Traditioneller Markt am Brenner (Brenner Traditional Market)

A seventy-year-old border market

The Traditioneller Markt am Brenner, or Brenner Traditional Market, is one of the most distinctive commercial events in South Tyrol. It is held in the Municipality of Brennero (Province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige region), right at the historic alpine pass that marks the border between Italy and Austria. Here, on the Marktplatz (Market Square), stalls line up amidst a steady flow of residents, travelers, and curious visitors crossing the pass.

The origins: a market born by chance

The history of the market dates back to 1950 and began almost by mistake. Some vendors from Bolzano, heading to the market in Vipiteno (Sterzing), missed their train stop and found themselves at the Brenner. They decided to set up their stalls anyway, and the success was such that they chose to return regularly. The pass, a constant transit point between Tyrol and Italy, proved to be an ideal location: around 1970, the municipality had to build a dedicated market square at the southern end of the town to accommodate all the exhibitors.

A fixed appointment all year round

The market is held on the 5th and 20th of every month, without interruption throughout the year. If the date falls on a Sunday or a public holiday, the market is moved to the previous working day. Opening hours vary by season: in summer from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and in the winter months from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

What to find

The stalls offer a varied and popular assortment that reflects its nature as a village and border market:

• clothing, knitwear, and footwear;
• homeware, tools, and household items;
• local specialties, fruit, vegetables, and cheeses;
• food products and small snacks to enjoy on the go.

Border atmosphere

What makes the Brennermarkt special is its location: a market where you can breathe in the South Tyrolean and Tyrolean culture, with the typical coexistence of Italian and German languages, animated by the flow of those crossing the most famous pass in the Eastern Alps. A curious and authentic stop for those visiting the upper Isarco Valley and the Colle Isarco/Gossensass area.

Organization

The market is promoted by the Colle Isarco Tourist Association (Tourismusverein Gossensass) in collaboration with the Municipality of Brennero.