von Zeit.los Magazin
07 July 2025
SUMMER
Bell Sound for Peace
The peace bell sounds imposing from its newly designed platform in Mösern, ringing for peace, friendship, and good neighborliness.
Right on time at 5:00 PM, it begins to move. Day after day. Majestically towering over everything, it invites those around to pause for a moment, listen to its impressive sound, and let their gaze wander into the distance. Indeed, the panoramic view of the Inn Valley is one of the most sublime that can be experienced 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
- Strike tone: f/0
Symbol of peace and community
The story and message of the Peace Bell
It doesn't take long before the three hundred kilogram heavy clapper touches the well-shaped bell body and a impressive first bell strike resonates. It can be heard far across the valley, echoing many kilometers away, the melodious peal "for peace and good neighborliness" rings out, reminding us of the often difficult path to peaceful coexistence, even in the Alps. The Peace Bell was originally dedicated in 1997 to commemorate the founding of ARGE ALP. The working group of Alpine countries was founded on October 12, 1972, by seven heads of government from the region in Mösern, and since that memorable place, the bell has daily proclaimed its message. As a Peace Bell, it symbolizes far more than a sonorous instrument. It stands for our longing for a harmonious, communal future. It is mainly due to the initiative of the former Tyrolean Governor Eduard Wallnöfer and the persistent efforts of the then Mayor of Telfs, Helmut Kopp, that the sounds of the Peace Bell still today usher in meditative calm and contemplative moments.
Redesign of the Peace Bell 2023
Over the years, however, the ravages of time have taken their toll on the old lady. Since autumn 2023, a new bell rings in a new location – just a few minutes' walk from the original site. Built under the leadership of the market municipality of Telfs, it found a new home with the support of the Seefeld Tourism Association, the Tyrol state, and other sponsors, and has since become a highlight in the former Menthof area in Mösern, just at the spot where Albrecht Dürer enjoyed the view in the 15th century and immortalized it in his self-portrait in 1498. It is no coincidence that on the hike to the bell, one follows part of the Albrecht Dürer Trail.
Within a few months, not only was the old bell melted down and recast by the experienced craftsmen of the Glockengießerei Grassmayr in Innsbruck from about 1.2 tons of molten bronze. A platform with stunning views and seating for relaxing has also been created. At a lake elevation of 1,300 meters, the gaze wanders over the Inn Valley, the greenish shimmering Inn, as well as the mountain panorama of the surrounding mountain ranges such as the Stubai and Lechtal Alps, the Mieminger Chain, and the Hohe Munde.
The Peace Bell remains one of the largest free-standing bells in the Alps and can be experienced up close here like hardly any other bell. The extensive hiking and biking network of the region offers several paths leading nearby – or even directly to it. The aptly named meditative Peace Hiking Trail runs from the info office in Mösern over seven spiritual stations in about 90 minutes through forests and meadows directly to the new viewing platform and opens perspectives that 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 cycling paths do not directly lead to the Peace Bell, it is worth planning a small detour.
Share