Treasured Traditions

Distant summits, delightful gardens, relaxing meals and beautiful animal headwear – four blissful images from the region

Picture-perfect scenery. In sunny weather, the view from Terenten/ Terento stretches all the way across to the jagged slopes of the Peitlerkofel, towering 2,875 metres into the cloudless blue sky.

Constructed in the 13th century, the Hofburg palace in Brixen/Bressanone was once home to the town’s prince-bishops. Today, it houses the Diocesan Museum, which displays religious art from the medieval period all the way up to the 20th century.

The Törggelen harvest festival is an essential part of life in the Eisacktal valley. Every autumn, once the chestnuts are ripe, they are roasted and served with young wine, grape juice and homemade products such as Schlutzer ravioli, speck ham, smoked dry sausages known as Kaminwurzen, fresh sausages and pickled cabbage. The tradition is best enjoyed in one of the region’s farmhouse inns – or outside.

In South Tyrol, cows are regarded as more than just livestock. They are also a symbol of the region’s farms, its way of life, its traditions and its proximity to nature. In autumn when it is time to bring the cows down from their mountain pastures for winter, they are beautifully adorned with flowers and other decorations in a proud celebration of this custom.