Aschbacher Kirchtag

A village festival in the heart of the Merano mountains

The Aschbacher Kirchtag is the traditional festival of the hamlet of Aschbach/Rio Lagundo, a small mountain village located at approximately 1,360 meters above sea level in the municipality of Lagundo/Algund, in the Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). It is not a festival in the modern sense, but an authentic Kirchtag: a village feast that, according to South Tyrolean custom, is deeply rooted in the life of the community and the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish church, the heart of the village.

A festival organized by the Volunteer Fire Brigade

The event is hosted every year by the Lagundo Volunteer Fire Brigade (Freiwillige Feuerwehr Algund), who manage the hospitality, the kitchen, and the entire day of festivities. As with many Kirchtag celebrations in South Tyrol, the event combines community spirit with support for local associations, with proceeds contributing to the volunteers' activities.

Music, gastronomy, and high-altitude conviviality

The day, which begins in the morning, features live music with a traditional South Tyrolean flair, culinary specialties, and drinks served in the designated areas of the hamlet. It is the perfect occasion for the residents of Aschbach and the surrounding valleys, as well as hikers and tourists, to gather in a genuine atmosphere with views of the Burgraviato mountains and the lower Val Venosta.

How to reach Aschbach

The village of Aschbach/Rio Lagundo is easily reached via the iconic Aschbach cable car, which ascends from Rablà/Rabland, or on foot along the hiking trails that connect the plateau to the Merano valley floor. Its elevated and tranquil location makes the Kirchtag a delightful summer excursion, ideal to combine with a walk through the pastures and forests surrounding the village.

The context: the South Tyrolean Kirchtag

The Kirchtag is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in South Tyrolean culture: originally linked to the feast of the village church's patron saint, it has evolved over time into a collective celebration that marks the summer for mountain communities. The Aschbacher Kirchtag preserves this authentic, communal character, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into hamlet life in the Lagundo/Algund territory.