The circular hiking path in Longostagno shows you the Witches’ Ground known as “Hexenbödele” and two charming chapels
Image gallery: Longostagno
Longostagno is the easternmost district on the high plateau: It is a hamlet at almost 1,000 m a.s.l., which invites to leisurely hikes and cycle tours in every season. Here you are on the road from Longomoso to Monte di Mezzo, near some of the famous Earth Pyramids. Longostagno used to be much more famous in former times: No less than Emperor Frederick Barbarossa granted the village market rights in 1177. The St. Odile Parish Church was also mentioned for the first time in this year. It was the time when numerous emperors and pilgrims passed through here - the Isarco Gorge was not yet passable, the most important route to Rome led across the Renon.
The surrounding area has numerous recommendable spots to slow down. The "Plan der Hexen" (Witches' Ground) in the forest near Longostagno is said to have once been a meeting place for witches and magicians, today it is a popular place for a picnic. You can also visit two chapels of cultural-historical interest: St. Verena in Pietrarossa, where there was once a Celtic cult site, and St. Andreas in Antlas below Longostagno (Lengstein). Inside, the little church houses frescoes from around 1300. A three-hour circular hiking trail connects all these places.
Especially in autumn, the Chestnut Trail with its bright colours attracts hikers. It runs as a multi-day tour from Bolzano to the town of Bressanone. The highlight of the hikes at this time of year is an afternoon or evening in one of the Toerggele locations, which serve hearty South Tyrolean dishes and Toerggele specialities such as "Schlachtplatte", a meat platter, and sweet Krapfen.
