Stoanerne Mandln above Vöran and Hafling

Recharge your batteries, gain clarity, unwind. Nowhere is this better than at a place of power. A hike to the legendary "Stoanernen Mandln" on the high plateau of Hafling-Vöran-Meran 2000.

The path climbs steadily up to the Auenjoch. A few more steps and you're there. The moment borders on magic. Mysterious stone figures tower up in front of us. More than 100 of them, randomly lined up, some small, others as tall as a man. The sight is incredible. And the view is incredible: the eye sweeps over a 360-degree-grandiose mountain backdrop. To the west the Ortler, the Texelgruppe and the Ifinger, to the north the Ötztal Alps, to the east the Dolomites. For at least 500 years, the Stoanerne Mandln have been standing here on the Hohe Reisch, the 2,000 m high hilltop on the Tschögglberg between the Etschtal and Sarntal valleys. To this day, there is still disagreement about how the mysterious stone formations came into being and what history underlies their creation.

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Mythology and witchcraft around the Stoanerne Mandln

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.

Characteristics of the Stoanerne Mandln in South Tyrol

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 tour to the Stoanernen Mandln

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.

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