Blütenfest / Royal Festival (Apple Blossom Festival)

The Apple Blossom Festival on the apple plateau

The Blütenfest, celebrated for over twenty years under its historic name Königliches Festival (Royal Festival), is the signature spring event in Natz-Schabs, a municipality in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano in Trentino-South Tyrol. The event takes place every year on May 1st, when the entire sun-drenched plateau above Brixen in the Eisack Valley (Valle Isarco) transforms into a sea of white and pink apple blossoms. It is the moment when the orchards of Natz-Schabs, situated between 750 and 890 meters above sea level, are at their most beautiful.

The Apfelkönigin and the product queens

At the heart of the festival is the Apfelkönigin, the Apple Queen of Natz-Schabs, recognized as the most famous product queen with the longest tradition in South Tyrol. On this day, she invites her "Royal Highnesses": dozens of product queens arriving from all over Germany, Austria, and other European countries—from the Honey Queen to the Onion Queen, and from the Asparagus Queen to the Poppy Queen. Along the scenic Königsmeile (Royal Mile), each queen represents her home region, signs autographs, poses for photos, and offers tastings of local specialties at her stand.

Parade, music, and traditions

The day begins in the morning with a lively Frühschoppen (morning pint) accompanied by music. The highlight is the grand festive parade featuring decorated floats, accompanied by brass bands and traditional Schuhplattler dance groups, marching through the streets of Natz filled with spectators. The product queens make their entrance into the village, participating in the parade, each with her own tasting booth.

Taste, market, and family

• Tastings of local products: apples, honey, and South Tyrolean speck, along with specialties brought by the guest queens;
• Farmers' market featuring South Tyrolean products and local handicrafts;
• Children's area with a bouncy castle, face painting, and plenty of other entertainment;
• Cuisine and herb-based dishes along the "mile of taste" in the village center.

The Blütenfest is part of the Blütengenuss-Wochen (Blossom Enjoyment Weeks), a period during which Natz-Schabs celebrates the apple blossom with hikes, themed events, and activities. It is an authentic festival that combines nature, farming traditions, and Tyrolean hospitality, perfect for families and those looking to discover the rural soul and unique landscape of the apple plateau.