Keschtnriggl – Chestnut Days

The Keschtnriggl: A chestnut autumn in the Burgraviato

The Keschtnriggl – Chestnut Days is an autumn festival held annually from mid-October to early November in the municipalities of Lana, Foiana/Völlan, and Tesimo-Prissiano, located in the Merano area of the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol, Italy). The name comes from the Keschtnriggl, a traditional woven basket made of chestnut and hazel wood that farmers historically used to peel roasted chestnuts with a characteristic shaking motion.

A centuries-old farming tradition

In the Burgraviato, the chestnut—known as Keschtn in the local South Tyrolean dialect—has been a staple of the rural diet for centuries. Mentioned in historical Tyrolean documents, it was ground into flour for breads and fritters that remain a cornerstone of local cuisine today. The festival was created to preserve and promote this heritage, highlighting the chestnut groves on the sun-drenched slopes overlooking the Adige Valley.

The Program

The event spans approximately three weeks and features:

• Keschtnfestl in Foiana/Völlan: The main chestnut festival, featuring live music, a farmers' market, traditional crafts, and chestnut-based culinary specialties;
• Chestnut grove walks (Keschtnweg) and guided hikes through the autumn-colored woods, often led by local farmers;
• Themed evenings at inns and restaurants displaying the Keschtnriggl flag, offering special chestnut-focused menus;
• Special events such as roving tastings among castles and gourmet evenings pairing chestnuts with South Tyrolean wines;
• Törggelen: The traditional South Tyrolean autumn custom of enjoying roasted chestnuts, new wine, and local seasonal dishes.

Flavors and Atmosphere

During the Keschtnriggl, restaurants in Lana and Foiana serve roasted chestnuts, desserts, chestnut hearts, dumplings, and traditional dishes in a festive atmosphere that blends gastronomy, culture, and landscape. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the autumn face of the Merano region and its most authentic rural traditions.