Traditional Mill Festival of the Schützenkompanie Welschnofen

A festival celebrating the Carezza mill

The Traditionelles Mühlenfest der Schützenkompanie Welschnofen is one of the most cherished folk festivals in the upper Val d'Ega, located in the municipality of Nova Levante/Welschnofen, in the autonomous province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige. The event centers around the Getreidemühle Karersee, an ancient water-powered grain mill near Lake Carezza (Karersee) that the Welschnofen Schützen company restored and brought back to life as a living testament to local rural culture.

The Schützen and the mill tradition

The festival began as a celebration of the restored mill's inauguration and has since been curated by the Schützenkompanie Welschnofen, the local traditional riflemen's company and guardians of South Tyrolean customs and identity. The mill, powered by its original water system, is put into operation during the event: visitors can observe the structure, the water channel, and the grain-milling process up close, in an experience that blends education with historical memory.

The day's program

The Mühlenfest kicks off in the late morning with the Feldmesse, an outdoor mass celebrated right next to the mill, followed by festivities that continue until evening. The day is accompanied by South Tyrolean folk music performed by groups in traditional costume, along with various entertainment. Guests can also enjoy a food stand serving local specialties, traditional peasant dishes, and desserts, all within the convivial atmosphere typical of South Tyrolean village festivals.

• Location: Getreidemühle Karersee, near Lake Carezza, Nova Levante/Welschnofen (BZ)
• Organizer: Schützenkompanie Welschnofen
• Frequency: Biennial event (held every two years)
• Typical program: Outdoor mass, folk music, milling demonstrations, traditional gastronomy

Dolomite backdrop

The mill is situated in one of the most evocative areas of the Eggental (Val d'Ega), at the foot of the Latemar and Catinaccio/Rosengarten massifs, just a short walk from the famous Lake Carezza with its iridescent waters. The festival offers a unique opportunity to discover authentic traditions in an exceptional landscape, far from the most crowded tourist routes.

A biennial event to look out for

As this is a biennial event, the Mühlenfest does not take place every year. It is recommended to check the calendar of the Municipality of Nova Levante/Welschnofen and the Schützenkompanie in advance to confirm the dates of the next scheduled edition.