Hike to a natural dwelling cave with special stories near Steinegg
The dwelling cave "Mortner Gufl" is located on the old Steinegg cart path that once connected Steinegg with Kardaun and Bolzano. About 500 m from Mortner Farm towards Kardaun is a large, flat area, and above it hangs a thick stone slab, as if to offer the spot a protective roof. It is said that during World War I, a hermit, Mortner Hias, lived here. In this natural shelter, he even installed a farmer's stove and reinforced the area. The hermit wove baskets here. During World War II, this place was used as an air-raid shelter for the inhabitants of the nearby Mortner Farm. You can still discover and admire some wall remains today. In 1951, there was said to be a Marian apparition at this special place. An information board on site tells you about these extraordinary events at and in the dwelling cave "Mortner Gufl".
The return trip is on the same route, and you need about 1 hour and 40 minutes for the round trip.
Please note: There are no refreshment options along the entire outbound and return route. However, at the start and end point in Steinegg, you have various restaurants, cafés, and two village shops available.
From the car park at Cafè Christl, pass the Lex Market grocery store and always follow the hiking trail [2] / Rittersteig. Continuing along the Rittersteig, you pass Ebenhof until the turnoff to Mortner Farm. Here, go a short distance towards Mortner Farm and then immediately left to the dwelling cave "Mortner Gufl". Always follow the hiking trail [2]. The return trip is on the same path.
public transportation
The starting point of the route is easy and convenient to reach by public transport.
By public bus line: - 182 from Bolzano - 187 from Welschnofen - 180 from Karersee, Karerpass, Fassatal* - 184 from Obereggen, Eggen* - 181 from Weissenstein, Petersberg, Deutschnofen, Stenk* - 187 or 182 from Gummer *Change in Birchabruck to line 182
The starting point of the route is easy and convenient to reach by public transport.
By public bus line: - 182 from Bolzano - 187 from Welschnofen - 180 from Karersee, Karerpass, Fassatal* - 184 from Obereggen, Eggen* - 181 from Weissenstein, Petersberg, Deutschnofen, Stenk* - 187 or 182 from Gummer *Change in Birchabruck to line 182