The Meraner Waalrunde Circuit Trail runs along historic water channels (in German, Waale) leading around the Merano basin. This easy hike, accessible year round, combines eleven of these Waalwege trails in South Tyrol/Südtirol. The water channels once served as the means of irrigation to the fields, some dating as far back as the 12th century.
The starting point of the 80km Merano Waalrunde Circuit Trail is the hamlet of Tel/Töll, near the village of Parcines/Partschins. From there, the flat trail continues to Saltusio/Saltaus in Val Passiria/Passeiertal Valley. This circular trail also passes through Lana and Naturno/Naturns, from where it leads back to the starting point. Vineyards and apple orchards, along with pine, cypress, fir and larch trees line the waterways, which in South Tyrol only exist in Merano and Environs and in Val Venosta/Vinschgau Valley.
Castles, palaces and chapels along the way offer insights into the culture and history of the region, and traditional taverns invite hikers to pause for a well-deserved rest.