Waalwege - paths along the water irrigation channels
Local farmers dug Waale or irrigation channels centuries ago to carry the water they needed for their fields, meadows and pasture-land. Water was diverted from high mountain streams, even those over the tree-line, into these little earth-lined channels and wooden water troughs called “Kandeln”. The clapping sound of the water wheels let the man responsible for seeing that all was kept in good working order, the “Waaler”, know when things were not quite right and it was his job to clear away dead leaves, branches or other rubbish which might block the flow. Well-maintained little paths followed along the water courses and were used by the Waaler as he went about his work. The area around Naturno is known for its exceptionally low rainfall and a whole system of Waale waterways necessary to ensure water for the surrounding countryside. These ancient, flat little paths are extremely popular with walkers and hikers nowadays.
The most beautiful Waalwege in and around Naturno
The Schnals / Tscharser Waalweg
(length - 10 km., walking time: 3.5 hours)
The path leads through coniferous woods on the right side of the valley starting from Altraheis in the Schnals valley before heading steeply upwards. Please note that walkers must be fit, sure footed and not suffer from dizziness. You should also enquire about the state of the path from your hotelier or at the local Tourist Authority Offices before leaving as the path may be dangerous after heavy rainfall! A longish downhill tract leads to the Juval Castle Buschenschank and then to Juval Castle where Reinhold Messner, the famous mountaineer and explorer lives. The castle museum houses Messner's rich collection of masks and exhibits from Tibet as well as a gallery of mountain paintings and is open to the public from 28.03 to the end of June and all of September and October. Walk on through birch woods to Tschards, Galsaun and Kastelbell to return past the Kofelgut winery.
Stabener Waalweg
(length: 2.5 km., walking time: approx. 1 hour)
The path starts from Gasthof Himmelreich in Tschars and meanders along the sides of the Sonnenberg mountain towards Staben. It passes the vineyards of the Unterortl winery on the Juvaler Burg hill where you can sample a glass of fine local wine towards the end of the walk (guided tour every second Thursday in the month, please book at the Tourist Office). The Juval Castle shuttle bus will take you back along the valley or you can walk on to Staben along path no. 1.
Latschanderwaalweg
(length: 6 km., walking time: 2.5 - 3 hours)
This path begins at the Weiler Tiss in the village of Goldrain and meanders along the sides of the Sonnenberg mountain above the river Etsch ravine to reach Kastelbell.
Partschinser Waalweg
(length: 5 km., walking time: approx. 2 hours)
The Partschinser Waalweg begins at Salten, with the mighty Saltenstein stone to the right, one hour's walk above the centre of Partschins, in the direction of the waterfall. It leads eastwards past Burgstall to finish at Gasthof Niedermair in the village of Vertigen.
Algunder Waalweg
(length: 5-6 km., walking time: approx 2 hours)
The almost flat, 5-6 km. long Algunder Waalweg is divided into two parts and boasts fine views of the Etsch valley. The western part starts at the car park of the Tollgraben bridge and leads through Oberplars and Mitterplars to Grabbach in the village of Algund. The eastern part begins from Grabbach and heads towards St. Magdalena at Gratsch where it joins up with the Tappeiner Promenade.
Marlinger Waalweg
(length: 13 km., walking time: approx. 3 - 3.5 hours)
The Marlinger Waalweg begins at Toll, where the waters of the river Etsch are diverted, and meanders its way along the sides of the Marlinger Berg above the villages of Forst, Marling and Tscherms past Lebensberg Castle. It finishes at the Raffeingraben near Lana where the water flows out into the Falschauer stream. There are many paths leading up and down from the path.
|
