Keschtnfeschtl in Nals (Chestnut Festival)

The Nals Chestnut Festival

The Keschtnfeschtl in Nals is a festival dedicated to chestnuts that transforms the Town Hall Square of Nals into a cozy autumn gathering spot every October. Located in the province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, the small municipality of Nals sits along the famous South Tyrol Wine Road (Südtiroler Weinstraße), nestled among vineyards, apple orchards, and chestnut woods that turn warm, vibrant colors in autumn.

Chestnuts and the Törggelen Tradition

In South Tyrol, chestnuts—known in the local dialect as Keschtn—are the stars of autumn and the Törggelen tradition: the custom of gathering in farmhouses and town squares to enjoy seasonal products, from roasted chestnuts to new wine. The Keschtnfeschtl brings this tradition to the heart of the village, offering residents and visitors a convivial opportunity to savor the genuine flavors of the region.

What to expect at the festival

• Roasted chestnuts, freshly toasted and the symbol of the event;
• Strauben, the typical spiral-shaped sweet fritter of South Tyrolean cuisine;
• Drinks and local wine from the Wine Road;
• Live musical entertainment to accompany the afternoon;
• Autumn crafts for children at the Nals cultural center.

A village atmosphere

The Keschtnfeschtl maintains the authentic character of a village fair: no grand stages, just the town hall square animated by families, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and the sound of live music. It is the ideal occasion for those visiting the Merano area and the Wine Road in autumn to combine a walk through the vineyards with an afternoon of flavors and traditions. Admission is free, and the event takes place in the late afternoon, when the golden autumn light makes the village of Nals even more enchanting.