Kastanientage KESCHTNRIGGL

The chestnut: the autumn gold of the Burgraviato

As summer gives way to autumn, the terraced chestnut groves surrounding Tesimo/Tisens, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol, Trentino-Alto Adige region), are painted in shades of rust and gold. This is the season of the Keschtn, the chestnut, which here is far more than just a fruit—it is a cultural symbol and a core part of the local identity. From mid-October to early November, the Kastanientage KESCHTNRIGGL transform the villages of Tesimo-Prissiano, Foiana/Völlan, and Lana into a grand stage dedicated to this local treasure.

A name rooted in tradition

The festival's curious name, Keschtnriggl, refers to an ancient agricultural tool: a woven basket made of chestnut and hazel wood, used for centuries in South Tyrol to peel freshly roasted chestnuts. The hot "keschtn" are placed inside and shaken vigorously, causing the skins to fall away while leaving the nut intact. It is a simple, ancient gesture that gives the entire event its name and embodies its authentic, rural spirit.

What happens during the Chestnut Days

The program spans several weeks and involves the entire region with a rich calendar of events:

• Keschtnbrotn — open-air chestnut roasts, often hosted by the young farmers of the Bauernjugend;
• Themed menus — restaurants and farm inns offer traditional dishes and creative reinterpretations featuring chestnuts, from appetizers to desserts;
• Guided hikes through the autumn chestnut groves, led by local farmers who share insights on cultivation and customs;
• Keschtnfeschtl in Foiana/Völlan — a traditional farm festival featuring live music, local produce markets, ancient crafts, and rustic specialties;
• Special events such as "Three Castles in One Night" (Drei Burgen in einer Nacht) and the Kastanien-Kulinaria evenings in Tesimo and Lana.

Törggelen and autumn flavors

The Kastanientage are intertwined with the broader Törggelen tradition, the South Tyrolean custom of gathering in farm inns to enjoy new wine (Suser), speck, dumplings, and, of course, roasted chestnuts. The Burgraviato chestnut has been documented in local archives since the 16th century, and its cultivation, further protected following a major conference in 1992, remains a living heritage of the area.

A territory to be experienced

Organized by the Tesimo-Prissiano Tourist Association in collaboration with the Bauernjugend and local tourist boards, the Chestnut Days are the perfect opportunity to discover the sunny landscape of the Burgraviato, its farm inns, scenic trails, and South Tyrolean hospitality during one of the most evocative seasons of the year.