Top Events

Every year in Spring, Brixen is the venue for the Water Light Festival. From 24 April to 12 May, the sixth edition of the Water Light Festival will take place at nightfall in the town of Brixen and during the day in the Neustift monastery (until 29th of June 2024). Once again, this year, artists from all over the world will bring their creative ideas to South Tyrol. The Water Light Festival combines light art, contemporary art and environmental awareness. The aim is to create awareness and sensitivity and to encourage reflection. The installations combine creativity, visual illusions, lyrical elements and stimulate reflection. The focus is on the elements of water and light. Further information: www.waterlight.it Ticketing & opening hours The Brixen Water Light Festival can be visited free of charge from 21:00-00:00 during the 19 festival days. A ticket is required for three extraordinary light art installations in the city. The Neustift Monastery sites are accessible during the day with normal museum admission. • Brixen 21-00 h • Neustift: 10-17 h (last admission at 16:15 h)

From game to game: Galloping into the Middle Ages is every spring the returning motto in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm. After the start at the Trostburg Castel in Waidbruck/Ponte Gardena the tournament goes on with four stages: at the Kofel/Mount Calvary in Kastelruth takes place the traditional ring jousting. The second game, the labyrinth, is on program at the Matzlbödele in Seis.The third of four stages takes place at the Völser Weiher lake with its gallop. The tournament concludes with the game at Prösels Castle, the ride through posts. Program on Friday, May 24 From 16:00 Beginning of the village festival in Seis am Schlern Program on Saturday, May 25 From 14:30 Big opening parade in the village center of Seis am Schlern From 15:30 Opening ceremony and start of the festival at the village square, followed by concerts of different bands and live music Program on Sunday, May 26 7:00 am - Start of the "40th Oswald von Wolkenstein Ride" at the medieval Trostburg in Waidbruck 9:30 am - 1st tournament game: "Ringstechen" at the Kofel in Kastelruth 11:00 a.m. - 2nd tournament game: "Labyrinth" at Matzlbödele in Siusi allo Sciliar 12:40 p.m. - 3rd tournament game: "Obstacle gallop" at the Völser Weiher in Völs am Schlern 2:20 p.m. - 4th tournament game: "Tor-Ritt" Heinz "Bummi" Tschugguel at Prösels Castle, followed by the award ceremony and closing party. Entrance Price: 15,00€

On Friday, May 31st, 2024 wein.kaltern will be presenting some of the very best 2022 Kalterersee wines and other red wines at an outdoor event on the Marktplatz main village square. Fresh, fruitly, and lightly chilled... this lively event is enhandced with music and traditional, local specialties from the kitchen. Date: Friday, May 31st, 2024. For further information please visit the website www.wein.kaltern.com

Welcome to the international Street Art Festival in Meran. Come & join us at the most exciting event of the year “ASFALTART”. The town center then turns into an open-air stage for clowns, trapeze artists, musicians and fire breathers. The 2024 festival comprises a handicraft market and a gastronomy stall on the Passer Promenade. Further details can be found under info@asfaltart.it and/or www.asfaltart.it.

All four Dolomite passes around the Sella massif (Passo Gardena, Passo Campolongo, Passo Pordoi and passo Sella) are closed from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. to motor vehicles on this day, leaving the roads entirely free to cyclists. A unique chance to enjoy the freedom of these Alpine roads on your bicycle. Participation is open to everybody and completely free of charge. Start is at the Nives Square in Selva Val Gardena.

Thrill seekers will probably already have penciled in the 15. June 2024 onto their calendars a while ago. The HERO Südtirol Dolomites in Selva Val Gardena represents one of the hardest mountain bike events for amateurs and professional cyclists. The competition is spectacular and a great opportunity for international professional athletes and ambitious amateur cyclists to come together, allowing them to pursue the same dream.

The Soirées at Tyrol Castle are held every year in June and July, on five Thursdays. Now for the 32nd year, top international ensembles give impressive concerts in the Great Hall of Tyrol Castle, presenting music from different countries and cultures. During the interval you will be able to taste some culinary specialities, prepared according to original medieval recipes. After the concert you can look forward to the next highlight: The walk back to the centre of the village will be illuminated by more than a hundred torches. Advance sale of tickets online or at the tourist office Dorf Tirol.

