7th Wrought Iron Festival (7. Schmiedefest)

An ancient art revived in Lagundo

The Wrought Iron Festival, known in German as Schauschmiede-Festl or Schmiedefest, is an event dedicated to the ancient craft of the blacksmith and farrier, held in Lagundo/Algund, an elegant town in the Merano region of the Province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The festival is organized by the Freundeskreis der Schmiede Algund (Circle of Friends of Blacksmiths), a non-profit cultural association founded with the goal of keeping the heritage of forge craftsmanship visible and alive for future generations.

The open-air forge on Via del Mercato

For one day, Via del Mercato (Marktgasse), near the Lagundo Lido, comes alive with the rhythmic sound of anvils and the glow of incandescent iron. Blacksmiths work the metal live in front of visitors, showcasing gestures and techniques passed down through generations: hammering, bending, and tempering. The heart of the event is the demonstration forge, where the public can observe up close how nails, horseshoes, and wrought iron objects are created.

Program and activities

• Forging demonstrations by the circle's blacksmiths and farriers
• Copper workshop designed for children to introduce them to metalwork
• The reconstructed trip hammer exhibition (Hammerschmiede), a testament to historical forge technology
• Live folk music by South Tyrolean groups, with entertainment starting in the morning
• Culinary specialties and refreshment points with drinks

A festival with free admission

Participation in the Wrought Iron Festival is free: the event spans the entire day, from morning until evening, offering a convivial occasion for families, craft enthusiasts, and tourists vacationing in the Merano area. The atmosphere is that of a traditional South Tyrolean village festival, where respect for old trades blends with good food and music.

Lagundo and the culture of ancient trades

Located at the entrance to the Val Venosta, just minutes from Merano, Lagundo is known for its orchards, the Waalweg walking paths, and its proximity to the Merano thermal baths. The Wrought Iron Festival is one of the moments when the town celebrates its artisanal identity, offering visitors an authentic look at a trade that has shaped the economic history of the Alpine valleys of South Tyrol.