The loveliest autumn traditions in South Tyrol
The last summer storm and the first cool nights, falling leaves and fading flowers: in the Dolomites, autumn knocks gently on the door and soon summer has to make way for it. If you don’t believe this is something to look forward to, you absolutely must pay us a visit in the autumn. A time which is always packed full of South Tyrolean traditions. You can discover some of the most popular traditions in this article. Long live the autumn!
Burning Dolomites: autumn fire up close
Have you heard of enrosadira, the magical alpine glow of the Dolomites? Then you will be surprised when you experience this natural spectacle in the autumn. When the air is clearer and the sun is setting in the sky, the phenomenon is revealed in a new light. The Dolomites turn a glowing red, making them look like they are on fire – hence the “burning Dolomites”. The glowing mountains themselves cannot be described as an autumn tradition, but the hikes that take place at this time certainly can. If you want to see this enchanting spectacle with your own eyes, you should hike to a suitable lookout point, if possible during the late afternoon. You can discover the “burning Dolomites” with professional guides in the Val Gardena Active Programme. As a guest of our Hotel Granvara, taking part in the hikes is free of charge!
Pause for a moment and enjoy the peaceful time in this UNESCO World Heritage Site – the atmosphere in autumn is truly unique. A fire display of colours, bizarre rock formations and mystical lighting effects: the perfect opportunity for dream photos, romantic hikes or a meditation in the open air!
Törggelen: Time to serve up a South Tyrolean feast
Crispy flat bread, corned beef, homemade cold meats with pickled cabbage, Tyrolean ravioli, dumplings, roast chestnuts and doughnuts: from the end of September to the beginning of November, South Tyrol goes into a gourmet frenzy. As soon as the first autumn breeze wafts through the air, more and more locals and guests are enticed into the warm parlours of the wine taverns and guesthouses. Then it’s time to serve up what the harvest has provided – but not without a glass of grape must (“Sußer”) or young wine, of course. That’s the origin of the name of the most famous South Tyrolean autumn tradition: centuries ago there was a tradition of tasting the new wine immediately after the grapes had been harvested and pressed using a wooden press known as a “Torggl”. An autumn holiday in South Tyrol without Törggelen? Almost a no-go! Pack plenty of hunger into your rucksack, take a walk past golden larch trees into the valley and enjoy a gourmet feast of Törggelen.
Harvest festival: celebrate nature
Fertile soil, enough rain and plenty of sunshine mean that many good things grow in South Tyrol, year after year. How lucky that nature has endowed us with so much richness and that we can offer pure unaltered products from our region.
The traditional harvest festival to celebrate nature takes place in the autumn. That’s when locals and guests gather together to raise a glass to the harvest, to enjoy gourmet treats and to celebrate during festive processions, at markets, during tastings and on gourmet hikes. And of course you can also purchase South Tyrolean delicacies: juices and syrups, wine and grappa, cheese and sausages, herbs, fruit and vegetables and much more.
Even if an autumn holiday in Val Gardena is no longer possible this year, we hope that this article has aroused your curiosity. Of course, there are plenty of traditions, gourmet delights and South Tyrolean magic at winter time too. We look forward to welcoming you from December again – as always with a few new additions!
Burning Dolomites: autumn fire up close
Have you heard of enrosadira, the magical alpine glow of the Dolomites? Then you will be surprised when you experience this natural spectacle in the autumn. When the air is clearer and the sun is setting in the sky, the phenomenon is revealed in a new light. The Dolomites turn a glowing red, making them look like they are on fire – hence the “burning Dolomites”. The glowing mountains themselves cannot be described as an autumn tradition, but the hikes that take place at this time certainly can. If you want to see this enchanting spectacle with your own eyes, you should hike to a suitable lookout point, if possible during the late afternoon. You can discover the “burning Dolomites” with professional guides in the Val Gardena Active Programme. As a guest of our Hotel Granvara, taking part in the hikes is free of charge!
Pause for a moment and enjoy the peaceful time in this UNESCO World Heritage Site – the atmosphere in autumn is truly unique. A fire display of colours, bizarre rock formations and mystical lighting effects: the perfect opportunity for dream photos, romantic hikes or a meditation in the open air!
Törggelen: Time to serve up a South Tyrolean feast
Crispy flat bread, corned beef, homemade cold meats with pickled cabbage, Tyrolean ravioli, dumplings, roast chestnuts and doughnuts: from the end of September to the beginning of November, South Tyrol goes into a gourmet frenzy. As soon as the first autumn breeze wafts through the air, more and more locals and guests are enticed into the warm parlours of the wine taverns and guesthouses. Then it’s time to serve up what the harvest has provided – but not without a glass of grape must (“Sußer”) or young wine, of course. That’s the origin of the name of the most famous South Tyrolean autumn tradition: centuries ago there was a tradition of tasting the new wine immediately after the grapes had been harvested and pressed using a wooden press known as a “Torggl”. An autumn holiday in South Tyrol without Törggelen? Almost a no-go! Pack plenty of hunger into your rucksack, take a walk past golden larch trees into the valley and enjoy a gourmet feast of Törggelen.
Harvest festival: celebrate nature
Fertile soil, enough rain and plenty of sunshine mean that many good things grow in South Tyrol, year after year. How lucky that nature has endowed us with so much richness and that we can offer pure unaltered products from our region.
The traditional harvest festival to celebrate nature takes place in the autumn. That’s when locals and guests gather together to raise a glass to the harvest, to enjoy gourmet treats and to celebrate during festive processions, at markets, during tastings and on gourmet hikes. And of course you can also purchase South Tyrolean delicacies: juices and syrups, wine and grappa, cheese and sausages, herbs, fruit and vegetables and much more.
Even if an autumn holiday in Val Gardena is no longer possible this year, we hope that this article has aroused your curiosity. Of course, there are plenty of traditions, gourmet delights and South Tyrolean magic at winter time too. We look forward to welcoming you from December again – as always with a few new additions!
