Wasserfaller Kirchtag

An alpine festival in the heart of the Racines Alps

The Wasserfaller Kirchtag is one of the most genuine alpine pasture festivals in the upper Racines Valley. It takes place at the Wasserfalleralm, an alpine hut situated at an altitude of approximately 1,903 meters in the Racines-Giovo hiking area, within the municipality of Racines/Ratschings in the province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. Like many South Tyrolean Kirchtag events, the festival blends traditional mountain farming culture with the joy of gathering at high altitude at the end of summer, when the pastures are still lush and the air is crisp.

Music, views, and camaraderie

For an entire day, the alpine pasture transforms into a cheerful meeting point for hikers, families, and mountain enthusiasts. The program revolves around three simple, winning ingredients:

• Live music, featuring the essential accompaniment of traditional South Tyrolean bands;
• the stunning alpine panorama of the peaks surrounding the Racines Valley and the Giovo area;
• the convivial and informal atmosphere typical of mountain festivals, where people sit side-by-side at long tables to share a meal and a drink.

Culinary specialties

The gastronomic heart of the Wasserfaller Kirchtag lies in the regional delicacies prepared at the hut. Among the most anticipated dishes:

• Schöpsernes, the classic roast lamb of the farming tradition;
• Blattler with sauerkraut, fried dough pastries served with sauerkraut;
• and other South Tyrolean specialties that make every high-altitude festival an opportunity to enjoy mountain cuisine in its natural setting.

How to reach the alpine pasture

The Wasserfalleralm is easily reachable via the Racines-Giovo cable car (Ratschings-Jaufen): from the top station, located at about 1,800 meters, a pleasant half-hour walk along the Almenweg leads to the pasture. This makes the festival suitable even for non-expert hikers, while still being fully immersed in the alpine environment. It is this combination of accessibility and authenticity that makes the Wasserfaller Kirchtag a favorite among both locals and visitors vacationing in Racines and the Ridanna Valley.

A South Tyrolean tradition

In South Tyrolean culture, the Kirchtag is a festival that traditionally marks an important milestone in the community calendar. Brought up to the heights of the Wasserfalleralm, this tradition becomes an occasion to bid farewell to the alpine summer in good company, celebrating the deep bond between the municipality of Racines/Ratschings and its mountains.