Wilder-Mann-Bühel

Wilder-Mann-Bühel is a small porphyry hill rising above the Monticolo Forest near Eppan an der Weinstraße - Appiano sulla Strada del Vino in South Tyrol. At just 643 metres above sea level it isn't really a peak, more a wooded knoll, but it has drawn hikers for generations thanks to its view and the legend behind its name.

How do you get there?

Most hikers start at the roundabout near St. Michael in Eppan, by the bus stop and former railway station on the town's bypass road. A narrow path runs between hedgerows before climbing gently through vineyards and orchards toward the Monticolo Forest. A wide forest track, marked with trails 1 and 1B, leads almost to the top; the final 200 metres turn into a steep, uneven climb. The route connects with the popular walk to the Monticolo Lakes, so many visitors combine both stops in a single outing.

What will you see?

At the summit you'll find stacked stone cairns, small stone circles and low walls left by earlier visitors, plus stone benches for a rest. From here the view opens across the Überetsch region and the Adige Valley, reaching as far as the Mendel ridge and the Texel Group — a payoff that makes the climb through the forest worthwhile.

The hill also has archaeological depth: the porphyry ridge was settled as far back as the younger Iron Age, with traces found from the middle Iron Age and even the late Bronze Age. The "Wild Man" name comes from a local legend about the hermit Peter Wöth (Weth) of Eppan, said to have crossed the Atlantic in search of gold, lived among Native Americans, and eventually returned home to live out his days as a hermit on this very hill.

When should you visit?

Spring through late autumn is the best window for the hike. The trail can also be walked in winter, but only when there's no snow, since the steep final stretch to the top isn't suited to icy or snow-covered ground. The hill is also popular with mountain bikers, who have their own dedicated route to the summit.

Who is this hike for?

It's a good pick for anyone wanting a short, rewarding walk close to central Eppan without committing to a full day in the mountains. The gentle climb through vineyards and forest works well for families with older children, and the only section that demands real attention is the steep, uneven final approach.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Wilder-Mann-Bühel? The hill stands at 643 metres above sea level, in the Monticolo Forest above Eppan an der Weinstraße - Appiano sulla Strada del Vino.

Where does the "Wild Man" name come from? It refers to a local legend about the hermit Peter Wöth of Eppan, who supposedly searched for gold in North America, lived among Native Americans, and later returned to settle as a hermit on this hill.

How long does the climb to the top take? The route starts at the roundabout near St. Michael in Eppan and runs through vineyards, orchards and the Monticolo Forest; the last 200 metres are steep and uneven, so allow extra time for that final stretch.

Can the hike be combined with the Monticolo Lakes? Yes — the trail to Wilder-Mann-Bühel links up with the well-known route to the Monticolo Lakes, so many visitors see both on the same trip.