Südtiroler Krapfenfest

The Krapfen Festival in Val d'Ultimo

The Südtiroler Krapfenfest (South Tyrol Krapfen Festival) is one of the most delicious culinary highlights of the South Tyrolean autumn. Every year in early September, the Schwemmalm cable car valley station in the village of Kuppelwies, within the municipality of Ultimo (Ulten), transforms into a large open-air kitchen dedicated entirely to traditional krapfen—the fried pastry that serves as a symbol of rural cuisine in Trentino-South Tyrol.

The farmers' wives and their recipes

The heart of the event lies with the farmers' wives (Bäuerinnen) who travel from all over the province of Bolzano. Each brings the recipes of her own valley, passed down through generations. Visitors can watch the preparation up close: the hand-rolled dough, the frying in hot oil, and the filling of the warm krapfen. It is a unique opportunity to witness authentic culinary expertise and see how every valley in South Tyrol has developed its own unique variations.

Varieties to taste

The beauty of the festival is the chance to take a true journey through the South Tyrolean "krapfen landscape," tasting different types to find your favorite. Among the most beloved specialties, particularly those from Val d'Ultimo, are:

• Jam-filled krapfen, golden and crispy
• Poppy seed (Mohn) krapfen, a classic of Tyrolean tradition
• Chestnut krapfen, the iconic fruit of the mountain autumn
• Other local variations featuring regional ingredients

Music, dance, and crafts

The Krapfenfest is about more than just delicacies: the day is enlivened by live folk music, dancing, and stalls dedicated to local crafts, creating a festive and convivial atmosphere. It is an event designed for the whole family, set against the alpine backdrop of Val d'Ultimo, at the foot of the Schwemmalm ski and hiking area.

A signature South Tyrolean event

Organized by the Tourismusgenossenschaft Ultental/Proveis (the Val d'Ultimo/Proves tourist association), the event celebrates the krapfen as an authentic piece of South Tyrolean rural heritage. In a bilingual region like South Tyrol, the Krapfenfest is also a way to celebrate the shared traditions of the valleys through taste, conviviality, and mountain scenery. Admission is free and no booking is required.