Stegener Markt / Stegona Fair

The largest fair in the Tyrol

The Stegona Fair, known in German as Stegener Markt, is considered the largest and most important folk fair in the historic Tyrol region. It is held annually for three consecutive days around October 26th in the village of Stegona (Stegen), on the outskirts of Bruneck, in the Puster Valley, in the autonomous province of Bolzano/South Tyrol (Trentino-Alto Adige). A local saying perfectly captures its importance: those who want to get through the winter well must first visit the Stegona Fair.

A centuries-old tradition

The origins of the market are lost in time: the tradition of this goods and livestock fair dates back many centuries, making it one of the most deeply rooted events in South Tyrol. Originally a meeting point for agricultural trade between local farmers and merchants from neighboring Austria, the fair has preserved its authentic folk festival character to this day, while complementing its commercial side with a modern funfair.

The three days of the fair

Each day has its own name and character, a legacy of its long tradition:

• First day (October 26) – the "Austrian Day" (Österreichertag): coincides with the Austrian National Day and attracts numerous visitors and merchants from the nearby Austrian Tyrol.
• Second day (October 27) – the "Livestock Market" (Viehmorscht): once dedicated primarily to the buying and selling of animals, it has partially lost this function but remains a central moment of the event.
• Third day (October 28) – the "People's Market" (Menschenmorscht): historically the day when servants and farmhands would seek new employment for the coming year.

What to find at the fair

Hundreds of stalls offer truly everything: from tractors and agricultural machinery to livestock, from speck to cheeses, from honey to roasted chestnuts, as well as winter clothing, shoes, socks, gloves, household goods, toys, and quality South Tyrolean products. There is no shortage of food stands with typical specialties and the classic roasted chestnuts that scent the autumn air.

The Funfair and the festive atmosphere

Alongside the market, a large funfair enlivens the event with rides and attractions for all ages, open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is primarily thanks to this combination of commercial tradition and entertainment that the Stegona Fair has become an unmissable appointment for the inhabitants of the Puster Valley and a symbol of local identity.