Apfelstrudel-Fest (Apple Strudel Festival at Madritschhütte)

Apple strudel in the high mountains, above Solda all'Ortles

The Apfelstrudel-Fest is an annual summer celebration of South Tyrol's most iconic dessert, the apple strudel (Apfelstrudel), set in a truly exceptional location: the Madritschhütte (Madritsch Refuge), situated at 2,820 metres above Solda all'Ortles (Sulden), part of the municipality of Stelvio/Stilfs in South Tyrol. Organised by the Solda cable car company (Seilbahnen Sulden), the event blends the authenticity of Tyrolean cuisine with the unique atmosphere of the high mountains, framed by the majestic Ortler Alps and the peaks of the Stelvio National Park.

Freshly baked strudel and free tastings

The heart of the festival is, of course, the freshly prepared apple strudel—fragrant and warm, made with famous South Tyrolean apples. For the occasion, the strudel is offered as a free tasting to all guests at the refuge: a simple, convivial way to discover a dessert that embodies centuries of farming tradition in the Vinschgau Valley.

Live music and folk dances

The afternoon festivities are accompanied by live music that brings the refuge's panoramic terrace to life. The highlight of the day is the performance by the folk group from Prato allo Stelvio (Prad), who showcase traditional Tyrolean dances in authentic costumes, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into the local folklore, colours, music, and age-old customs of the Ortler region.

How to reach the Madritschhütte

The refuge is accessible via the Solda cable cars: take the panoramic gondola to the mountain station (approx. 2,610 m), from where a comfortable hiking trail leads to the Madritschhütte in about an hour, crossing high-altitude pastures. The festival is the perfect excuse for a beautiful summer hike in one of South Tyrol's most spectacular settings.

A tradition of taste and mountains

The Apfelstrudel-Fest is part of a rich calendar of high-altitude gastronomic events in Solda, dedicated to Tyrolean specialities like Kaiserschmarren and Kiachl. Each edition reinforces the deep bond between the community of Stelvio/Stilfs, its mountain cuisine, and the landscape of the Ortler Alps, offering residents and hikers alike a day of conviviality.