Culinarium Urtijëi – The Autumn Culinary Experience

Culinarium Urtijëi: A Taste of Autumn in Ortisei

Every year, as the forests of Val Gardena turn into a tapestry of autumn colors, Ortisei (Urtijëi in Ladin) becomes the heart of one of the most refined food and wine festivals in South Tyrol. The Culinarium Urtijëi is a three-week event, running from late September to mid-October, where a dozen local restaurants, trattorias, and mountain huts offer a special menu that brings the season's harvest and the heritage of mountain cooking to the table.

Ladin Cuisine Takes Center Stage

The festival's core theme is Ladin gastronomic culture, which finds its roots in sustainable agriculture and family recipes preserved for generations in the valley's farmsteads. Local farmers provide both produce and inspiration, while chefs reinterpret traditional Val Gardena and Ladin dishes with a modern flair. The result is a dialogue between peasant traditions, South Tyrolean culinary culture, and Italian influences, designed to satisfy every palate.

Twelve Venues, One "Culinarium" Menu

Tavern or brasserie? Pizzeria or gourmet kitchen? During the festival, each participating venue offers its own "Culinarium" menu, crafted around the flavors of autumn. The participants include both Michelin-starred restaurants and historic local landmarks, guiding guests from fine dining to the most authentic hospitality of the mountain huts. Recurring dishes include potato gnocchi with venison ragù and chanterelles, canederli, handmade ravioli, chestnut gnocchi with alpine cheese, and the traditional Grosti y craut, a true Ladin specialty.

Beyond the Table: Excursions and Traditions

Culinarium Urtijëi is perfectly integrated with the valley's autumn program. The guided Burning Dolomites excursions allow visitors to admire the "enrosadira," the phenomenon that turns the Dolomite peaks red at sunset, while walks to the mills and farmsteads offer a glimpse into the rural life of the past. On the second Sunday of October, the traditional Segra Sacun festival brings Ortisei to life with a local market, music, and folk customs.

An Event in the Municipality of Ortisei

Organized in the Municipality of Ortisei, in the province of Bolzano, within the Trentino-South Tyrol region, the festival is promoted by the Val Gardena tourist board. It is the ideal occasion to combine an autumn holiday in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites with a gourmet experience that celebrates the territory, its products, and its Ladin identity.