The Dolomites Bike Day ia a unique kind of Saturday! Cyclists of all abilities can ride together on closed roads, up and down the local mountain cols and passes. The 51km loop is open to anyone: professionals, amateurs, youngsters, and beginners. Even using an e-bike is allowed! On this Saturday, from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. the Dolomites passes roads Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola will be closed to the traffic and reserved exclusively for cyclists. At the non-competitive cycling event, every cyclist can take part for free. We recommend to ride in counterclockwise direction. During the event photos or video footage may be taken for the purpose of documentation and promotion of the event and the region. The footage may be used and published on websites, on social networks and on media in compliance with the data protection regulations.

A wonderful evening entirely dedicated to Caldaro’s white wines. Fresh, fruity, with nuances going from greenish to bright yellow and hints of apple, banana or pineapple. South Tyrolean white wines are amongst Italy’s best wines. A unique occasion to taste the very best of South Tyrolean’s wine road. Through a “blind tasting” a jury of experts and wine connoisseurs carefully chooses the wines which will be presented during this event. Sight, smell and taste – these are the three senses that will be the leading characters of this wonderful summer evening.

The Sand in Taufers Food Festival - often copied but never equaled - is once again the meeting place for lovers of good food and entertainment in the fresh air. Four moody Tuesday nights reserved for fun and good taste!

Looking back in time, you realize how much things have changed. Way back in 1987, a group of enterprising local enthusiasts began to believe in a dream, a cycling race that starting from Alta Badia would have touched the most beautiful passes in the Dolomites. When the first Maratona took place, there was no talk about granfondo yet, the live TV broadcast was unimaginable, tourism development did not meet the current requirements and these daredevils would never have dared to hope that the "Maratona dles Dolomites" would become one of the most famous granfondo worldwide, with 8,000 participants from five continents and with over 30,000 requests of participation each year. The beauty of the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel is in riding the mountain passes that have made the history of world cycling without the harassment of cars and motorcycles. Our goal, together with Alta Badia, is to create special moments of leisure and pleasure in the Dolomites always respecting our magnificent territory. 6.30 a.m. start from La Villa From 8.30 a.m. first riders passage through Corvara From 10 a.m. arrival of the first racers of the Medium course From 11 a.m. arrival of the first racers of the Maratona course From 11 a.m. “Rana” Pasta Party at the arrival area in Corvara 3 p.m. at the ice stadium: official prize giving ceremony for category and trophy winners with music entertainment and lots of fun! During the event photos or video footage may be taken for the purpose of documentation and promotion of the event and the region. The footage may be used and published on websites, on social networks and on media in compliance with the data protection regulations.

The Reschenseelauf, also known as the most exciting race in South Tyrol, takes place this year on July 13 for the 24th time. Everyone can participate, because there is a suitable performance class for everyone. From the Just for Fun Run to the Kids Run and from Handbiking to Nordic Walking, there is something for everyone. There is also the main run, which is divided into different categories depending on the performance level.

The 21 km course, starting in Prad am Stilfserjoch/Prato allo Stelvio (915 m), leads through distinctive villages, such as the mountain village of Stilfs/Stelvio, and the nature of the high alpine Stelvio National Park. After running 2,100 metres in altitude, the runners cross the finish line above the Stelvio Pass at the Dreisprachenspitze peak at 2,845 m against the backdrop of the striking mountain landscape around King Ortles. On Saturday, 22 July 2023, this unique running event will take place for the seventh time, starting this year under the name Stilfserjoch Stelvio Trail Run. Whether professional, hobby athlete or hiker with or without walking sticks - being there is everything!

The Giro delle Dolomiti, in its 47th edition from July 22-26, 2024, returns to the great Dolomite classics on the territories of South Tyrol and Trentino. Each stage (5 in total) will feature, a mountain time trial that will help determine the overall winner. For the rest of the route, you will pedal in a speed-controlled peloton. The Giro delle Dolomiti enjoys great popularity on the international scene. This year´s stages are full of charm and will take in the stunning Dolomite passes of Stelvio, Passo Fedaia, Alpe di Pampeago and the Salto plateau. In fact, many of these 'classic' passes have hosted the Giro d´Italia caravan in recent years. The "Giro dei 4 Passi" stage, the legendary "Sellaronda" with the Sella, Pordoi, Campolongo and Gardena passes, will be the longest and most challenging of the entire event. In 2024 the total distance will be 503.5 kilometers, the elevation gain about 11,509 meters. It will start each day from Fiera Bolzano, the logistical center of the event. Registration can be for the entire Giro delle Dolomiti ("Complete Giro" ticket) or for individual stages. Included in the registration fee is a long list of services, as well as the official Giro delle Dolomiti jersey. The Giro delle Dolomiti is certified as a "green event" and boasts the Patronage of the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation. For those who will accompany the cyclists, moreover, the organizers of the ASD Giro delle Dolomiti have planned cultural and gastronomic activities, devising an ad hoc package for them, the so-called "Giro Guest".

