Sluderno Waalweg paths

From Merano to Sluderno with the Val Venosta railway and then hiking along the water channels into the Val di Mazia.

In the Val Venosta, farmers can’t do without the water channels (”Waale“), which irrigate their fields with the melt water of the glaciers in the Ötztal Alps.

After about an hour of travel on the Val Venosta railway, which offers beautiful views of this very special alpine valley and its villages, we arrive in Sluderno. From here, we hike steeply upwards heading towards Monte Sole and crossing Coira castle, one of the most beautiful castles in South Tyrol. Having passed the meadows around the Vernalhof farm above Sluderno, we finally reach the water channels.

The Waalweg path leads into the forested Val di Mazia. We cross the middle of the valley at the ravine of the stream which supplies the water channels in order to hike back to Sluderno on the Leiten Waalweg path at the other side of the valley. We pass Ganglegg, a prehistoric settlement of the Bronze and Iron Age, which can be visited. Arrived back in Sluderno, we visit the Val Venosta Museum. Finally, we take the train back to Merano.
Please note: Different from most other Waalweg paths, this hiking tour is particularly recommended in summer since it lies at an altitude of 1,000 metres.

Author: AT

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

Starting point: Sluderno (reachable by car or train)
Trail route: Sluderno Waalweg paths
Trail numbers: 18A, 20, 17, 18
Altitude difference: 350 metres
Length: approx. 7 km
Walking time: 2.5 hours
Suitable for families? Yes, but pay attention to the steep sections!
Experienced in: May 2007
More information: tourist board Sluderno, tel. +39 0473 615258