King Laurin Nights

King Laurin Nights in Nova Levante

The King Laurin Nights (German: Laurins Nächte) have become a well-established summer tradition in Nova Levante/Welschnofen, a charming mountain village in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige. For a few summer evenings, the town center transforms into an open-air stage along Via Carezza, Via Catinaccio, and Via Roma, where the warmth of South Tyrolean hospitality meets the magic of the Dolomites.

The Legend of King Laurin

The event takes its name from the legendary King Laurin, the dwarf king who, according to myth, guarded a wonderful rose garden on the Catinaccio massif (German: Rosengarten, literally "rose garden"). Defeated and captured, Laurin cast a spell so that no one could ever admire his roses again, neither by day nor by night, but he forgot the sunset: that is why, according to the legend, at dusk the walls of the Catinaccio ignite with an intense fiery red color, a phenomenon known in Ladin and German as enrosadira. These festival evenings were created to celebrate this enchantment, when the mountains above the village turn shades of pink and purple.

Program and Atmosphere

Starting at 7:30 PM until midnight, the center of Nova Levante comes alive with a program designed for all ages:

• South Tyrolean culinary specialties offered at local stalls, including traditional dishes, desserts, and local products;
• Live music with various bands performing along the streets of the center;
• Performances by the Nova Levante traditional dance group (Volkstanzgruppe) and other folk moments;
• Late-night shopping with shops open until late, plus stalls featuring handicrafts and handmade products;
• A program dedicated to children and entertainment for the whole family.

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the Tyrolean atmosphere: traditional attire, from Dirndl to Lederhose, is highly encouraged. Under the starry sky of the village, at the foot of the Catinaccio, the festival combines flavors, sounds, and traditions into an authentic experience.

A Val d'Ega Event

Organized by Eggental Tourismus, the King Laurin Nights are a highlight of the summer in the Val d'Ega, a Dolomite area that also includes the famous Lake Carezza. The event attracts visitors and holidaymakers looking for an evening dedicated to tradition, gastronomy, and the scenic beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.