The autumn season in South Tyrol is for me the most beautiful season of the year. Nature shows its best colours and the temperatures are wonderful. In South Tyrol there are beautiful customs and traditions all year round. My favourite custom is “Törggelen” in autumn. A weekend is planned every year.

Whereto best to go TÖRGGELEN?

I’ve been going every year for a few years now. But even as a local I am overtaxed every year, in which buschenschank we should go. The custom is particularly popular in Eisacktal, as well as in Überetsch. Both I can highly recommend to you. The panorama of the Eisack Valley is a dream. I love the view into the distance to the mountains.

• Tip: An excursion to the Eisack valley can be combined with a visit to the Säben monastery or a short detour to Klausen.

In Überetsch it is a bit flatter, but just as beautiful in the middle of the vineyards. The proximity to the old town of Bolzano makes it particularly suitable for a subsequent walk.

• Tip: In the Überetscher area you can combine it with some cellar visits. Especially beautiful are the St. Michael Eppan, Manincor and Alois Lageder wineries. Or you can do a hike through the Rastenbachklamm gorge to the Kalterer See.

Our Törggele day usually begins with a hike to the Buschenschank. Here, one only has to pay attention that one does not start too late at noon, as it quickly gets dark in autumn. In the Eisacktal, the sun sets already around 17:00-17:30 o’clock.

Also this year we had a wonderful Törggelen in South Tyrol. The weather was fantastic.

We were in Obermoserhof ober Schnauders (Feldthurns). Before we made a 1,5 hours round walk to Garn. The walk started directly at the inn, so that we could park the cars right there.

Another year we walked from Klausen via Kastanienweg up to the Larmhof in Villanders, which I can highly recommend to you. But then you would have to put the cars directly to the Buschenschank or organize a shuttle.

• A tip for you: the best thing to do is to check out Sentres, which hike leads to/from/to your guesthouse. The South Tyrolean Outdoor Activities website is especially helpful. So you can plan your walk easily.

The afternoon was so beautiful that we could enjoy the last rays of sunshine on the terrace of the Obermoserhof with a South Tyrolean Marend with bacon, homemade cheese and wine.

What isst you TÖRGGELEN?

Traditionally South Tyrolean home cooking is served. A classic Törggele menu consists of a Gerschtsuppe, Schlutzkrapfen or a Knödeltris as a starter. The main course consists of a slaughter plate with sauerkraut, surf meat, ripples, sausage and blood sausage. The sweet finish is craps and of course roasted chestnuts. The digestive liquor at the end is usually served by the host himself. In many Törggele bars there is also musical accompaniment on the accordion. Törggelen is “a Gaudi” every year.

I am looking forward to next year!