Knödelfest Sterzing – Vipiteno Dumpling Festival

The festival celebrating South Tyrol's iconic dish

The Vipiteno Dumpling Festival, known as Knödelfest Sterzing, is one of the most beloved gastronomic events in South Tyrol. It takes place every year on the second Sunday of September in the historic center of Vipiteno (Sterzing), in the province of Bolzano, attracting thousands of visitors to its medieval streets dominated by the famous Twelve Tower (Zwölferturm).

A 400-meter-long table

The heart of the event is a spectacular 400-meter-long table set up along the Old Town, the New Town, and the main square (Piazza Città). Around this communal table, local restaurateurs and associations create a true open-air kitchen, where visitors can stroll from one stall to another to sample the various specialties.

Over 70 varieties of dumplings

The canederlo (Knödel) is a traditional alpine peasant dish, originally created to avoid wasting stale bread. In Vipiteno, it is served in over 70 varieties. Alongside the great classics like speck dumplings, you will find versions with alpine cheese, mountain herbs, mushrooms, asparagus, and even creative options like curry or gorgonzola. There is no shortage of sweet dumplings, prepared with apricots, ricotta, nougat, and chocolate. This is a centuries-old culinary tradition: dumplings have been prepared and enjoyed in these valleys for nearly a thousand years.

Music, folklore, and Tyrolean atmosphere

Throughout the day, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the historic center comes alive with traditional music, performances by folk groups, and typical dances, spread across the Old Town, the New Town, and the square. The festivities also continue at higher altitudes, in the mountain huts of Monte Cavallo (Rosskopf), the mountain overlooking the town, which can be reached by cable car.

A festival for the whole family

• Free admission, no booking required
• Over 70 savory and sweet dumpling flavors
• 400-meter-long table in the historic center
• Live music and folk dancing
• Festivities also at the Monte Cavallo mountain huts

Organized by the Vipiteno – Val di Vizze – Campo di Trens Tourist Board together with participating restaurateurs, the Dumpling Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover the gastronomic identity of South Tyrol and experience a day of authentic alpine conviviality in one of the most beautiful villages in the Trentino-Alto Adige region.