The Waalweg Trail
Hiking along the irrigation channel
The Waalweg Trail
The Waalweg Trail
The Waalweg Trail
The Waalweg Trail
The Waalweg Trail
The Waalweg Trail
The Waalweg Trail

The Waalweg Trail

Hiking along the irrigation channel

Twelve kilometers long, the Marlinger Waalweg trail is a popular hiking trail which runs along the former irrigation channels, the longest of its kind in South Tyrol. Starting at the Töllbrücke bridge, the 250 year-old path gently ascends through apple orchards and woods to firmer and more level ground. After pausing to admire the medieval Lebenberg Castle, hikers continue slightly downhill along the slope of Marling mountain to the village of Lana.

Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains can be seen along the entire length of the Marlinger Waalweg trail. The agricultural landscape lining the irrigation channels is also impressive, with meadows and forests alternating with vineyards and orchards. Along the Marlinger Waalweg trail there are also impressive views of the Merano basin, the Val Passiria/Passeier Valley, and the imposing Texelgruppe mountain range. The Marlinger Waalweg trail is well-connected to the public transport network, allowing visitors to move around without need for a car.
Marling Waalweg, the longest of all the irrigation channel trails
Hiking
Marling Waalweg, the longest of all the irrigation channel trails

Excursion on the Marling Waalweg, the longest of all the irrigation channel trails.

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Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail
Hiking
Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail

Easy and beautiful Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail to Lana with start in the center of Marling.

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Marling Waalweg Trail to Töll
Hiking
Marling Waalweg Trail to Töll

Unique and beautiful Marling Waalweg Trail to Töll/Tel with start in the center of Marling.

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The Marlengo/Marling irrigation channel path
Hiking
The Marlengo/Marling irrigation channel path

Excursion on the Marlengo/Marling irrigation channel path with start in the center of Marling.

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Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail
Hiking
Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail

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

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Toward the Sun
Hiking
Toward the Sun

Easy route with start at the railway station of Marling/Marlengo.

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Circular Hike on the Marling Waalweg and Höhenweg Trails
Hiking, High Mountain Trail
Circular Hike on the Marling Waalweg and Höhenweg Trails

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

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The Marlinger Waal

With a length of 12 km, the Marlinger Waal (irrigation channel) is the longest in the Meran basin. Running between Töll and Lana, it provides water to some 300 hectares of meadows and fields. Its construction dates back to the mid-18th century and the time of the Carthusian monastery of Allerengelberg in the Schnals Valley.
In 1619 the Carthusians had bought the Gojenhof estate in Marling to supply them with wine. Over 100 years later they began work on a Waal to irrigate the vines, to run from the River Etsch all the way along the slope of the Marling mountain. The Carthusians had experience in the construction of such waterways, having already created channels and gullies to supply water to a number of their monastery farms in the Schnals Valley.
The construction of the Marlinger Waal was much more difficult than expected, however, especially the first few kilometres through the steep rock. When the work began in 1737 it was expected to cost 12,000 guilders. Construction lasted 19 years and ultimately cost 80,000 guilders. Without the help of the municipality of Marling, the monastery could never have finished the Waal.
In 1897 a hydroelectric power plant began operation at Töll. Since then the water has run underground, through the rock, for the first 800 metres. The old Waal can however still be seen. In former times up to three “Waaler” watched over the channel, making sure the water never dried up. The alarm system is still in use today: a hammer attached to a waterwheel strikes a bell every time it turns. Should the bell stop sounding, this means the water has stopped flowing. The Waaler must then quickly identify the cause. He had a hut like this to shelter in at night and during thunderstorms.
Restaurants & inns
Eat & drink along the irrigation path
Marlengo/Marling
Restaurant Schönblick
open until 6:00 PM
Tuesday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday closed
Sunday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
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Marling
Cafè - Bistro Aqualis
closed
Tuesday closed
Wednesday closed
Thursday closed
Friday closed
Saturday closed
Sunday closed
Monday closed
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Marlengo/Marling
Jausenstation Larchwalderhof
closed
Tuesday closed
Wednesday closed
Thursday closed
Friday closed
Saturday closed
Sunday closed
Monday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Marlengo/Marling
Hotel Gasthof Waldschenke
closed
Tuesday closed
Wednesday closed
Thursday closed
Friday closed
Saturday closed
Sunday 8:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Monday 8:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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Marlengo/Marling
Gasthaus Waalheim
open until 6:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday closed
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Cermes/Tscherms
Haidenhof
closed
Tuesday closed
Wednesday closed
Thursday closed
Friday closed
Saturday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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