Mühlwaal Circular Trail – a walk along historic irrigation channels

The Mühlwaal circular walk follows a historic irrigation system that was fully restored in 2011 by the Partschins “Waaler”. The channel is fed by the Zielbach stream from the Ziel Valley and still serves to irrigate the apple orchards of Rabland. During winter, the Mühlwaal also plays an important role in providing water for fire-fighting.

This varied hike combines paths along water, shaded woodland sections and passages through the village. Especially on warm summer days, the flowing water provides a refreshing atmosphere, making the route ideal for families and for anyone looking for a relaxed and scenic walk.

Tour Start

Penultimate bus stop Birkenwald

Tour End

Partschins/Parcines

Birkenwald bus stop – Saltenstein – Waterfall Road – Farmer Mill – Partschins village centre – Pröfing Path – Mühlwaal – Texelbahn valley station – Winklerhof – suspension bridge – Partschins

The starting point of the hike is the Birkenwald bus stop. From here, the route descends gently towards Partschins, following a short stretch of paved road to the entrance of trail 1. After only a few steps, the soft sound of an old watercourse can be heard. After crossing a small stream, the path continues through shaded woodland to the well-known Saltenstein, a large boulder surrounded by local legends, reached after about 15 minutes of walking.

From the Saltenstein, the route follows Waterfall Road downhill for a short distance. After around 100 metres, the path turns left towards the Partschins irrigation channel trail. After a brief section on trail 1, the route reaches Waterfall Road again and continues downhill. After approximately ten minutes, the restored Farmer Mill is reached, a historic example of local milling tradition.

Waterfall Road then leads towards the centre of Partschins. At the retirement home, the route turns right into Sonnenberg Street and shortly afterwards left into Schlosser Lane, passing an old well. At the end of the lane, the path turns right into Peter Mitterhofer Street and then left into Mair am Ort Lane, where another historic well, the Stocker Fountain, can be found.

Following Pröfing Path, lined with old wayside crosses, the route reaches the restored Mühlwaal irrigation channel after about 400 metres. The path follows the channel along the Zielbach stream to the valley station of the Texelbahn cable car.

From here, trail 1 continues to the Winklerhof and the suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge, the route follows the Sonnenberg path and finally returns to the village centre of Partschins, where the hike comes to an end.

The starting points of our hiking tours can be reached comfortably and in an environmentally friendly way by bus and train. With the South Tyrol Guest Pass, all public transport throughout South Tyrol can be used free of charge – no need to search for parking. Tip: timetables and connections are available at www.suedtirolmobil.info.

Parking options in Partschins are limited. In order to protect the local natural area and support sustainable travel, we recommend using public transport. Thank you for helping to protect this area!

Timetable search: https://www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/