Niederdorfer Kartoffelfest "das Original" (Villabassa Potato Festival)

The Villabassa Potato Festival

The Niederdorfer Kartoffelfest "das Original", known in Italian as the Sagra della Patata, is one of the most beloved gastronomic events in the Upper Puster Valley, in the municipality of Villabassa/Niederdorf, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). Every year, towards the end of September, Von Kurz Square (Von-Kurz-Platz), the heart of the village, transforms into a large open-air market dedicated to the tuber that shaped the town's economic history.

A deeply rooted tradition

The potato is no ordinary product for Villabassa: after the war, the village housed a seed potato cooperative, featuring the famous Erdäpfelkeller (potato cellar), which made the area a major hub for the cultivation and distribution of seed and table potatoes throughout Italy. The festival was born to honor this legacy and the high-altitude climate that gives local potatoes their exceptional flavor.

What to eat

The absolute star is, of course, the potato, served in both traditional and modern versions. Dishes are handmade by local chefs and the farmers of Villabassa, who reinterpret rustic recipes and South Tyrolean specialties. From dumplings (canederli) to gnocchi, roasted potatoes to desserts, the culinary journey delights visitors all day long.

The festival program

Beyond gastronomy, the Kartoffelfest offers a complete experience:

• Farmers' Market (Bauernmarkt): numerous stalls from local producers offering potatoes, honey, cheese, baked goods, and local crafts;
• Live music: brass bands and traditional South Tyrolean ensembles perform on stage throughout the two days;
• Children's program: workshops, face painting, puppet theater, clown shows, games, and entertainment in the afternoon;
• Kartoffelwoche (Potato Week): in the days leading up to the festival, local restaurants and mountain huts offer special menus entirely dedicated to the potato.

A sustainable festival

The Niederdorfer Kartoffelfest is a certified Green Event: reusable tableware, plastic-free service, locally sourced ingredients, waste sorting, and a strong encouragement to use public transport. It is a model of environmentally conscious celebration that perfectly represents the identity of the Upper Puster Valley and its Dolomite landscape.

An event for the whole family

With free admission, a convivial atmosphere, and the backdrop of the Sesto Dolomites, the Villabassa Potato Festival is the ideal opportunity to discover South Tyrolean farming culture and savor the Puster Valley autumn through genuine flavors, music, and tradition.