Törggelefest at the Haflinger Museum

The Törggelefest at the Haflinger Horse Museum

The Törggelefest im Haflingermuseum is the autumn highlight organized by the Museumsverein Jenesien (Jenesien Museum Association) at the Haflinger Horse Museum (Haflingermuseum) in the municipality of San Genesio Atesino/Jenesien, in the province of Bolzano, in the heart of South Tyrol. The festival marks the end of the village's famous chestnut weeks, nestled on the Tschögglberg plateau, the scenic ridge separating the Bolzano basin from the Adige Valley.

What is Törggelen?

Törggelen is one of South Tyrol's most iconic gastronomic traditions. It stems from the rural custom of visiting farmsteads in autumn to sample the freshly pressed new wine, accompanied by the essential roasted chestnuts (Keschtn). The name comes from the wine press (Torggl in local dialect) used for crushing grapes. In San Genesio, this custom is deeply rooted: the village is famous for its ancient chestnut forests, which turn the slopes above the South Tyrolean capital into a sea of autumn colors every October.

The Day's Program

The festival transforms the museum area, next to the sports field, into a lively market of taste and tradition. The heart of the event is the live rural craftsmanship (bäuerliches Schauhandwerk): artisans demonstrate age-old trades to the public, such as cobbling (Schustern), tailoring (Schneidern), and scythe sharpening (Tengeln), skills passed down through generations.

• Freshly roasted chestnuts and typical Törggelen specialties
• South Tyrolean farmhouse cuisine and new wine
• Demonstrations of ancient crafts
• Visits to the museum and its collections
• A convivial atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages

The Haflinger Horse Museum

The festival takes place in a symbolic location: San Genesio is considered the cradle of the Haflinger horse, the sturdy breed with a blonde mane that worked alongside mountain farmers for centuries. The Haflingermuseum houses tools, everyday objects, and artifacts of South Tyrolean rural life, offering a glimpse into the past and present of the local farming world. During the Törggelefest, the museum remains open to visitors, blending heritage discovery with a gastronomic celebration.

San Genesio Atesino and the Tschögglberg

Accessible in just a few minutes from Bolzano via the San Genesio cable car or along the scenic road, the village is a popular destination for autumn walks among the chestnut trees. The Törggelefest is the perfect opportunity to experience South Tyrolean autumn in its most genuine form, amidst seasonal flavors, folk traditions, and mountain landscapes.