Three Open-Air Cinemas Along Knottnkino³ Theme Path

The Knottnkino3 trail has been opened to connect three red porphyry rocks of Vöran/Verano that have beautiful panorama like a movie, capable of telling stories. The three landmarks, Rotstein, Beimstein, and Timpfler Knott, seemed to be open-air cinemas for the 'film'.

Top view of Rotstein Knott. (Image courtesy of Oliver Jaist)

However, before these three existed, in 2000 the artist Franz Messner (1952-2017) had already planted an outdoor cinema in the most impressive vantage point which is also the location of Rotstein Knott. Franz Messner's Knottnkino provides a row of handmade folding theater chairs that can wow visitors with endless natural views, both below and above.

View from Rotstein Knott. (Image courtesy of Oliver Jaist)

A network of thin lines, the 'wind rose', which is in Rotstein Knott. (Image courtesy of Oliver Jaist)

A few years later, in May 2019, east of Knottnkino was built a resting place in the form of an amphitheater. Architects Verena and David Messner who designed the site deliberately cut the red porphyry stone in a circle to offer spectacular mountain views. To complement it, there is a barely perceptible 'wind rose' - a network of thin lines on the rock composed by designer Antoinette Bader, which conveys a message about the interaction between art and nature.

From Rotstein Knott, down to the Weberhof farm on the Schützenbründlweg line, there is an 'Attimo' installation. This new nature cinema at Beimstein Knott presents a different experience because there are rows of five chairs that represent imaginary chairlifts. From the chairs, climbers can enjoy the stunning views of the village of Vöran.

The 'Attimo' installation at Beimstein Knott. (Image courtesy of Oliver Jaist)

An imaginary chairlift. (Image courtesy of Oliver Jaist)

Next, before the last stop of the hiking trail, there is a rest area with an equally beautiful panorama at Timpfler Knott. At this point, the seating arrangement begins with the direct excavation of the porphyry stone to form a viewing platform. Interestingly, this peaceful place near Verano has an enigmatic sculpture that never fails to surprise visitors. The sculpture by artist Michael Fliri looks like two gloved hands intertwined on a stick and projects a shadow resembling a wolf on the ground, which moves with the changing position of the sun.

Rest area in Timpfler Knott with its enigmatic sculpture. (Image courtesy of Oliver Jaist)

The sculpture resembles the braid of two hands and the head of a wolf at the same time. (Image courtesy of Oliver Jaist)

After visiting the three outdoor cinemas along the Knottnkino3, people will realize that a long journey can be enjoyable if you take it easy and enjoy the surrounding scenery. That's the goal of Rotstein, Beimstein, and Timpfler Knott, artistically designed resting places.

Timpfler Knott's visitor joins in on shadow play as the sculpture does. (Image courtesy of Oliver Jaist)