The history of this irrigation channel is well known. It was built between 1737 and 1756. It was designed, co-sponsored and cared for by the monks of Cloisters Allerengelberg in Schnals, who owned an estate and some vineyards near Marlengo.
The greatest part of the finances, however, came from the farmers in Marlengo and the surrounding area. Even though they suffered under the burden of the high costs, the irrigation channel system paid off for them in the end.
Even today, the irrigation channel is still very important for watering large areas. In addition, it is also one of the important tourist attractions in the Merano region and, therefore, without doubt, one of the most beautiful hiking possibilities in South Tyrol. If you would like to walk along the entire irrigation channel system, you will have to start your hiking trip at the Töll. You will walk to Oberlana in about 3 to 4 hours from where you can return to the starting point of your trip either by bus or by any other means. For the less advanced hiker and also for those who love circular hiking routes, it is possible to walk along the middle part of the channel system, using Marlengo as a starting, as well as finishing point.

Description: From the centre of Marlengo (363 metres), follow the path marked no. 32, first passing some houses, then walking through orchards. In approximately 20 minutes, you will come to the irrigation channel road, which can be accessed near the Waldschenke (475 metres). The road will lead you on level ground and give you beautiful views of Marlengo and the southern Etsch Valley.
You will pass Gasthaus Waalheim, where you will cross the road (early descent to Marlengo possible). Then walk just above the village of Mitterterz (also here it is possible to leave the channel road). After some time you will come to a road leading to Castle Lebenberg. This is the end of this part of the road. From here, you descend and take the road to your left (Mitterterzerstrasse), which will lead you to Marlengo in about 45 minutes.

Difference in altitude: 112 metres

Total walking time: approx. 2 to 2.5 hours

Orientation and degree of difficulty: easy, without problems; roads and marked well.

Forest Adventure Trail Marlengo Irrigation Channel Road
Would you like to know more about the forest? Our new forest adventure trail was planned and designed according to scientific principles and built by the Regional Office for Forestry in Merano.

There are several adventure stations along the 2 km long trail, which promise an interesting and informative hiking trip with wonderful panoramic views along the beautiful Marlengo irrigation channel road. 

Information:
Tourist office Marling, Kirchplatz 5, 39020 MARLING
Tel. 0473 447147 – Fax 0473 221775
Internet: http://www.marling.info
E-Mail: mail@marling.info

The new nature and adventure path offers young and old many possibilities for recreation and relaxation. The round path covers two important nature and adventure areas: Playing and exercising with relaxation areas, adventure rope course, stations about forest, wood, nature and adventure worlds, and a forest auditorium for creative "forest artists". The adventure path can be reached within about 20 minutes from the village centre when walking in the direction of the irrigation channel and following the sign-posts of the "squirrel". The access to the adventure path is located at the car park above the Waldschenke Guesthouse at the Marling irrigation channel. The round path is about 1 km long and offers 23 nature and adventure stations easily accessible for the entire family. Since the path can be freely accessed, the community does not assume any liability.

For further information see: www.marling.info

To hike from farm to farm

This hiking trail leads you past several mountain farms. After leaving the Bergerstrasse trail, you will pass the farms of Inner-Holzmair and Ausser-Holzmair and eventually Senn am Egg [original meaning: dairyfarm on the corner]. This latter farm also serves food and drinks. However, the Marling High Mountain Trail runs not only past farms, but will also take you through a deciduous forest, orchards, meadows and mighty chestnut trees. The trail has a breathtaking view of all of the Burgraviate, the surrounding hills and mountains.

Route: From Marling (363 m above sea level) you follow the trail marked 33 first on Bergerstrasse, heading south-west past the “Waalheim Inn” to where the street bends above Halbweg. There you turn right and go on to the High Mountain Trail Marlinger Höhenweg (you cannot miss it – it is well signposted). The trail is only slightly hilly, and will lead you north, through the forests, meadows and past the farms. It ends at Senn am Egg, which is located 698 metres above sea level. From there, you can follow the trail marked 35 which will lead you back down to Marling.

Variation in altitude: approximately 420 metres
Hiking time: approximately 4–5 hours

Orientation and degree of difficulty: For hikers of average experience these well marked paths pose no difficulty.
For further information see: www.marling.info