Törggelefest Naturns

The Törggelefest in Naturns

The Törggelefest is the autumn festival that brings the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square) of Naturns to life every October. Located in the Vinschgau Valley in the autonomous province of Bolzano, in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region, the event is organized by the Naturns Tourist Board (Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns) and brings one of the most deep-rooted customs of South Tyrolean culture—the Törggelen—to the town center.

What is Törggelen?

The term derives from Torggl, the wine press used for crushing grapes, and refers to the ancient farming custom of gathering after the grape harvest to taste the new wine. Over time, this work-related ritual evolved into a festive occasion of conviviality that defines the entire autumn season in South Tyrol. The Törggelefest brings this tradition from the farmsteads to the heart of the village, in a version open to both residents and visitors.

Autumn Flavors

The heart of the festival is its traditional seasonal cuisine. Stalls in the square offer:

• Roasted chestnuts (known in the local dialect as Keschtn), the symbol of Törggelen;
• Sweet Suser, the partially fermented grape must from the new harvest;
• Hot traditional South Tyrolean autumn dishes, from dumplings (canederli) and sauerkraut to local cured meats and sausages;
• Typical desserts like apple strudel and Krapfen.

Everything is served in a festive village atmosphere, perfect for discovering the genuine flavors of mountain cuisine.

Music and Atmosphere

The day is accompanied by live music from local brass bands and musical groups, who enliven the square throughout the event. The collaboration between the Tourist Board and local musical ensembles, including the Naturns band, helps keep this tradition alive and highlights its authentic character.

Naturns and the Vinschgau Valley in Autumn

Situated between Merano and Silandro along the sunny Vinschgau Valley, Naturns is a popular destination for hiking and culinary tourism. Autumn is the ideal season to visit: in addition to the Törggelefest, the local calendar features weekly Törggelen-themed events and gastronomic initiatives that run through November. Admission to the Törggelefest is free; the event takes place outdoors and is cancelled in case of bad weather.