Sentiers de Waal dans le Sud-Tyrol

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

Schlanderser Sonnenpromenade, the sun trail, lives up to its name, winding along Sonnenberg mountain, home to Mediterranean plants and chestnut trees, and through orchards down in the valley.

Refreshment stop: In the inns in Schlanders
Water flow: May-October

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.

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!

At Kaandlwaal, which is still used for irrigation, hollow tree trunks (Kaandln) were joined together to channel water down from the mountains, and the Kaandlwaal trail winds up steeply right beside it.

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

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

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

Experience the Mediterranean on Zaalwaal trail above Kortsch. Take in the chatter of water among the chestnut trees, stone terraces, and orchards and a striking view of Jennwand and Laaser Spitze mountains.

Refreshment stop: In the inns in Kortsch
Water flow: May-October

This easy, family-friendly hike takes you past orchards through the mixed woodland above Dorf Tirol and Kuens along the Kuenser Waalweg, or irrigation channel path, as far as the Longfall Inn.

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

Waalwege are paths along the ancient irrigation channels. The Algunder Waalweg Trail is split into two parts with a lenght of 5 to 6 km. The hike leads along an historical irrigation canal. The canal trail is almost flat. It is therefore ideal for older people or families with children. Hikers, young and old, will be rewarded with fantastic views of Lagundo/Algund as well as the entirety of Merano/Meran and the surrounding area.

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

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.

Toward the sun: easy route with start at the railway station of Marling/Marlengo.

From spring to autumn, Ilswaal trail is filled with the cheerful chatter of water. Enjoy a sunny and scenic view against the backdrop of Schlandersberg castle and Schlandraunbach gorge.

Refreshment stop: In the inns in Schlanders and Kortsch
Water flow: May-October

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.

 

The Monte Sole Panorama trail n° 91 (Sonnenberger Panoramaweg) connects Rabland/Rablà with the neighboring village of Naturns/Naturno, and offers hikers breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding mountains and villages.

High up on the Sonnenberg/Monte Sole of Schlanders/Silandro, the "Neuwaal" begins. It is one of the highest irrigation channels in the Venosta Valley region. The path, sometimes narrow and with wooden footbridges, leads through meadows and larch slopes into the quiet Schlandraun Valley. The Waalweg requires a certain surefootedness.

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.

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

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. 

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

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.

The Algund irrigation channel pathway, or Waalweg, is a 10 km long path running alongside the old irrigation channel. Flat and even almost all the way, the trail boasts incredible views over the Meran/o area and leads you through Plars, Algund/Lagundo village and Gratsch/Quarazze until you get to the Saint Magdalena Chapel and then along the Tappeiner path to Meran/o city.

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