Familienfest "In the Footsteps of Pfeifer Huisele"

A family festival following a wizard's trail

The Familienfest "In the Footsteps of Pfeifer Huisele" is a summer highlight for families, held on the alpine pastures of the Ratschings-Jaufen hiking area in the municipality of Racines/Ratschings, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). For one day, the high-altitude meadows come alive with children, parents, and grandparents following in the footsteps of the valley's most famous character: Pfeifer Huisele, the wizard of local folklore.

The legend of Pfeifer Huisele

According to tradition, Pfeifer Huisele was born in 1620 in Flading, at the end of the Racines Valley (Ratschingstal), to a poor farming family. A witty and mischievous character, somewhat like the German Till Eulenspiegel, popular stories claim he made a pact with the devil to gain supernatural powers: control over animals, people, and the weather, as well as the ability to shapeshift. Tradition even links his figure to the formation of the Gilfenklamm gorge. An entire themed trail, the Pfeifer-Huisele-Weg, complete with narrative panels, still leads to Flading today.

The route and stations

The heart of the festival is the interactive family walk that crosses four mountain huts in the Ratschings-Jaufen area. Along the way, children discover various stations and collect stamps: those who collect at least three receive a special souvenir at the end, while supplies last. Activities include:

• Creative workshop for arts and crafts;
• Storytelling dedicated to the adventures of Pfeifer Huisele;
• Face-painting corner (Schminkecke);
• Fun on the roller slide;
• Little magic tricks and a mysterious treasure hunt.

The mountain huts and cable car access

The mountain huts hosting the festival are easily accessible via the modern Ratschings-Jaufen cable car, which climbs from Innerratschings to the mountain station at approximately 1,850 meters in just a few minutes. The adventure begins during the scenic ascent, passing over the pastures and flower-filled meadows of the Wipptal. On the plateau, in addition to the festival stations, families will find a stroller-friendly loop trail, water play areas, a petting zoo, and classic mountain huts like the Kalcheralm and Rinneralm where you can stop for a meal.

An event in the heart of South Tyrol

Organized by the Ratschings Tourismus association, the Familienfest is designed to help children experience the mountains in a playful and cultural way, rediscovering one of the most deeply rooted legends of the municipality of Racines and the entire Wipptal area. It is the perfect opportunity for a family day out in the open air, surrounded by nature, tradition, and fun in South Tyrol.