The "ice holes" of Eppan

The question is: How it is possible that on an altitude of about 500 m above sea level there are growing alpine roses, that icy air is blowing through chinks and that in consequence you have to put on a jacket also in summer?

The explanation is quite easy and little mysterious: The freezing air results from air circulation in the inside of the rocks. Warm air enters above and becomes colder in the inside, before it exits below with a temperature of 0 to 5° C.

Hike to the "ice holes"

The pleasant excursion starts in the centre of St. Michael near Eppan. You walk to Gleif church, then into the forests of Eppan. Half an hour later, you will arrive at the ice holes.