Latschander Waalweg path

An easy hiking tour in the lower Val Venosta, leading along the Latschander water channels from Laces to Ciardes.

From Merano, we reach the village of Laces by train. From the centre of Laces, we follow the main road towards west for about 10 minutes until we turn right into the Via Tiss and reach the beginning of the Latschander Waalweg trail, which will finally lead us to Castelbello and Ciardes.

The first section of the Waalweg path leads through the deciduous forest, parallel to the main road of the Val Venosta. Soon the path leads further away from the road and crosses stony sections and wooden bridges. Under us we see the Adige river running through a narrow ravine (called „Latschander“), the railway, the cycling path and the main road, while the above fruit orchards reach until Monte Tramontana. Having left the forest, the trail crosses the vineyards of the Val Venosta. Here, at 650 metres asl, the Riesling grape is grown.

The next section of the trail offers nice views of the village of Castelbello with its beautiful castle. Crossing an apple orchard, we reach the rio Colsano, where the Latschander Waalweg path ends. We continue our hiking tour on the Hochgalsaunweg (trail no. 3) to Ciardes. On a stony section, this trail leads quite steeply upwards for about 100 metres. Finally, after crossing some beautiful chestnut orchards, we reach the village of Ciardes and take the train back to Merano.

Author: AT

Please note: When you plan to do this hiking tour, please inform yourselves on the conditions of the trails!

[fett]Starting point: Laces
[fett]End point: Ciardes
[fett]Trail numbers: “Latschanderwaal“, “Hochgalsaunweg“, 3, 1A
[fett]Altitude difference: ascent 170 metres, descent 210 metres
[fett]Length: approx. 9.2 km
[fett]Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours
[fett]Suitable for families? Yes, but pay attention to the water and narrow sections!
[fett]Experienced in: October 2010
[fett]More information: tourist board Laces Martello, tel.: +39 0473 623109