Ronegga Almkirchtag (Rodengo and Luson Alpine Festival)

An alpine festival in the heart of the Dolomites

The Ronegga Almkirchtag—also known as the Rodengo and Luson Alpine Festival—is one of the most cherished alpine celebrations in Lower Pusteria. It takes place on the Rodenecker-Lüsner Alm, a vast plateau of approximately 20 km² stretching between 1,500 and 2,200 meters in altitude, within the municipality of Rodengo/Rodeneck, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). It is a festive day that blends faith, farming traditions, and mountain conviviality, all set against a panoramic backdrop of the Dolomites.

The Mass of Saint Bartholomew

The highlight is the mountain mass celebrated at the Pianer-Kreuz chapel, a meeting point for many hikers. The service is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, the patron saint of shepherds and alpine dairymen; this is the origin of the local dialect names for the festival (Ronegga/Bortlmä Almkirchta), which coincides with the late August feast day. The mass is accompanied by music and marks the beginning of the festivities among the mountain huts.

Music, huts, and South Tyrolean specialties

Following the religious service, the alp comes alive with Tyrolean folk music performed at various mountain huts: brass groups, bands, and Bavarian and South Tyrolean ensembles play in front of venues such as the Rastnerhütte and the Starkenfeldhütte. Local dairies and associations offer South Tyrolean culinary specialties: traditional peasant dishes, polenta with ribs, alpine cheeses, desserts, and beer, all served outdoors in the meadows.

• Mountain mass at the Pianer-Kreuz chapel
• Folk music among the alpine huts
• South Tyrolean gastronomic specialties at the mountain dairies
• Family-friendly atmosphere amidst pastures, livestock, and Dolomite views

How to experience the Almkirchtag

The festival is accessible on foot via a pleasant walk through the pastures. Common starting points include the Zumis parking area and the Roner Hütte area, from which you can follow the alpine trails to the Pianer-Kreuz chapel. Thanks to the flat paths and numerous huts with rest areas, the Almkirchtag is an ideal destination for families, who can combine a hike with the festival and discover the alpine lifestyle. It is an event that encapsulates the identity of Rodengo and the entire Gitschberg Jochtal/Rio Pusteria holiday area.