Altmauerfest Auer.Ora

A festival in the ancient heart of Ora

The Altmauerfest is one of the most beloved village festivals in the Bassa Atesina, in the municipality of Ora/Auer (Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol), along the famous South Tyrolean Wine Road. The event takes its name from the ancient walls (Altmauer) of the Oberdorf, the highest historic core of the village: it is precisely among these winding alleys, stone houses, and hidden courtyards that a single, large festival area comes to life for three days, animated by music, gastronomy, and conviviality.

A biennial event

The Altmauerfest is not an annual festival: it takes place every two years, in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027…), between late May and early June. This biennial cycle makes it a highly anticipated event, drawing visitors from across the Bassa Atesina and Oltradige areas to Ora. The organization is managed by the Verein der Vereine Auer.Ora, the local association union, which involves dozens of volunteers in managing the stands and the program.

Three days of festivities

The festival follows a consolidated three-evening structure:

• Opening Night: Official opening with the ceremonial keg tapping (Fassanstich) in the square, kicking off the celebrations.
• Aperitivo Lungo: The highlight day, featuring parades of folk groups and brass bands (Musikkapelle, Schuhplattler groups, and traditional local dance troupes) and a long, village-wide aperitif.
• Family Day: A day dedicated to families, with a play area and entertainment for children, artisan displays, and the traditional lottery.

Gastronomy and wines

One of the strengths of the Altmauerfest is its incredibly rich culinary offering: few other Dorffest (village festivals) offer such a wide variety of dishes. In the courtyards and squares of the center, you can find everything from traditional South Tyrolean specialties to international dishes, from grilled meats to fish, and even paella, all accompanied by the best South Tyrolean wines of the region. Live bands and DJs ensure the atmosphere lasts until late at night.

Ora and the Bassa Atesina

Located south of Bolzano along the Wine Road, Ora/Auer is a vibrant wine-growing village surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards. The Altmauerfest is the perfect opportunity to discover its historic center and experience the typical hospitality of South Tyrol's German-speaking culture, in a festival that blends tradition, taste, and fun.