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Goldbichl

One of the most important archaeological sites in Tyrol, Goldbichl is a 1064 m tall hill which was used as a place of worship in the Bronze Age. The oldest finds at the site are flint arrowheads from the Neolithic period, originating from Verona, and proving that long distance trade was possible in that era. The hill gained importance in the Bronze age, 4 millennia ago, when sacrificial fires were lighted on altars made of clay and stone, which were visible from afar in the Stubai Valley looking out over the deforested hill. Remains of residences and gardens were found on the northern side of the hill, built on terraces separated from the religious sites by ramparts. The terraces are still recognizable today, although the hill has been reforested since Roman times. Interestingly, the grave of a young woman, buried here after her cremation, has been uncovered. The grave made news headlines because of the numerous ceramic artifacts and other funerary objects found along the scorched skeleton. The location of her grave suggests she might have been a priestess. The Bronze Age site existed until the 16th century BC. In the Iron Age, around 600 BC, the site found renewed interest and underwent expansion with fortifications such as walls and palisades. Evidence suggests that the site became the center of a settlement, and sporting competitions were organized around the sacrificial fires. Goldbichl remained important until the Alps were conquered by the Romans between 100 and 15 BC, and all the heathen facilities were destroyed. The site can be visited, and in 2006 an archaeological trail was constructed which leads up to the summit from the northeastern side, ca. 15-min walk.

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Igls, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.