Zuid-Tiroolse kanaalroutes

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.

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. 

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

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

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 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 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.

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!

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. 

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.

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

Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail with start in the centre of Marling/Marlengo.

This picturesque hike along the Schenner Waal irrigation channel runs along an unspoilt trail through the chestnut grove and orchards high above the spa town of Merano, and is also thoroughly recommended for hot summer days.

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.

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. 

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Circular Hike on the Marling Waalweg and Höhenweg Trails with start at the Hotel Restaurant Waldschenke.

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.

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.

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.