About this place
Brandis Waterfall is a 60-meter cascade situated in the municipality of Lana in South Tyrol, northern Italy, around 15 kilometers south of Merano. It is one of the most accessible natural highlights in the area, reached by a well-marked scenic trail suitable for all fitness levels.
How to Get There
The hike begins at the Gampen car park (Parcheggio Gampen) at the edge of Lana. The route follows the Brandis-Waalweg, a historic path running alongside a traditional South Tyrolean irrigation channel known as a Waal. The trail threads through apple orchards and vineyards, offering views of the Adige Valley (Etschtal) and surrounding peaks, and passes by the Lanegg monastery before entering a narrow gorge that leads directly to the waterfall. The round trip covers approximately 6 kilometers with around 200 meters of elevation gain. The path is wide and largely surfaced throughout.
What Will You Find There?
At this stretch the Waal channel runs underground — a distinctive piece of local engineering. The path above moves through the quintessential South Tyrolean landscape of orchards and vineyards framed by mountain ridges. At the waterfall itself, rocky walls form a tight canyon, and visitors can approach very closely to feel the cool mist on their face — a welcome relief on a warm summer afternoon.
When to Visit
The waterfall is at its most powerful in spring and early summer, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. The trail is open from spring through autumn. Summer is the busiest season; autumn turns the orchards golden and gives the walk a quieter, more reflective character. In winter the path can ice over and may be temporarily closed — check local conditions before heading out.
Who Is It For?
The Brandis Waterfall trail is classified as easy. No mountain experience or specialist footwear is needed. The broad, surfaced path makes it one of the few waterfall hikes in South Tyrol that is genuinely accessible with a pram or wheelchair. The route is consistently popular — it holds a 4.7/5 rating from over 30 reviews on AllTrails and regularly features among the top hikes near Lana.
Lana is a small municipality in the Adige Valley, surrounded by some of the most productive apple-growing land in Europe. The Waalweg network — a system of historic irrigation paths — is a defining feature of hiking culture around Merano, and the Brandis route is one of its finest examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Brandis Waterfall? The waterfall drops 60 meters.
Can I take a pram or wheelchair on the trail? Yes. The path is wide and surfaced, making it accessible with prams and wheelchairs.
Where should I park? The hike starts at the Gampen car park (Parcheggio Gampen) at the edge of Lana.
How long does the walk take? At a relaxed pace, the round trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
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