Stoanerne Mandln above Vöran and Hafling

According to popular myth, witches met here in the Middle Ages to influence the weather and cause mischief with the help of the devil. In fact, court records from the 16th century prove that people danced and celebrated between the cairns on the Hohe Reisch. The stone figures were supposedly shepherds and wanderers who had dared to disturb the witches in their rites and were therefore turned to stone. At least this is what we can gather from the confession that the "witch" Barbara Pachler - better known as "Pacherzottl" - made under torture in 1540 before she was burned at the stake for alleged diabolical activities. The fate of the poor peasant woman from the Sarntal valley is still inseparably interwoven with the myths and legends surrounding the Stoanerne Mandln.

Such stone men can also be found in other parts of South Tyrol. They often served as orientation aids or were built by shepherds to pass the time. But only here, above the Tschögglberg communities, is such an accumulation of the small stone pyramids to be found. Some even contain prehistoric features. For example, prehistoric flint tools and stone engravings were found at the Stoanernen Mandln on the Tschögglberg. Be that as it may, the mystery surrounding the origin of the stone figures on the Hohe Reisch will probably remain unsolved for some time to come. What is certain is that this legendary place is a uniquely beautiful excursion destination that can be hiked from Vöran (starting point: car park above Gasthof Grüner Baum) in an extremely rewarding three-hour mountain tour. Coupled with the breathtaking view, the hike becomes an unforgettable highlight. In summer as well as in winter.

Sunrise on the mountain is an experience in itself. Especially when you experience it at a place of power like the Stoanernen Mandln, between mystical stone figures and the fantastic panoramic view of the mountains. The first metres in altitude are covered by the shuttle bus (from Hafling and Vöran), followed by the ascent accompanied by the hiking guide. The perfect end to the early morning adventure: a delicious breakfast on the alpine pasture.