The hill Tartscher Bühel 

 

The hill Tartscher Bühel (1.077m) is a rock with mystic aura in the Upper Vinschgau Valley. It rises like a ball in the generally flat area of the Malser Haide. It is historically and botanically remarkable and offers a fantastic view.

Archaeologists have been interested in the hill since the 19th century because it is a historic centre in the Vinschgau. Probably once there was a settlement. Besides Romanesque coins and iron axes there was found a 2.500 years old deer's horn with an inscription. All these things verify that life has taken place here.

In the 11th century the Romanesque chapel St. Veith was built on the hill and its appearance is still the same today. With its ring wall and a single bush, both on this lonely hill, it is perfect for great pictures. In the interior of the chapel there aren't any art-treasures anymore.

Under the hill there is a military bunker installation from the 2nd World War. It was built between 1939 and 1942 but it has never been finished. It has several entrances, sleeping places and endless staircases. Most of the entrances are closed by bushes and trees.

From a botanic point of view the hill is also very interesting: like the sunny part of the Vinschgau between Partschins and Mals there are mostly Mediterranean undergrowths and grass.