Almsommerfest in Kasern

An alpine festival at the end of the Ahrntal valley

The Almsommerfest in Kasern is the festival that kicks off the alpine summer in Casere (Kasern), a small hamlet at the very end of the Ahrntal valley, in the municipality of Predoi (Prettau), in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). At an altitude of about 1,600 meters, where the road ends and the trails toward the Krimml Tauern pass begin, the village becomes the heart of a traditional farmers' festival for a day, attracting locals, hikers, and tourists alike.

Around the Santo Spirito chapel

The gathering point is the famous Santo Spirito (Heilig Geist) chapel, the oldest in the Ahrntal valley, consecrated in the mid-15th century and a pilgrimage site for centuries for those crossing the mountains toward Salzburg and for the miners of the Predoi copper mines. The day begins with a solemn Mass, celebrated in the morning beneath the massive rock against which the church is built, in a setting of rare natural beauty.

Farmers' market, music, and alpine flavors

Following the religious service, the festival comes alive at the mountain huts and the valley floor, near the Nature Park House (Naturparkhaus). The traditional program includes:

• Farmers' market with typical alpine products and local handicrafts;
• Live music featuring traditional South Tyrolean folk tunes;
• Attractions and games for children;
• Culinary specialties of the region served at the various mountain huts.

It is the perfect opportunity to savor alpine cheese, South Tyrolean dishes, and traditional desserts in a simple, convivial atmosphere.

In the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park

The Almsommerfest takes place within the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, one of the most pristine corners of South Tyrol. The event is organized by the Ahrntal Tourist Association (Tourismusverein Ahrntal) and represents an authentic way to discover the farming traditions of this border valley, where German-speaking culture coexists with its place in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Given the location and attendance, organizers recommend reaching Casere by public transport (bus line 450).