The longest Waalweg path in South Tyrol is located near Marlengo and is a particularly rewarding destination in spring
Image gallery: Hike along the Marlengo Waalweg path
The Waale are artificial irrigation channels that bring water from the mountains to dry fields. A narrow path, the Waalweg, usually runs alongside them and serves to inspect and maintain the channels. Today, these paths have become popular hiking trails - including the Marlengo (Marling) Waalweg, which at 12 kilometres in length is the longest in South Tyrol.
The irrigation channel was built around 250 years ago. It was originally open, and it largely remains so today. Our hike begins at Tel near Parcines, where the water from the Adige River is diverted. The Marlengo Waalweg path then runs along the slopes of the Marlengo mountain above the villages of Foresta, Marlengo and Cermes and ends in the Via Raffein road in Lana.
It winds its way almost on the flat through meadows, orchards and vineyards, passing various places to stop for refreshments. A detour to Monteleone Castle - an imposing 13th-century castle near Cermes - is also well worth it! The rather shaded Marlengo Waalweg path is a popular excursion for the whole family, especially in spring and autumn.
A two-kilometre section is marked as the "Eichhörnchenweg Marling": It's the Marlengo Squirrel Trail where you can learn interesting facts about the forest habitat, experience the sound of different types of rock and feel the annual rings of a chestnut tree. After more than three hours, we finally reach Lana di Sopra and take the bus back to Tel, the starting point of our hike.
Author: AT
Experienced: April 2013
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- hydroelectric power station of Tel (521 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 03:15 h
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- Total route length:
- 10,8 km
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- Altitude:
- from 314 m to 521 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +10 m | -220 m
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- Signposts:
- no. 29, "Marlinger Waalweg", "Eichhörnchenweg Marling"
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- Destination:
- Via Raffein road in Lana di Sopra
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- Resting points:
- Grill Enzian, Waldea restaurant (Waldschenke), Waalheim tavern (all of them in Marlengo), Traudis Imbisstube, Leitenschenke inn (both in Cermes), Oberbrunn farm tavern, Glögglkeller (both in Lana)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike along the Marlengo Waalweg path
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks or stops. The dates apply to the walk along the Waalweg path from Tel to Lana - the return journey is by bus (lines 211 and 213, changing at Merano, 46 minutes). It is also possible to walk only part of the Waalweg path (access points at Cermes and Marlengo).
If you want to undertake this hike, we recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this hike!
