Have you ever heard of Törggelen? Well, since you have just landed on our blog article, it seems that you are at least interested in this South Tyrolean tradition. But if you’re still not sure if it’s really worth experiencing the 5th South Tyrolean Season, here are seven reasons why you should just go for it and try it out.
1. It is a great introduction to an important local custom.
Törggelen has existed for many centuries. It takes place every year at the end of the grape harvest. This means that the whole region is under the sign of the affectionately called “5th season” during the months of October and November.
Incidentally, the name, which sounds cute to outsiders, comes from the Latin “torquere”, meaning “to turn”. At that time, the wine presses were turned and the fresh grape must is usually the first thing on the table at Törggelen.
2. You eat (and talk) with the locals.
Without much effort you can talk to the locals at Törggelen. South Tyroleans and guests have always gathered at the end of the grape harvest and the ripening of the chestnuts. Freshly harvested chestnuts are roasted over a fire. Often, as in the case of the APIPURA hotel rinner, they are picked by hand from the centuries-old chestnut trees. The rocky and steep terrain makes harvesting very difficult. All the more enjoyable is the cozy get-together and the enjoyment that follows.
3. You discover the region through its specialties.
If you agree that the best way to get to know a destination is through its cuisine, then only reason 3 counts for you. At the Törggelen you will find just about all of the specialties of South Tyrol on your table. From freshly smoked bacon to Gertsen soup, from roasted chestnuts to Schlutzkrapfen, sauerkraut and Kartoffelplattlan. All of this is accompanied by a lot of grape must or the first wine that has just been pressed. Just be careful that the latter does not go to your head 😉
4. You will learn first hand what “Buschenschenken” are.
Buschenschenken are small, rustic parlors on wineries and farms. They are only open during the Törggelen season. Traditionally, you can recognize them by a wreath with a red ribbon on the door. Those who enter can look forward to a rustic atmosphere, warm hospitality and, of course, a hearty meal.
5. You can taste the fresh must of the grapes and the young wine.
The end of the grape harvest is, of course, also the end of the tasting of fresh must and young wine. For this reason alone, it is advisable to find a place to stay for the Törggelen. It is also advisable to do without a car. At the end of the evening, no one has to drive. Everyone can enjoy as much or as little wine as they like.
6. You combine hiking and eating.
Do you want the real thing? Then walk. The classic way is to walk from one wine tavern to another, trying something here and there. Very relaxed, very comfortable. In South Tyrol, there are also some providers who offer guided tours or even organize real events. This year, for example, the ADLER Hiking Half Marathon will take place for the second time, leading participants and guests of the hotel on the Ritten along the most beautiful trails to various inns and refreshment stops.
Those who prefer to go on their own can follow the Keschtnweg. This long-distance trail runs from Kloster Neustift near Brixen to the Bilderburg Runkelstein in Bozen and is especially recommended in the fall when the chestnut leaves turn golden.
7. You experience the region in the magic of autumn
Speaking of chestnuts and gold, the South Tyrolean autumn is a time of colorful deciduous forests and mystical mornings with mists floating over fields and lakes. It’s the right season for hearty feasts, and cozy gatherings, but also for reflection and letting go.
8. You can travel comfortably by train.
South Tyrol is ideal for sustainable travel. Arriving by train from Germany, Austria or Italy is very easy. With the South Tyrol Card (or a regional equivalent such as the Ritten Card for the Ritten), you can travel free of charge on local public transport. Otherwise, the region is a great place for hiking and especially biking. But do not underestimate the gradients 😉 In the meantime, there are many hotels such as the ADLER Lodge RITTEN on the high plateau of Ritten, the Paradiso Pure.Living on the Alpe di Siusi or the vegan LA VIMEA in Naturno offer e-bikes for rent.
9. For your overnight stay during Törggelen, there are many sustainable hotels in South Tyrol.
We have already mentioned the first hotels: In South Tyrol, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a place to stay during Törggelen. Many sustainable hotels offer unique accommodation where you can be sure that everything is done to preserve the nature and culture of the region.
Paradiso Pure.Living
The Seiser Alm is the highest mountain pasture in Europe. And in the middle of it you will find the first vegan-vegetarian hotel in the Dolomites. In addition to the regional, plant-based cuisine, you can look forward to individual design and changing exhibitions by contemporary artists.
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