Oswald von Wolkenstein Ritt

A medieval tournament at the foot of the Sciliar

The Oswald von Wolkenstein Ritt is one of South Tyrol's most evocative historical and cultural events. Established in 1983 by three residents of Fiè—Hanspeter Demetz, Verena Pramstrahler, and Heinz Tschugguel—it has evolved over the years into a major regional equestrian spectacle that draws thousands of spectators. The tournament takes place in the Sciliar area (Schlerngebiet) and involves three municipalities: Castelrotto/Kastelruth, Siusi allo Sciliar/Seis, and Fiè allo Sciliar/Völs am Schlern, in the province of Bolzano.

Who was Oswald von Wolkenstein?

The event is dedicated to Oswald von Wolkenstein (1377–1445), a great knight, poet, and Minnesänger—a singer of courtly love—who spent much of his life in this region, residing for a time in the Hauenstein castle above Siusi, which is now in ruins. His cultural legacy remains at the heart of the Sciliar area's identity, and the tournament continues to celebrate his memory through medieval costumes, music, and atmosphere.

How the tournament works

The stars of the show are the teams of four riders (Vierermannschaften), dressed in traditional local costumes, who face off in four challenges inspired by medieval equestrian games. The main event typically features around 36 teams from across South Tyrol. The four challenges are:

• Ringstechen (ring jousting) at the Kofel, the Calvary hill in Castelrotto;
• Labyrinth (maze) at the Matzlbödele in Siusi;
• Hindernisgalopp (obstacle gallop) at the Völser Weiher, the small lake in Fiè;
• Tor-Ritt (gate ride) at Castel Prösels above Fiè, which also hosts the awards ceremony.

The role of Fiè allo Sciliar

The municipality of Fiè allo Sciliar is the heart of the final day: it hosts two of the four challenges—the obstacle gallop at the Völser Weiher and the gate ride at Castel Prösels—and the competition concludes in the castle courtyard with the presentation of the banner to the winning team. On the Sunday of the tournament, the riders depart at dawn from Trostburg Castle in Ponte Gardena/Waidbruck and ride through the three municipalities before the grand finale.

An event blending sport, history, and folklore

The Oswald von Wolkenstein Ritt combines sport, history, tradition, and culture in a stunning landscape, with the Sciliar Dolomites as a backdrop. Beyond the races, the weekend includes village festivals in Castelrotto, costumed parades, live music, and social gatherings, making it an unmissable appointment for anyone wanting to experience the Tyrolean Middle Ages in an authentic way.