The so-called Waale are very old man-made water channels, still used in many places to irrigate fields and meadows.
They are diverted from the main stream or river and lead gradually down across the mountainsides. Along their course, the water can be diverted to various plots of land by means of mini sluice gates. A special regulation called the "Waalordnung" determines which farmer is entitled to how much water and it is administered by a person appointed by the farmers. As an irrigation system these water channels are still very much up-to-date and are of considerable economic importance. The narrow pathways leading alongside these streams are an irresistible invitation to relax and take photographs. It is impossible here to descirbe all the 50 water channel pathways, but we have selected some of the most attractive.