Gassltörggelen

Törggelen in the alleys of Chiusa

The Gassltörggelen is one of the most distinctive autumn events in South Tyrol. Every September, the artist town of Chiusa/Klausen, nestled in the lower Eisacktal valley in the province of Bolzano, transforms for an entire weekend into a massive open-air tavern. The South Tyrolean term Gassl refers to the town's narrow alleys: here, among the medieval lanes and historic squares, a festival comes to life that is truly unique in the entire province.

The "fifth season" of the Eisacktal

Törggelen is an ancient South Tyrolean farming custom, often called the "fifth season" of the year: when the grape harvest ends, the new wine is ready, and the chestnuts ripen, people gather to savor the typical products of autumn. Traditionally, Törggelen takes place in farmhouses and rustic cellars; in Chiusa, however, the festival spills out of the courtyards and into the streets, making this event a singular case in the South Tyrolean landscape.

Flavors of the South Tyrolean autumn

Numerous food stalls line the alleys, offering specialties of South Tyrolean cuisine:

• Canederli (Knödel) and Schlutzkrapfen, the traditional rye ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta;
• Local sausages and smoked meat (Surfleisch) with sauerkraut;
• Krapfen, Strauben (spiral fritters), and other seasonal desserts;
• Roasted chestnuts fresh from the fire;
• a rich selection of white wines from the Eisacktal, among the most renowned in the Alps.

Music, tradition, and the Törggele Queen

The program is enlivened by folk music and a colorful entertainment schedule that accompanies visitors throughout the weekend. Highlights of the event include the coronation of the Törggele Queen (Törggele Königin), which officially opens the festival, and the grand parade that winds through the historic center on Sunday afternoon. The event also features a lottery draw and performances of songs linked to the town's identity.

Chiusa, the artist town

The setting for the event is Chiusa, considered one of the most picturesque locations in South Tyrol and known for centuries as the "artist town" due to the many painters who stayed there. Its narrow lanes, timber-framed houses, and the silhouette of the Sabiona monastery in the background provide the perfect backdrop for a festival that blends food and wine, folklore, and tradition. The event is organized by the Tourist Association of Chiusa, Barbiano, Velturno, and Villandro.