10 km
Distance
3–4 hours
Duration
+450 m
Elevation gain
Moderate
Difficulty
June–October
Season
A classic Val Sarentino climb to the 2,003 metres of the Stoanerne Mandln, the stone men: dozens of stacked cairns on a rounded summit, in a place thick with old legends.
The Stone Men — Stoanerne Mandln in German — are one of the most striking hiking destinations in South Tyrol. They stand on Monte Schöneck, at around 2,003 metres, between the Val Sarentino and the Salto plateau: more than a hundred cairns of piled stones, some almost as tall as a person.
Popular tradition ties the place to a meeting ground of witches and demons, with the legend of the witch Pachlerzottl. Whatever the more prosaic origin, the result is one of the widest panoramas in the area: from the summit you can see the Dolomites — Catinaccio, Sciliar, Sella — the Sarentine Alps and, on clear days, the Bolzano basin and the Ortles.
Highlights
The cairns
Who built them, and when, is not clear: most likely generations of shepherds and travellers, over centuries. Their number and the way they are arranged across the summit are what make the place unique in the region.
The view from the top
A full-circle panorama over the Dolomites, the Sarentine Alps and, on the clearest days, as far as the Ortles.
Getting there
The starting point is the Sarner Skihütte. If you are staying nearby, a car transfer from your hotel to the trailhead is included.
Good to know
The height gain calls for a minimum of fitness, but there are no technical sections.
Routes may change according to trail and weather conditions.
The route, stage by stage
-
From the Sarner Skihütte towards the summit
Waymarked path
From the hut we take the path towards Monte Schöneck, climbing at a steady gradient through the forest.
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Among the Stone Men
2,003 m
The final stretch leaves the forest and climbs among the first cairns, growing denser towards the top.
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On the summit of Monte Schöneck
2,003 m
Summit at 2,003 metres, with views over the Dolomites and the Sarentine Alps. The return follows the same route.
Stops and refreshments
- Sarner Skihütte
- At the start and finish of the hike.
What to bring
Day hikes- Hiking boots with a lugged sole
- Trekking poles
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- A warm spare layer
- Water, at least 1.5 litres per person
- Hat, sunglasses and sun cream
