Eisacktaler Kost / Isarco Valley Gastronomic Week

The oldest gastronomic week in South Tyrol

Eisacktaler Kost, or the Isarco Valley Gastronomic Week, is one of the most enduring and beloved food and wine events in South Tyrol. Established in 1975, it is considered the oldest "tasting week" in the province of Bolzano, transforming restaurants and hotels across the Isarco Valley into showcases for the finest local cuisine every spring. The historic episcopal city of Bressanone (Brixen) serves as the heart of the event, though the initiative spans the entire valley.

From Vipiteno to Barbiano: two weeks of flavor

For roughly two weeks, about twenty renowned establishments located from Vipiteno to Barbiano—passing through Bressanone, Chiusa, Villandro, and the Upper Isarco Valley—join the event under the motto "Dishes with a story." Each kitchen interprets the event's theme in its own way, highlighting local ingredients and rediscovering recipes passed down through generations, often updated with modern techniques and presentations.

Typical dishes of the Isarco Valley

Eisacktaler Kost is the perfect opportunity to sample the specialties of South Tyrolean and valley cuisine. Featured menu items often include:

• Wine soup (Weinsuppe), a classic winter dish of the valley;
• Canederli (bread dumplings) and traditional peasant-style first courses;
• Game and locally sourced meats, such as lamb and venison;
• Tirtln, savory stuffed fritters, and other fried pasta specialties;
• Desserts like Kaiserschmarrn, Strauben, and apple strudel;
• The great white wines of the Isarco Valley—Sylvaner, Kerner, Veltliner, and Müller Thurgau—among the most highly regarded in South Tyrol.

More than just dining

Beyond the culinary offerings, the event features a rich program of tastings, readings, guided tours, and events dedicated to food culture, allowing visitors to get to know the valley's producers, wineries, and restaurateurs. It is an authentic way to discover the gastronomic identity of this corner of South Tyrol, where tradition and innovation coexist at the table.

A spring tradition

Organized by the HGV-Service Cooperative, Eisacktaler Kost takes place every March and is a highlight of the culinary season in Trentino-Alto Adige. Those visiting Bressanone and the Isarco Valley during this time will find a unique opportunity to pair fine dining with the region's stunning landscapes and artistic heritage.