Mystical Places in South Tyrol: “Inselberge im Sterzinger Moos“

One of the total four inselbergs is the so-called Vogelbühel, a retreat where one can find peace and relaxation. On the other hand, the Hill of Reifenstein is a very historical place, archaeologists are often drawn to the Kronbühel or Custozzabühel, while the Thumburger Bichl appears extremely wild.

Until about 150 years ago, the area was quite feared, as one had to pass through the marshland to cross the Alps. Therefore, it is not surprising that myths of sleeping dragons or banished maidens have arisen here. The Vogelbühel, which has a relatively flat summit terrace, was inhabited more than 3000 years ago, but today only pottery shards remind us of this settlement. Tree coffins dating from Late Antiquity were also discovered in the moor below San Zeno. The place where the church is found may also have been a sacred site in the past, as cup-marked stones have been found around the church, carved into the rocks.

From Sterzing, one can take a hike around the Sterzinger Moos and discover various sights: the small church of St. Zeno, Reifenstein Castle, the pilgrimage church of Maria Trens, Sprechenstein Castle, and the Grante-Moos biotope.

Astrid Amico and Martin Ruepp: Mystical Places in South Tyrol. With an introduction to the magic of power places and numerous hiking tips to many high plateaus and viewpoints. 328 pages with more than 200 color photos.