A glacier mill is a spiral hollow form in the ice, which was formed on a glacier surface due to flowing meltwater. In the rear Passeier Valley, 20 glacier mills can be found, which vary in size. The largest glacier mill is between five and six meters deep and has a diameter of 10.5 meters. These exceptional natural phenomena were formed about 22,000 to 10,000 years ago, during the so-called Würm Ice Age, and are extremely interesting for glaciology.
Random Discovery
The glacier mills were actually discovered by accident, during drainage or dewatering work in the so-called "Wirts Mous". One of the 20 glacier mills is now accessible to the public, and the hike can be started in the village of Moos in Passeier.
Past the Stieber Waterfall
From there, you can reach the well-known Stieber Waterfall in a short time, where the water of the Pfeldererbach thunders and roars into the depths, a natural spectacle that should definitely be seen up close. Then it continues to the glacier mills, where one of the 20 mills can be approached, taking you on a journey back to the Würm Ice Age. If you continue hiking to the small chapel, a great panorama of the spectacular Stuller Waterfalls opens up just above the so-called Untermagdfeld-Hof, which plunge 112 and 230 meters into the depths on the other side of the valley, making them among the highest waterfalls in Europe. For those with more endurance, the tour can continue on the Passer Gorge Trail to the viewpoint, to enjoy the view of the Passer River from there.
Directions
From Merano, drive into the Passeier Valley towards Timmelsjoch or to Moos. If you prefer, you can also drive to Platt and start the hike from there.
Public Transportation
You can also reach the starting point with bus line 240, which runs from Merano to Platt.