Loidner Morkt

The Loidner Morkt in Laion

The Loidner Morkt is the traditional annual market of the municipality of Laion (Lajen), a charming mountain village located about 20 kilometers northeast of Bolzano, at the entrance to Val Gardena, in the Province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region. The name comes from the local dialect term «Loidn», which is what the inhabitants call their own village: the «Loidner Morkt» is therefore, literally, the «market of Laion». It is a long-standing event, deeply rooted in the life of the community.

A South Tyrolean village between three languages

Laion is a predominantly German-speaking municipality, where the Ladin and Italian languages also coexist, and it includes several hamlets such as Albiòns, Novale, San Pietro, Tanurza, and Ceves. Nestled at an altitude of about 1,000 meters on a sunny terrace overlooking the Dolomites, the village maintains a strong bond with farming traditions and the folk culture of the Gröden area. The annual market is one of the moments when this identity is most clearly expressed.

The market and its stalls

On the day of the Loidner Morkt, the village center transforms into a lively meeting place. The streets and the main square fill with stalls selling local products, general goods, household items, and farming supplies, while local farmers offer the fruits of their labor. For the occasion, the historic center is closed to traffic: the village square, the area in front of the town hall, and the space in front of the Gasthof «Zur Sonne» become completely pedestrianized, allowing visitors and residents to stroll among the stalls in total tranquility.

Local associations and gastronomy

The Loidner Morkt is also a great community celebration enlivened by the associations of Laion. The farmers' wives of the Agricultural Union (the «Bäuerinnen») set up a stand where you can taste traditional South Tyrolean specialties such as Krapfen and Tirtlen, sweet and fried delicacies typical of mountain cuisine. The local equestrian association (Pferdeverein) welcomes visitors with goulash soup and sour soup (Gulaschsuppe and Saure Suppe) and a popular guessing game. It is the ideal opportunity to savor traditional dishes and support the village's community life.

A community event

Organized by the Municipality of Laion with the collaboration of local associations, the Loidner Morkt attracts residents from neighboring villages and tourists visiting Val Gardena every year. Free admission. It is an excellent opportunity to discover the authentic atmosphere of a South Tyrolean village market, featuring genuine products, local flavors, and the warm hospitality of the mountain people.