The Waalwege in Lana and the surrounding area rank among the most beautiful and, at the same time, most unusual hiking trails in South Tyrol. They follow ancient irrigation canals that have been channeling water from the mountains into the dry valleys since the Middle Ages. What was once a bitter necessity has become a stroke of luck for hikers today, as the narrow paths along the Waale wind through one of the region's most impressive cultural landscapes.
Between orchards, vineyard slopes, and chestnut groves, the Waalwege trace fine lines through the Burggrafenamt district. They tell of a time when water could not be taken for granted, and of a system that continues to function to this day. The narrow paths along the canals once served maintenance purposes. Today, they represent a living piece of cultural history and, at the same time, a popular route for walkers, hikers, and visitors wishing to explore the region on foot.
What Waale are and how they came to be
The word Waal refers to an open or piped irrigation canal. From the Middle Ages onward, the inhabitants of South Tyrol constructed simple yet highly effective irrigation systems for their orchards and vineyards. The water originates at higher elevations, often drawn directly from mountain streams, and is guided into the valley over several kilometers. Without these systems, agriculture on the sun-drenched slopes above the Etsch valley would have been virtually impossible.
Narrow maintenance paths formed along the canals, allowing farmers to check daily that the water was flowing freely. Those very paths are what are known today as the Waalwege. They typically run at a slight incline or parallel to the hillside, are generally easy to walk, and pass through one of South Tyrol's most diverse cultural landscapes.
Three of the best-known Waalwege
Among the best-known Waalwege around Lana and Merano are three trails that every hiking enthusiast should know.
The Brandiswaalweg between Lana and Burgstall is one of the oldest in the region, tracing its current form back to the 14th century. It is approximately six kilometers long, easy to walk, and suitable for familiesas well. Since the 1960s, the water has flowed underground through a closed pipe system, but the path itself has remained unchanged. Those who walk it pass through orchards and chestnut groves, with recurring views over the Etsch valley.
The Algunder Waalweg between Töll and Gratsch, above Merano, is similarly about five kilometers long but somewhat more demanding in places. It passes through a particularly Mediterranean landscape of grapevines, fig trees, and olive trees, and is especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
The Marlinger Waalweg stretches roughly twelve kilometers, making it the longest of the three and considered one of the finest hiking trails in all of South Tyrol. It runs along the sunny slopes above Marling and offers spectacular views of Merano, the Etsch valley, and the surrounding mountains along its entire length. Those planning to cover the full distance should allow approximately three to four hours.
A landscape that has changed
"The view across the Etsch valley is particularly characteristic of our Waalwege. Each trail has its own appeal: some are easy to walk, while others are more demanding," says Dietmar Knoll of the land improvement consortium Auenwegleege Niederlana. Even as the region has changed, one thing has remained constant: the close connection between agriculture, water, and landscape.
Since the 1960s, the water in the Brandiswaalweg has flowed underground, undisturbed by recreational use. This makes it possible for tradition and modern use to coexist. The Waalwege are therefore not a museum piece, but part of a living system that continues to serve an important purpose to this day.
A system that lives on
The Waalwege in Lana and the surrounding area are not merely a testament to the past; they are part of everyday life today. Responsibility for maintaining the Brandiswaalweg lies with the market municipality of Lana and the relevant organizations . The Lana and Surroundings Tourism Association accompanies the corresponding measures. While the municipality oversees the path itself, the other partners ensure that the associated infrastructure is kept in good repair.
"Our Waal today runs predominantly through a closed pipe system. This means the above-ground maintenance effort is minimal, and the water remains free of leaves and contaminants," explains Knoll. While the Waalwege now serve primarily recreational and nature-based purposes, the canals have never lost their original function. The water continues to be used for irrigation and frost protection, a critical factor for agriculture on the hillside areas around Lana.
Why a visit is worthwhile
The Waalwege are something special because they bring together different aspects that rarely converge elsewhere. They offer, all at once, a hike through a cultural landscapeshaped over centuries, a walk alongside an ancient water system still in operation, an experience of constantly changing views over the Etsch valley, and an immersion in that blend of Mediterranean and Alpine scenery that makes the Meraner Land so distinctive.
As long as orchards and vineyards continue to be cultivated, the Waal system will remain alive, inextricably linked to the work of the people in the region. For those wishing to discover South Tyrol beyond its well-known attractions, the Waalwege offer a truly special way to do so. Practical assistance with trip planning is also available from the digital travel companion Maia, introduced by the tourism association to support visitors.
