Kastanientage / Chestnut Days

The Andriano Chestnut Days

The Kastanientage, or Chestnut Days, are the most anticipated autumn event in Andriano (Andrian), a small village in the Province of Bolzano overlooking the Adige Valley, on the western side of the valley between Bolzano and Merano. For three Friday afternoons in October, the village square (Dorfplatz) transforms into an open-air lounge where the undisputed star is a simple, ancient fruit: the chestnut.

The Schlosspichl Chestnuts

The chestnuts enjoyed during the event come from the Schlosspichl chestnut grove (Kastanienhain am Schlosspichl), a magnificent woodland stretching across a sunny hill above the village. Thanks to its sheltered and well-exposed position, the grove is warmer than the surrounding forest and has been a beloved spot for Andriano residents for centuries, as well as a popular destination for families and hikers walking the trail that leads to the Andriano-Bittnerhof.

Roasted Chestnuts, Must, and Specialties

The heart of the festival is simple and delicious: the chestnuts are roasted on the spot and served hot in paper bags, to be taken away or enjoyed on-site. Their flavor pairs perfectly with grape must (Most), wine, or apple juice, a classic South Tyrolean autumn combination. Alongside the classic roasted chestnuts, there are also sweet chestnut-based specialties and some modern reinterpretations of this local produce.

A Deep-Rooted Tradition: Törggelen

The Chestnut Days are part of the great autumn tradition of Törggelen, the ritual used in South Tyrol to celebrate the season of new wine and roasted chestnuts. Andriano has a deep-seated winemaking vocation: the first cooperative winery in South Tyrol was founded here in 1893, and the area remains renowned for its wines today. Together, chestnuts and new wine tell the story of the agricultural identity of this corner of the Trentino-Alto Adige region.

Organization and Atmosphere

The initiative is promoted by the Andriano Tourist Association (Tourismusverein Andrian) and maintains an authentic, family-friendly character, far from the crowds of large-scale events. It is the ideal opportunity to discover a quiet village in southern South Tyrol, breathe in the mountain autumn atmosphere, and savor local produce right where it grows.