Weihnachtsmarkt im Sternendorf Gummer

A Christmas market in the village of stars

The Weihnachtsmarkt im Sternendorf Gummer is the traditional Christmas market that brings the small hamlet of Gummer/San Valentino in Campo to life. Located in the municipality of Cornedo all'Isarco (Karneid), in the province of Bolzano, within the Trentino-Alto Adige region, it is a hidden gem. Every year, on the second Sunday of Advent, the local Community House (Haus der Dorfgemeinschaft) dresses up for the occasion, hosting an intimate and carefully curated market that stands in stark contrast to large city events.

Gummer, the "village of stars"

Gummer/San Valentino in Campo is known as the Sternendorf, or "village of stars": together with the nearby Collepietra, it forms Europe's first star village. It is home to the Max Valier Astronomical Observatory, a solar observatory, and a planetarium where the wonders of the night sky are projected. This astronomical vocation gives the Christmas market a unique backdrop, suspended between the starry sky and the Dolomite mountains of the Val d'Ega, at the foot of the Catinaccio-Latemar massif.

What to expect

The market is an initiative of the local community (Dorfgemeinschaft) and maintains a genuine, family-friendly character. Among the carefully arranged stalls, you will find:

• Handmade crafts and gift ideas created by local residents;
• Traditional Christmas decorations and Advent items;
• South Tyrolean sweets and local products, cookies, and cold-weather specialties;
• Hot drinks to warm up in the cozy atmosphere of the Community House.

An authentic Advent in Val d'Ega

Unlike the large markets in Bolzano or Bressanone, the Gummer market offers an intimate and authentic experience, ideal for those seeking the true atmosphere of the South Tyrolean Advent away from the crowds. The hamlet is easily accessible by bus (lines 180, 181, 182, and 184) from Bolzano and the Val d'Ega, with free parking available near the planetarium. A visit to the market can be combined with a walk through the mountain village and, for enthusiasts, activities at the astronomical observatory.

South Tyrolean traditions

The Gummer market is part of the rich tradition of South Tyrolean Advent markets, characterized by craftsmanship, carols, and the scents of cinnamon and mulled wine. In this bilingual land, where mountain communities preserve customs passed down through generations, the small market in the "village of stars" represents one of the most charming and lesser-known corners of the South Tyrolean Advent.