Bauern- und Handwerkermarkt in Kasern

A market at the edge of Italy

The Bauern- und Handwerkermarkt in Kasern is a farmers' and craft market that brings the hamlet of Casere/Kasern to life every Tuesday in summer. Located in the municipality of Predoi/Prettau, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol), we are at the most remote point of the Ahrntal valley, at an altitude of approximately 1,595 metres. Here, the paved road ends and the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park begins—a protected area boasting the largest glacial surface in South Tyrol. Predoi, with its main village at 1,475 metres, is Italy's northernmost municipality, making this market one of the northernmost village events in the country.

Farm and dairy products

The stalls offer a colourful selection of quality local products: alpine cheeses, speck and cured meats, rye bread, jams, honey, mountain herbs, spirits, and small delicacies from the valley's farms. The market is designed as a showcase for the agricultural excellence of the upper Ahrntal valley, allowing visitors to connect directly with the producers.

The bobbin lace of Predoi

The true heart of the market, however, is the craftsmanship. In Casere and Predoi, the art of bobbin lace (known in German as Klöppelei or Spitzenklöppeln) has been passed down for over a century, originating as a means of subsistence after the closure of the ancient copper mines. The members of the Klöppelverein Prettau, an association founded in 1994 to preserve and pass on this tradition, host live demonstrations: spindles intertwining, pins and cushions where the famous Predoi lace takes shape. It is a fascinating moment that introduces both adults and children to a rare and precious craft.

When and where

The market takes place at the Naturparkhaus in Casere (the visitor centre for the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park) every Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, from mid-June to early September. Admission is free. It is an ideal stop to combine with a visit to the visitor centre, a hike to the alpine huts, or a walk along the nearby educational trail.

Sustainable travel

Casere can be reached sustainably by public transport: the 450 bus line arrives at the Kasern/Casere stop, the valley's terminus. By car, follow the Ahrntal valley road to its end, where parking is available near the Naturparkhaus.