Hike along the Sluderno Waalwege paths

Arriving by the colourful trains of the Val Venosta Railway at the railway station of Sluderno, we head up the Monte Sole on this May day. We hike past Coira Castle, one of South Tyrol's most impressive castles, and continue steeply uphill. After passing the meadows near the Vernalhof farm above Sluderno, we reach the Bergwaal, a traditional irrigation channel.

It leads into the forested Val di Mazia. Information boards about the forest and mountain pastures line the path. Where the channel is fed with water, in the gorge of the Rio Saldura, we cross the middle of the valley to walk back towards Sluderno along the Leitenwaal on the other side.

On our way, we pass Ganglegg, a seemingly inconspicuous shale hilltop. But appearances are deceptive: It is the most thoroughly researched and fortified hilltop settlement of the Bronze and Iron Ages in the Alpine region. Several reconstructed dwellings from different eras can be seen here. This is perfectly complemented by a visit to the VUSEUM - Venosta Valley Museum.

It provides deeper insights into the history of settlement here, particularly that of the Venostes, a Rhaetian culture of the Val Venosta valley. We certainly do not want to miss this once we have completed our three-hour round trip and returned to Sluderno. A shorter alternative for this hike - omitting Ganglegg - runs from Coira Castle to the Leitenwaal, Berkwaal and Griggwaal channels.

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Author: AT

Experienced: May 2007
Last updated: 2026

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