Sarntal: Churches, Kränzelstein Tower and the Horseshoe Tour

In Sarntal, you can make cultural history and a multi-stage mountain tour different focal points of your trip planning. In Sarnthein, several churches and Kränzelstein Tower reflect different histories of construction and use; the Rohrerhaus adds insights into an old farmhouse. The classic Horseshoe Tour offers a distinct hiking focus: it starts from Sarnthein and heads into the eastern Sarntal Alps. This means you can decide while planning whether you are particularly interested in historic buildings, the museum, the farmers’ market or a longer tour.

Churches and towers in Sarnthein

The parish church of the Assumption of Mary, formerly known as the Marienkirche, is in Sarnthein and was first mentioned in 1309. Its church tower is the oldest structure and was built in the 14th century. The year 1309 marks the first mention of the church; the 14th-century date, by contrast, refers to the construction of the tower. These two points in time help distinguish the early history of the church from the construction history of its tower.

Kränzelstein Tower also combines historical context with visitor information. It was built in the 13th century, probably as a residence for the ministeriales of the Counts of Eppan. Following renovation, it has been open to visitors since 2022; visiting conditions may vary by season. Its presumed former function forms part of the tower’s historical context, while its opening since the renovation provides a separate point of reference for planning your trip.

The small Church of St Cyprian offers another point of comparison in time: it was first mentioned around 1328 and converted to the Gothic style in the mid-15th century. Well-preserved old frescoes add to its history. The first mention and the conversion describe different stages: the former refers to the church’s early mention, while the latter refers to a later change in the Gothic style.

The Rohrerhaus and its historic features

The Rohrerhaus in Sarnthein is an old farmhouse that has been converted into a museum. It has an old smoke kitchen and a bread oven. This means that, alongside the house itself, two specific features are in focus: the smoke kitchen and the oven, whose name already indicates its use for baking bread. The museum thus offers a different way to explore local history from the churches and towers, which are chiefly notable for their construction dates and historical context. The seasonal opening period is given as mid-June to the end of October; check the specific dates before your trip.

Plan for the Horseshoe Tour and farmers’ market

The classic Horseshoe Tour starts from Sarnthein and heads into the eastern Sarntal Alps, covering seven or eight stages. The number of stages helps put the scale of the tour into perspective: it is a multi-part hike, not a short walk. If you choose this focus, you can therefore treat it as a distinct part of your trip planning. The number of stages does not indicate the duration of any single day.

A farmers’ market is held every Saturday in the church square in Sarnthein. Check the dates around public holidays. The possible focuses for your trip therefore differ considerably: the historic buildings and the Rohrerhaus draw attention to local history, while the Horseshoe Tour is a multi-day hike and the weekly market takes place on a specific Saturday. When choosing where to stay in Sarntal, you can consider which of these activities you would like to spend time on during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kastelruth, Eggen, Lengstein, Karersee, Karneid, Mölten, Ritten, Tiers

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