Golden Autumn
A blaze of colours, Törggelen, and pleasure hiking – experience the magic of autumn in the Ahrntal Valley.
When the days grow shorter again, our valley is bathed in a fantastic light that would delight any impressionist painter. The forests come alive in a play of colours, the sky is mostly wonderfully clear, and the sun creates fascinating contrasts. Head out on a mountain tour now and you'll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views. Since it’s no longer so hot, you can enjoy full-day hikes and summit routes that would only be manageable early in the morning during summer. Add to that our folk festivals and vibrant traditions, and autumn in the Ahrntal Valley becomes an unforgettable experience.
Autumnal Cattle Drives and Traditional Festivals
Why not combine your hiking excursions with a visit to one of our autumn festivals? There are plenty of great reasons to celebrate. Just imagine: in the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley, around 164 alpine pastures are managed at elevations between 1,800 and 2,200 metres. In June, farmers drive their animals up to the pastures, where they find an abundance of lush grass. From early October until All Saints’ Day, the livestock is brought back down into the valley stables. During the festive cattle drive, the animals are adorned with bells and ornate garlands. With a joyful shout, the return to the farm begins. Along the way, bystanders are treated to traditional pastries and schnapps on the alpine huts. In addition, we celebrate our farmers’ and craft markets, the St. Martin's Market, and many other folk festivals with music and South Tyrolean delicacies – to which you are warmly invited.
Enjoy Törggelen in the Ahrntal Valley
And then there’s a tradition in autumn that has become famous far beyond South Tyrol: Törggelen. This time of culinary enjoyment and conviviality is not to be missed. Originally linked to the grape harvest in the Eisack Valley, Törggelen is now celebrated in many other regions – including, of course, the Ahrntal Valley. During this time, our hosts and local farmers serve South Tyrolean specialities such as Speck, dumplings, homemade sausages, sweet pastries, and hearty meat platters. Roasted chestnuts and a fresh local wine are, naturally, part of the feast.
