Hocheppan Castle

After a short hike through the mixed forest up to Hocheppan Castle, visitors are rewarded with a unique panorama: high above the South Tyrolean capital Bolzano rises the region’s most famous mountain group, the Sciliar massif, and the legendary Rosengarten. Looking further across the land, the Ötztal Alps can be seen to the north and the Lagorai range in Trentino to the south.

History:
The castle was built by Count Ulrich II around 1130 and was already one of the most powerful in the region. In 1158 it was destroyed but rebuilt shortly afterward. In 1315 it was handed over to the Tyrolean rulers and has changed owners several times since. Since 2019, Hocheppan Castle has been owned by the municipality of Eppan. Among the numerous preserved castles in South Tyrol, Hocheppan is undoubtedly one of the most impressive due to its exceptional location.

Architecture and Features:
Hocheppan Castle combines natural beauty with the romantic charm of a medieval castle. Particularly striking is the pentagonal keep, partially dating back to the 16th century. The artistic highlight is the castle chapel with its cycle of frescoes.

Art-Historical Guided Tours:
Hocheppan Castle and its chapel can be visited with guided tours every 30 minutes from 11:00 to 16:30 on the following days:
• March 28 – May: Thursday to Sunday
• June & July: Friday to Sunday (Thursday by request)
• August: Thursday to Monday
• September – November 8: Thursday to Tuesday

At the following times:
• On the hour: Castle tour
• On the half hour: Art-historical chapel tour

Note: The castle is closed from June 22 to June 28. Tours also take place on April 6, May 25, June 4, and July 22.

Special tours for larger groups or outside these times are available on request. Tours are conducted in German, Italian, and English.

For more information: Eppan Tourism Association, info@eppan.com, +39 0471 662206.

Fees:

• €6.00 € adults
• €5.00 € seniors aged 65+, students, persons with disabilities
• €5.00 € groups (from 15 persons)
• €5.00 € kids (6-14 years)
• €2.50 € school classes
• €16.00 € family ticket

Hocheppan Archery Course:
The archery course next to the castle offers visitors excitement and a medieval atmosphere while “hunting” with bow and arrow. The full course takes about 3 hours. Equipment can be rented on site.

Castle Tavern:
For culinary enjoyment, Anni and Lisa spoil visitors with traditional specialties in the medieval setting of the castle courtyard. Reservations: +39 333 669 8212.

By public transport:

• From Bolzano train station: Bus 131 from Bolzano bus station to Eppan (get off at “Frangart, Pillhof” or “St. Michael, station”), then Citybus 135.2 to “Missianer Weg”.
• From Merano train station: Train to Sigmundskron, then Bus 132 to Eppan (get off at “Frangart, Pillhof” or “St. Michael, station”), then Citybus 135.2 to “Missianer Weg”.
• From Caldaro station: Bus 132 to “St. Michael, station” or “Frangart, Pillhof”, then Citybus 135.2 to “Missianer Weg”.

From “Missianer Weg” stop, about a 50-minute walk to the castle.

By car:
The Brenner motorway A22 takes you directly to holiday destination Südtirols Süden. Take the Bolzano South exit and continue on the Merano–Bolzano expressway (MEBO) to the Eppan exit. At the first junction, turn towards Unterrain, then after a few hundred meters left to Missian. Parking is available below St. Apollonia’s Church in Missian (approx. 60-minute walk) or directly at the Schloss Hotel Korb; from there, the castle is about a 45-minute walk away.

Shuttle Service:
A paid shuttle service to the castle is available on request. Info: niedermayrernst@gmail.com, +39 338 587 95 45.

Castle Parking: Large paid parking near Schloss Korb. Not suitable for large buses. Address: Hocheppanerweg 16, Missian.

Missian: Parking for cars and larger buses below the St. Apollonia church. Address: Hubertfeld-Weg 20, Missian.

Hocheppan Castle is easily accessible by public transport:

• From Bolzano train station: Bus 131 from Bolzano bus station to Eppan (get off at “Frangart, Pillhof” or “St. Michael, station”), then Citybus 135.2 to “Missianer Weg”.
• From Merano train station: Train to Sigmundskron, then Bus 132 to Eppan (get off at “Frangart, Pillhof” or “St. Michael, station”), then Citybus 135.2 to “Missianer Weg”.
• From Caldaro station: Bus 132 to “St. Michael, station” or “Frangart, Pillhof”, then Citybus 135.2 to “Missianer Weg”.

From “Missianer Weg” stop, about a 50-minute walk to the castle.