Lagundo Waalweg Path - Easy family hike near Merano

Our kids spent almost the entire hike chasing a leaf floating in the water – not once did they complain about being tired or ask to be carried.
The trail follows the historic Waalweg (irrigation channel) almost to the end, with little bridges, steps, and even small stands offering homemade elderflower or apple juice for a small fee.

The route is wonderfully varied: it passes through a tunnel, alongside orchards, shady stretches of forest – and ends with a narrow suspension bridge.
The starting point is in Lagundo, where you’ll find a dedicated parking lot at the western entrance to the trail. Right at the beginning there’s a lovely Kneipp water-treading area – tip: save it for the return trip, as the kids will likely get wet!

The path is mostly flat and winds through apple orchards and woodlands, with stunning views along the way. It takes around 1.5 hours one way to reach Merano. If you don’t want to walk the whole way, you can turn back at any point – or return by bus from Merano.

If you’re hungry, Restaurant Leiter am Waal is a great lunch stop – a bit more upscale, but very family-friendly, with kids’ dishes and outdoor seating (reservation recommended).

The trail is suitable for strollers, though some forest sections can be a bit bumpy. It’s not recommended for double strollers, as some parts are quite narrow.
We love this hike especially in spring and autumn – in midsummer it can get quite hot. Since the Lagundo Waalweg is popular, it’s worth starting early to enjoy the peaceful scenery.