The village of Laas is known for its marble quarry, which attracts artists and students from many countries. But it is also known for its organic products such as fruit and vegetables and especially its juicy apricots. The Marble Village combines both at the "Marmor&Marillen" festival, with a beautiful market, food stands, live music, children's programme and where artists and sculptors exhibit their works. For more than 20 years, this cultural and fun festival has brought visitors closer to the ancient traditions of fruit growing and marble extraction in Laas.

The festival for the whole family! For the 17th time in 2024, Schluderns will be the ideal setting for the South Tyrolean Knights' Festival. In the historical ambience of Churburg Castle, Lichtenberg Castle ruins, Fürstenburg Castle and Marienberg Monastery, spectacular show battles will keep the spectators in suspense from 16 to 18 August 2024. Come along on a journey to the Middle Ages! Proud knights take aim at their opponents. They dash into battle on their elegant horses, lances burst, armour clatters, the noble lords crown their victor. The crowd cheers and marvels at all kinds of exotic and curious things. 2,000 performers from 13 countries offer the most extensive programme in the Alpine region! All attractions on the grounds are free of charge: Shows, camel and donkey rides, archery, children's tournaments, petting zoo, carousels, children's entertainment.

1,869 metres in altitude, 48 hairpin bends and an incredible all-round panorama await cyclists who get into the saddle at the Stilfserjoch Bike Day at the beginning of September. Every year, the legendary pass road on the Stilfserjoch - one of the highest passable Alpine crossings - is closed to traffic for one day and only opened to "two-wheelers" and pedestrians. ATTENTION: Umbrailstrasse closed to all for safety reasons! A starting point for the Stilfserjoch cycling day is in Prad am Stilfserjoch or also in Spondinig. On this popular cycling day, the aim is to conquer one of the highest Alpine crossings, the 2,760-metre-high Stifserjoch. Not a bike race, but: Being there is everything! Lowest point (START): Prad am Stilfserjoch (910 metres) Highest point (FINISH): Stilfser Joch Pass (2,758 metres) Distance Prad – Stilfser Joch: 24.96 km Difference in altitude Prad – Stilfser Joch: 1,848 metres Maximum ascent: 15% Average ascent: 9–11%

For centuries, each June shepherds have been driving their sheep from the Schnalstal Valley across the still snow-mantled saddles to graze in the pasturelands belonging to the farmers in Venter Valley in Austria. They return in mid September. About 1,500 sheep leave from the “Rofenberg-Alm“ in the early morning, reaching Hochjoch near the Bella Vista lodge (2845m) at about 11:30 a. m. The sheep arrive in Maso Corto between 3:00 p. m. The Bella Vista hut (2845 m) can be reached in about 1 hour on foot from the top station of the Roter Kofel chairlift (2543 m), follow the signs and trail number 3.

From September 12th to September 15th 2024, the 30th edition of UNIKA will take place in Val Gardena, where local artisans show their skills. The prestigious UNIKA Art Fair, once again hosted in the tennis hall of Ortisei -Roncadizza, proudly celebrates 30 successful years. Over a hundred artists have presented their works to a critical and art-interested audience during this time. The vernissage, is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 at 6.30pm.

The famouse mountain run from Sesto to the Rifugio Locatelli on Saturday 14 of September will take place for the 27th time. The original route takes the maximum of 1000 participants over 17 kilometres with an elevation profile of 1333 metres on perfectly signed paths from Sesto through the stunning mountains of the Sesto Dolomites to the finish at the Rifugio Antonio Locatelli, just below the three impressive peaks that are known all over the world.

Test, tour, enjoy - this is the tried and tested formula of the MOUNTAINBIKE TESTIVAL. In Brixen’s charming old town, in addition to shops, restaurants and lots of dolce vita, a multitude of renowned exhibitors from the bike industry await all visitors. At the many stands you can get advice, buy one thing or another and test products for free.

