The stone cairns
Cairns are not actually something really particular in South Tyrol's mountains, the serve as direction and orientation signs in pathless country. But the cairns between the valleys of Sarntal and Etschtal are different, because they exist already since millennia. When we read the court protocol of the year 1540 a woman named Barbara Pachler was indicated to have participated at witches-dances and Satan-evocations. You see the place is really mysterious.
If you want to visit the cairns – in German called "Stoanmanndln" – you have to drive to Sarnthein and then to Hotel Auener Hof. Park your car there and hike on path 2 to Auener Alm mountain pasture and to Auenerjoch Pass. Here change path and take number 4 to reach your excursion destination. The ascent lasts only 1,5 hours and is very easy.
Images
From Jenesien to the stone men
Tourismusverein Jenesien
The stone cairns above Sarntal Valley are a famous destination for families.
Tourismusverein Sarntal - R. Lamprecht
Countless legends and tales about the stone cairns between Etschtal and Sarntal are told still today.
Tourismusverein Sarntal
The stone cairns between Etschtal and Sarntal are a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers.
Tourismusverein Sarntal - Alberto Campanile
The legendary stone cairns are a famous destination for excursions and can be reached from Sarntal or Jenesien.
Tourismusverein Sarntal - R. Lamprecht
The stone cairns on Mt. Hohe Reisch above Sarntal valley are a famous destiantion for hikers and mountain bikers.
Tourismusverein Sarntal - Alberto Campanile