The

Walking along the ancient irrigation channels near Partschins

Waalweg is the German name for the paths alongside the water channels formerly used to irrigate the fields in the valley. These ancient trails along the gentle slopes have been adapted into popular pathways for leisurely walks, especially popular with families in recent years.

The history and tradition of the Waalwege - paths which follow the farmers’ irrigation channels

The Vinschgau valley and the entire Meran area get very little rainfall, an average of only 500 mm. per year, in fact, and the strong sunshine quickly dries the countryside, especially that of the Sonnenberg mountain. This is why local farmers have built so many water-irrigation channels over the years as the only option of taking the essential water to their fields, meadows and fruit orchards. The word “Waal” comes from the Celtic word “bual”, which relates to the Roman word “aquale”.

The Waalweg paths along the slopes in the Meran area and in the Vinschgau valley are, without doubt, the most popular walks in the whole region. Years ago, these flat, narrow paths were only used by the “Waaler”, the men employed to guard, patrol and maintain the water channels. The Waaler cleaned the channels and ensured that water reached the different fields for the right amount of time. They opened and closed the wooden sluice gate shutters to control the flow of the water as necessary and looked after the small water-wheels. These wheels each have a hammer which clink as the water passes so that the Waaler know that everything is all right as long as he hears the hammer striking as it should. The irrigation water flows through a main channel into side channels which lead off in different directions and a farmer’s fields are watered at certain times according to previous agreement. A meadow on the Sonnenberg mountain would be virtually worthless if irrigation was not available. Water from the main Waale channels and side channels ends up in the river or in one of the numerous valleys streams.

Along a still functioning irrigation channel above the center of Partschins, the Partschinser Waalweg trail leads past religious sites with spectacular views overlooking the Meran basin. The Rablander Waalweg trail shows how important the old irrigation channels were to agriculture in bygone days.