von Zeit.los Magazin
07 July 2025
SUMMER
Bells of Peace
The Peace Bell rings majestically from its newly designed platform in Mösern, echoing across the valley to signal peace, friendship, and good neighborliness.
Right at 17:00, it begins to toll. Day after day. Majestically towering above, it invites you to pause for a moment, listen to its impressive sound, and let your gaze wander across the vast landscape. In fact, the panoramic view into the Inn Valley is one of the most sublime sights you can enjoy from the high plateau.
Facts about the Peace Bell
- Weight of the bell (with clapper): 10.5 tons
- Weight of the clapper: 303 kilograms
- Diameter (at the opening): 2.5 meters
- Tone: f/0
Symbol of Peace and Community
The History and Message of the Peace Bell
It doesn't take long for the 300-kilogram clapper to strike the well-shaped bell body, producing an impressive first chime. Its resonant sound can be heard far across the valley, echoing for many kilometers with the harmonious ringing "for peace and good neighborliness," reminding us of the often challenging journey to peaceful coexistence, even in the Alps. The Peace Bell was originally dedicated in 1997 to commemorate the founding of ARGE ALP. The Alpine countries' working group was established on October 12, 1972, by seven regional heads of government in Mösern, and since that historic moment, the bell has announced its message daily from this very spot. As a peace bell, it represents far more than a melodic instrument. It stands for our longing for a harmonious, communal future. The initiative of the former Tyrolean Governor Eduard Wallnöfer and the persistent efforts of Telfs' then-mayor Helmut Kopp made it possible for the Peace Bell's sounds to continue to usher in moments of meditative calm and reflection to this day.
Redesign of the Peace Bell in 2023
Over the years, time has taken its toll on the old bell. Since autumn 2023, a new bell has been ringing from a new location — just a few minutes' walk from its original spot. Built under the leadership of the Municipality of Telfs, it found a new home with the support of the Seefeld Tourism Association, the Tyrolean government, and other sponsors. It now stands as a highlight on the former Menthof site in Mösern, precisely where Albrecht Dürer enjoyed the view in the 15th century and immortalized it in his self-portrait in 1498. It is no coincidence that the hike to the bell follows part of the Albrecht Dürer Path.
In just a few months, not only was the old bell melted down, but the skilled craftsmen of the Grassmayr bell foundry in Innsbruck cast a new one from about 1.2 tons of molten bronze. A platform with breathtaking views and seating for moments of quiet reflection has also been created. At an altitude of 1,300 meters, the panoramic view stretches over the Inn Valley, the greenish shimmering Inn River, and the mountain ranges of the surrounding peaks, such as the Stubai and Lechtal Alps, the Mieminger Chain, and the Hohe Munde.
The Peace Bell is still one of the largest free-standing bells in the Alpine region, offering a unique close-up experience that few other bells can provide. Several paths in the region’s vast hiking and biking network lead to or near it. The aptly named Peace Hiking Trail takes you from the Mösern Information Office, through seven spiritual stations, on a 90-minute journey through forests and meadows to the new viewing platform, offering perspectives only the high plateau can provide.
Steps of Peace
Hikes in the region that pass by the Peace Bell:
Some bike tours also lead near the bell, and even if the official bike paths don't take you directly to the Peace Bell, it's worth planning a small detour.
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