Kulinarisches Frühlingserwachen am Tschögglberg

Spring weeks on the Tschögglberg

The Kulinarisches Frühlingserwachen am Tschögglberg is a gastronomic event that marks the spring awakening of the Salto plateau (Tschögglberg) above Bolzano every April. The stars of the show are the restaurants in the villages of San Genesio Atesino (Jenesien), the hamlet of Valas (Flaas), and nearby Verano (Vöran), which dedicate their menus to the fresh, seasonal produce of this corner of South Tyrol for several weeks.

Seasonal flavors

The festival's common thread is spring dishes rooted in the land and mountain pastures. The focus is on Terlano asparagus, wild herbs, and aromatic oils, as well as farm-fresh meats like local breed beef and foal specialties, alongside dandelion-based dishes and pairings with local dairy products. Each restaurant presents its own unique interpretation: from asparagus paired with Wieser beef to spring grills, and from mountain wild herbs to light seasonal plates.

A local initiative

The event is organized by the local HGV group (Hotel and Restaurant Association) of San Genesio in collaboration with the San Genesio Tourist Association (Tourismusverein Jenesien). Launched in the late 1980s, the festival has now seen over thirty-five editions, cementing its place as a staple in the plateau's culinary calendar.

Cuisine and solidarity

The gastronomic weeks also have a charitable dimension: for every guest, one euro is donated to South Tyrolean charitable organizations, including associations supporting sick children and people with multiple sclerosis. A gesture that has raised thousands of euros over the years.

On the Salto plateau

San Genesio Atesino, located in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano in Trentino-Alto Adige, is a destination prized for its open landscapes, forests, and scenic trails overlooking the Bolzano basin. The Kulinarisches Frühlingserwachen is the perfect opportunity to combine a trip to the plateau with a gourmet stop to discover South Tyrolean seasonal cuisine.