant
Schnalswaal irrigation channel has been in use for more than 500 years and offers plenty to see: a Waalerhütte hut, a functional Waalschelle bell, chestnut woods, steppic vegetation, and, of course, Juval castle.
A very special and various tour between Tarres and Morter. The tour starts at Tarres.
The Castle path - An experience for the family on the Monte Sole at Castelbello
Fischerwaal in Stelvio National Park is a pleasantly shaded trail. Discover an original Waalschelle resonating across the land and enjoy scenic views of the Untervinschgau and Obervinschgau region.
The "Waalschelle," which is attached to a larch tree above the irrigation canal, can be heard from afar.
Refreshment stop: In the inns in Tschengls
Water flow: May-October, only if irrigation is required
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 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
Embark on this loop trail along a very special waterway: with a total of 13 farms connected to it, this open, unlined Waal canal is simply dug into the ground and the only Vinschgau community Waal
Water flow: from June
Refreshment stop: In the inns in Schluderns
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
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.
Agumser Bergwaal is a trail for sun lovers taking you through forests, meadows,
hamlets, and past a barbecue site with a panoramic swing set before reaching the
hamlet of Stilfserbrücke.
No water flow
Possibility of stopping for refreshments: In the inns in Stilfs and Prad
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.
Embark on a journey through time on a family-friendly Vinschgau valley hike: the Oberwaal trail dates back to 1348, offering scenic views of the Malser Haide UNESCO World Heritage site.
Water flow: from May
Refreshment stop: In the inns in Mals and at the Solis restaurant
A perfect family hike: Frauwaal trail gently winds its way up from Prad to Lichten-
berg, offering stunning views of Vinschgau valley and one of the largest castle
grounds in the country.
Possibility of stopping for refreshments: In the taverns of Montechiaro and Prato
No water flow
A relaxing hike along Val Venosta’s traditional irrigation channel paths.
The challenging Bergwaal trail with an ascent of almost 650 metres offers panoramic views of the medieval town of Glurns and plenty of information on forest and pastures on panels along the trail.
Water flow: from May
Refreshment stop: in the inns in Glurns