Enzbirg viewpoint

The archaeological site of Enzbirg (from which the dialect form “Enzbirch” and the more recent variant “Trensbirg” are derived) lies at 1,273 m a.s.l. The site features large mounds of stones, which may be attributed to two concentric walls. The first encloses a central area of some 60 square metres, and around this was a second wall, about 200 metres long. As well as these two structures, in the northeastern corner it is possible to recognise the remains of a short defence wall, which once protected the ancient access.

Finds indicate that the site was frequented between the late Bronze Age, between the 12th/11th centuries BCE (Laugen-Melaun Culture) and the more recent Iron Age, between the 4th and 2nd century BCE (Fritzens-Sanzeno Culture). At a time when the entire Deutschnofen plateau was used solely for seasonal grazing, Enzbirg served as a defensive structure to control ancient transhumance routes, along which livestock was driven at the change of season. However, its original function has not yet been determined with certainty.