Löwenzahnwochen am Deutschnonsberg (Dandelion Weeks)

The Dandelion Weeks on the Deutschnonsberg

The Löwenzahnwochen am Deutschnonsberg, or Dandelion Weeks, are a spring gastronomic festival held annually on the Deutschnonsberg plateau (the German-speaking Upper Val di Non) in the western part of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in Trentino-South Tyrol. The event involves the German-speaking villages of the plateau, including the municipality of Proves/Proveis, along with Lauregno, San Felice, and Senale/Unsere Liebe Frau im Walde.

A tribute to the dandelion

The absolute star is the dandelion (Löwenzahn), a wild mountain herb with a characteristic bitter flavor, prized for centuries for its detoxifying, digestive, and diuretic properties. During the festival weeks, restaurants and inns in the participating villages offer menus entirely dedicated to this plant: from dandelion herb soup to whole-grain risotto with dandelion and fresh cheese, to creative desserts like Schmarrn with dandelion honey. In Proves/Proveis, historic inns such as the Neue Post, Gasthaus Waldrast, and Gasthaus Zur Lärche participate.

More than just cuisine

Alongside the culinary offerings, the Dandelion Weeks offer a rich accompanying program: guided hikes to discover wild herbs, farmers' markets with local products and traditional dishes (canederli, salads, desserts, herbal teas, and homemade bread), musical festivals, and entertainment for children. There are also meetings dedicated to learning about mountain herbs and ancient farming wisdom.

A tradition since 1996

Established in 1996, the festival is now one of the longest-running gastronomic events in South Tyrol. The initiative is rooted in the teachings of the famous herbalist Hermann Josef Weidinger, the "Kräuterpfarrer" (the herbal priest), who championed the health benefits of wild plants. In 2026, the Löwenzahnwochen celebrated their 30th edition, confirming the deep bond between this plateau and its pristine nature.

An authentic territory

Located at an altitude of over 1,400 meters, the Deutschnonsberg is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path corner of South Tyrol where the South Tyrolean dialect is still spoken and life follows the rhythm of the seasons. The Dandelion Weeks represent an ideal opportunity to discover mountain gastronomy, alpine landscapes, and the genuine hospitality of Proves/Proveis and the other villages on the plateau, at a time of year when the meadows turn yellow with dandelion flowers.