The Waalweg Trail of Marling

The longest irrigation channels in South Tyrol

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.

Hiking suggestions

around the Marlinger Waalweg Trail

open

Hiking

Toward the Sun

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

open

Hiking

Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail

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

Circular Hike on the Marling Waalweg and Höhenweg Trails

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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.

Marling Waalweg, the longest of all the irrigation channel trails

open

Hiking

Marling Waalweg, the longest of all the irrigation channel trails

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

The Marlengo/Marling irrigation channel path

open

Hiking

The Marlengo/Marling irrigation channel path

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

open

Hiking

Easy Hike on Marling Waalweg Trail

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

open

Hiking

Marling Waalweg Trail to Töll

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

The history of the Waalweg of Marling

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.

Stop and enjoy along the Marlinger Waalweg

Experience local specialties and warm hospitality

Inn Schönblick open until 11/9/2025

closed

Jausenstation Larchwalderhof open until 6/30/2025

Hotel Gasthof Waldschenke open until 6/26/2025

Gasthaus Waalheim open until 7/6/2025

Haidenhof open until 11/16/2025

marling_marlengo Yesterday

✨ Wine. Music. Local flavors. And that special South Tyrolean vibe.
On May 29, the charming village of Marling turns into a wine lover’s paradise. 🍷🎶

Stroll along our WineCultureTrail, taste wines from local wineries, enjoy delicious food and live music – all in a unique atmosphere under the open sky.

🎟️ Free entry – just drop by and enjoy the evening!
📍 Marling | from 6 pm
🗓️ Save the date & bring your friends!

#WeinKulturFest #Marling #SouthTyrol #WineFestival #WineTasting #SouthTyrolWine #Südtirol #WineLovers #VinoAltoAdige #TravelSouthTyrol #FoodAndWine #LiveMusic #WineloversParadise #CulturalEvents #SpringInSouthTyrol

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marling_marlengo 4 days ago

The mild spring temperatures invite you to go outside, listen to the birds, take a leisurely walk and enjoy nature in all its beauty. 🌿☀️🐦

📸TV Marling- Damian Pertoll

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marling_marlengo 7 days ago

Cantina Merano Winery in Marling – tradition and quality 🍇🍷

Cantina Merano Winery is deeply rooted in our land. Tradition, landscape, and viticulture have always been closely linked in the Merano region. The foundation was laid in 1901 with just a few winegrowers. Today, after the merger of the Burggräfler Winery and the Cantina Merano Winery, we count 350 members.

Where does the harvest come from? The region – two contrasting wine regions 🏔️
The Merano area and the Vinschgau offer exciting contrasts. From the extreme alpine conditions in the Vinschgau, with large temperature fluctuations and steep vineyards, to the gentle, sun-kissed hills around Merano – the best grape varieties thrive here.

What makes the wine so special? 🍷✨
Quality in the vineyard, quality in the work, and quality in the glass – these are our highest priorities. The origin and provenance of the grapes must always be recognizable in the glass. The wine should stay true to its "roots" – it’s about transparency, character, and authenticity. Each bottle of Merano wine becomes a special experience.

What’s your favorite type of wine? 🍇🍷

📸 Kellerei Meran, Kellerei Meran_Helmut Rier, Terzer Armin

#marling #südtirol #meran #KellereiMeran #marlengo #altoadige #southtyrol

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marling_marlengo 12 days ago

Happy easter from the Marling Tourism Association! 🐰☀🌸
We wish you a joyful and relaxing easter, filled with wonderful moments with your loved ones! 🐰🌷
Good luck with your Easter egg hunt! 🥚🐣💛

#marling #südtirol #meran #frühling #marlengo #altoadige #southtyrol #appleblossoms #happyeaster

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marling_marlengo 14 days ago

Frost protection – safeguarding apple blossoms 🌸🍏

Low temperatures in spring can damage delicate apple blossoms and threaten the harvest. ❄️ The solution? Frost protection spraying! During cold snaps, blossoms are sprayed with water, which freezes into a layer of ice, protecting them from the frost. 🌱🍏 Thanks to this method, apple farmers can protect their crops and minimize frost damage. A fascinating natural phenomenon! 🌿🍎

📸IDM/Südtiroler Apfelkonsortium/Patrick Schwienbacher

#marling #südtirol #meran #südtirolerapfel #marlengo #altoadige #southtyrol #frostprotection #appleblossoms

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