Toblacher Gespräche / Dobbiaco Talks

A laboratory of ideas for the ecological transition in the Alps

The Dobbiaco Talks, known in German as Toblacher Gespräche, are one of Italy's longest-running and most authoritative forums dedicated to ecology and the relationship between the environment and society. Founded in 1985, they take place annually in the municipality of Dobbiaco/Toblach, in the province of Bolzano, within the Trentino-Alto Adige region, nestled in the heart of the Alta Pusteria valley just steps away from the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.

A bilingual forum bridging science, journalism, and civic engagement

Since their inception, the Talks have served as a true laboratory for "concrete utopias," a space where scientists, economists, journalists, administrators, and citizens engage in discussions on building a more sustainable future. Each edition revolves around a topical issue related to the climate crisis, energy, mobility, the economy, or the role of information, explored through conferences, round tables, and participatory workshops. The event is entirely bilingual (Italian and German), with simultaneous translation, reflecting the multilingual heritage of South Tyrol.

The Venue: Gustav Mahler Cultural Centre

The heart of the Talks is the Euregio Kulturzentrum Gustav Mahler, the cultural centre in Dobbiaco named after the great composer who wrote some of his most celebrated works in these very mountains. The venue offers conference halls, workshop spaces, and an exceptional natural setting, making the Talks an experience that combines intellectual reflection with immersion in the Dolomite landscape.

A late September tradition

The Dobbiaco Talks are traditionally held in late September and are organised by the Dobbiaco Talks Academy in collaboration with the Gustav Mahler Cultural Centre. Over the years, the forum has become a benchmark for environmental debate in both Italian and German, hosting leading voices in journalism, research, and European ecological activism.

Dates and themes for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced: the event is confirmed for late September 2026, as per tradition, with the detailed programme to be released by the organisers in the coming months.