A remarkable witness from long ago is the castle chapel in the southern part of Hocheppan Castle, the so-called “Sistine Chapel of the Alps.” Consecrated as early as 1131, both its architecture and its frescoes are almost completely and very well preserved. The Romanesque wall paintings from the 13th century depict typical motifs from the time of the castle’s founding, including a hunting scene and the famous “dumpling eater.” There are also scenes from the life of Jesus and the Apostles, considered among the best-preserved frescoes in Tyrol. Their present splendor is thanks to the uncovering in 1926, as they had been painted over for centuries.

The chapel still preserves some original architectural features, such as rounded arches and stone columns, offering insights into the religious art and construction techniques of the Middle Ages. Originally, it served the private devotion of the castle’s lordly family, but it also reflects the strategic importance of the castle as a fortified complex. Today, the chapel is not only a testimony to medieval architecture but also a popular destination for visitors interested in the history, art, and culture of South Tyrol.

• March 28 – May: Thursday to Sunday
• June & July: Friday to Sunday (Thursday by request)
• August: Thursday to Monday
• September – November 8: Thursday to Tuesday

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

• €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

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.

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.

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.

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.