After the opening race the day before, the main race "Der Große Preis Meran Südtirol" - one of the most famous steeplechase races in Europe - will take place today. Race start and detailed programme at www.meranogaloppo.it Online advance sale of tickets for the 85th Meeting Grand Prix Merano South Tyrol via the above website. Tickets are also available at the offices of Meran Galopp GmbH, Rennstallweg 37, at the Info Point in Sparkassenstraße, Merano, at all Athesia bookshops and directly at the racecourse on race days. Prices: € 25,00 - € 40,00

Get ready for a culinary highlight in a class of its own: The Speck Alto Adige Festival will take place this year for the second time at Kronplatz and offers you an experience that you will not soon forget. From 28.09 - 29.09.2024 you can embark on an enjoyable journey through the world of bacon.
The Speck Alto Adige Festival at Kronplatz is a tribute to the traditional craft of South Tyrolean bacon production and presents one of the most typical culinary highlights of the region, namely the original South Tyrolean bacon in different ways. Here you can not only meet the best bacon producers of the region and taste their products, but also learn more about the history and production of bacon.

From Vinschger Paarlen rye bread and Puschtra Breatlan farmers’ bread to Schüttelbrot flat bread, country-style baked goods have always been an important part of life in Brixen. So it’s no surprise that the old town alone has around ten bakeries, each offering a unique selection of tempting goods. On the first weekend in October each year, Brixen celebrates its baking traditions. Don’t miss this opportunity to sample the scrumptious selection of savoury and sweet creations on offer on the cathedral square

It is all about the almost extinct Villnösser Brillenschaf sheep. South Tyrol’s oldest sheep breed has a characterizing dark pigmentation around the eyes, and it seems really like the sheep are wearing glasses. During the culinary Lamb weeks from 4th to 13th October 2024 you may taste a variety of dishes made of this special lamb in one of the participating restaurants of Funes.

First held in 1886, the Merano Grape Festival delights with intriguing performances, delicious South Tyrolean food and a wide range of concerts (including some fairly experimental ones). Extremely popular, each year the Merano Grape Festival offers new surprises. With its diverse program focusing on culture, thanksgiving and local customs. Free admission. Here you can download the brochure (in German and Italian):

Keschtnriggl - Chestnut days. The Chestnut Weeks and the Törggelen in Merano and Environs have been a South Tyrolean Tradition for years. Chestnut days in Tesimo/Tisens - Prissiano/Prissian, Foiana/Völlan and Lana gets ist Name from the "Keschtnriggl" - a hand-braided basket for Peeling roast chestnuts. For three weeks, a colourful Event Programme is put on for visitors: Chestnut walks, torchlight processions from castle to castle and the "Keschtnfestl" feast in Foiana, with Music, farmers market, chestnut delicates and traditional crafts. The aromatic fruit with ist spiky Shell, grows particularly well in Merano and Environs, and during this green Event has pride of place in the specialities of traditional inns and prestigious Restaurants, as well as in exquisite chestnut products such as sweet chestnut hearts, aromatic chestnut beer, hearty chestnut stollen, tasty chestnut spraed, luxuriant chestnut cake, fluffy chestnut bread, the excellent chestnut panettone as well as the noble chestnut praline.

During the Chestnut Festival "KESCHTNRIGGL", everything revolves around the "Tisner Kescht" (Chestnut of Tesimo). During the "KESCHTNRIGGL" period, menus in selected restaurants feature specially created chestnut dishes. The chestnut is the protagonist of numerous events during the Chestnut Festival KESCHTNRIGGL.

It is the first event in Europe to taste exceptionally exquisite products with a single glass of wine. The event, which combines the exquisite world of wine and culinary, offers the ideal atmosphere for producers, specialists and enthusiasts. Tickets available online on https://meranowinefestival.com/en/

The scent is that of cinnamon and spices, of mountain wood and home-made cakes, of mulled wine and festively decorated fir trees. The light is that of the wooden houses all tidy and decorated, the light coming from the Christmas tree and shining in the eyes of the children. The sweet notes of Christmas carols and cheerful harmony waft through the air. Tastes reminiscent of Zelten with candied fruit, apple strudel, homemade biscuits. The warmth in the hands of boiled wool, loden, decorated candles, a steaming cup in the company of friends. The Christmas Market is the most eagerly awaited event of the year: from November 24th to January 6th. Shopping in Bolzano is a reflection of multi-cultural exchange: from traditional South Tyrolean clothing to designer fashion, from traditional stores selling local products to Italian regional delis, from charming local market stalls to the market of piazza delle Erbe, a colourful triumph of fruits, vegetables, flowers and breads. Opening hours of the shops: Monday-Thursday 11-19 Friday-Saturday-Sunday 10-19 Overtime: 31.12.24 10-18 01.01.25 12-19 Opening hours for gastronomy: 29.12.24 11-21 30.12.24 10-21 31.12.24 10-18 01.01.25 12-21 06.01.25 10-21 Mobility survey South Tyrol's Christmas markets: https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/R23Q7SD?lang=en