Men of Stone "Stoanerne Mandln"

Hiking up to see the Stoanernen Mandln, which translates roughly to ‘Men of Stone’, is quite a popular excursion.

The stone men are located atop a remarkable knoll on Alpine pasture and tower at an elevation of 2,000 metres above the municipality of Tschögglberg mountain plateau, looking out over the Sarentino Alps. Human figures made of stone such as these can also be found in other parts of South Tyrol: they served as a landmark frequently or were simply built by shepherds to pass the time.

Prehistoric flint tools and stone carvings have been found at the Stoanernen Mandln, however, demonstrating that this stone knoll has served as a passage from the Adige Valley into the Sarentino Valley for millennia.

Mythology and Witchcraft:
Myriad tales are linked to this place. In early modern times, people believed witches met with the devil up there, celebrating wild festivals, changing the weather, and sending strong thunderstorms down into the valley.

Tip: Sunrise and sunset hikes.

Coming from both directions of the freeway Meran/Merano - Bolzano/Bozen (MEBO), take the exit of Meran Süd/Merano Sud and follow directions towards Meran first, to then turn right towards Hafling/Avelengo, follow the street to Vöran/Verano – the parking place LeNoir is located above Grüner Baum Restaurant and Das Stübele Restaurant.

With the bus until the bus stop "Sportplatz Vöran", follow the ways no. 16, 11, 23 and 23A until the Stone Men (3 hours - one way):

• Bus no. 204 "Hafling - Vöran - Mölten - Terlan - Bozen"
• Bus no. 225 "Meran - Hafling - Falzeben" (until Hafling Dorf, than change to busline no. 204)

You'll find the time table on the site: www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/

Parking area LeNoir near the festival ground in Vöran/Verano, on charge

Especially at sunrise the Stoanernen Mandln have a mystical atmosphere, and you will be rewarded with wonderful views of the Dolomites.