Törggelen in South Tyrol

What is Törggelen?

Törggelen is a South Tyrolean custom where people dine in a cozy atmosphere and, of course, regional dishes are served. What usually begins with a short hike and ends with a convivial dinner is considered the fifth season of the Southern Alps.

Törggelen has a long tradition and can be traced back to the old custom between farmers and wine merchants. It actually originated from the customary bartering between winegrowers and cattle farmers.

It worked like this: if there was a new wine, the cattle farmer was informed. In order to taste and introduce the new wine, the cattle farmers slaughtered the animals and prepared a deliciously hearty meal. Of course, the new wine - known locally as "Sußer" - was then tasted with this food and everyone celebrated together. At that time, the celebration took place at the wine press, i.e. at the Torggl.

The Törggelen season starts at the beginning of October and continues into November. At this time, the atmosphere here at the Schartner Alm is particularly festive and every guest feels the unique character of this time. Immerse yourself in a culinary experience and enjoy the Törggelen season together. As an attraction in South Tyrol, this tradition has already spread around the world.

Where does the name Törggele come from?

The name is derived from "Torggl", from the Latin "torculus". Torggl means wine press and the name came about because people celebrated at the wine press. After the grape harvest in late fall, when the grapes have been delivered to the winery or the farmer has cellared them himself, the festive part of the season begins. It is a kind of Thanksgiving, or an opportunity to thank family, friends and employees for the labor-intensive harvest season.

What is typical for a Törggele meal?

An unforgettable treat awaits you from October in the afternoon or evening with hearty and hearty delicacies at Törggelen. In the afternoon, the meal is served as a Marende with new wine and grape must combined with spicy Schüttelbrot bread, strong cheese, Kaminwurzen sausages and the famous South Tyrolean farmer's bacon. The Marende is usually followed by a small appetizer, homemade Schlutzkrapfen, a dumpling tris or a delicious barley soup with boiled ham, these dishes are combined as desired. The main dish is usually a traditional meat platter with bacon dumplings, boiled cabbage refined with juniper berries and bay leaf, potatoes, ribs, sour meat, home-made sausages and black pudding. Of course there are doughnuts to finish. Of course, really good roasted chestnuts are also a must. Young wine - the Sußer - is drunk in sufficient quantities. 

Törggelen is a great opportunity to pause, sit together and enjoy the moment. As mentioned above, it is often used to invite employees to a social meal and to celebrate living together. This is also symbolized by the dishes, which are usually served on a large platter and shared according to the "sharing concept". There is, of course, plenty for everyone. There is a lot of singing, laughing and chatting. 

So there's plenty to discover in culinary terms. If you are lucky enough to have booked a lodge with us during this period, nothing stands in the way of Törggelen. With a magnificent view of the Dolomites, we will spoil your stomach here in South Tyrol and get your taste buds dancing with Törggele.  

According to tradition, the evening ends with a schnapps to aid digestion. The drinks served during the meal are usually young wines. The meal usually ends with delicious roasted chestnuts and/or sweet doughnuts. In earlier times, the main course was mainly South Tyrolean farmer's bacon and chimney roots, which were often produced on the farm. Alternatively, simple dishes from the farmhouse kitchen were also served.

Nowadays, South Tyrolean farmer's bacon, chimney roots, cheese, Schüttelbrot, chestnuts, Vinschgerl, Schüttelbrot and red wine are served. Hearty butcher's platters with surfleisch, bacon dumplings, sauerkraut and various sausages made from blood or house sausage are also still available today. Each restaurant has its own "somewhat" individual philosophy, but it is unmistakable that it is all about Törggelen. Let us spoil you with culinary delights while you enjoy your vacation in South Tyrol. And for dessert? The Kloatze is a very important part of Törggelen. These are dried pears, naturally from the region. This preserves the sweetness of summer and in the form of sweet doughnuts filled with Kloatze, the meal becomes a poem. Finally, the famous roasted chestnuts are served with butter.

Strengthened by the delicious food, the excursions on your South Tyrol vacation are even more fun. At the SchartnerAlm itself, your vacation will also be an experience. Relax in our sauna, swim in the organic pool with drinking water quality and enjoy the comfortably furnished alpine lodges. Our younger guests enjoy playing in the indoor playground at any time of year and the forest playground also provides many happy moments.

Where does the Törggele originate?

Törggele is known throughout South Tyrol and beyond its borders. But where exactly does the tradition come from and where was it celebrated? From a regional perspective, the exact origin can hardly be traced. However, the Isarco Valley is thought to be the origin of Törggele. In any case, it spread fairly quickly throughout the entire region.

The harvest was celebrated in the room where the wine press used to be and where Törggelen took place. Nowadays, Törggelen takes place in rustic taverns, in rural taverns as wine bars or snack stations. Most of these are farms that serve the entire Törggelen menu with their own food and products. We can rightly say that the Ritten is a real insider tip for Törggelen, because here the food is freshly and regionally prepared. Not only in the Törggelen season, but all year round we prepare dishes from fresh and regional ingredients. In our AlmLadele you will find many specialties that you can take home with you.

Have you become curious about culinary delights and are you in the mood for a vacation on the alpine pasture? Then get in touch with us at the Schartner Alm in Klobenstein am Ritten and reserve your Alm Lodge zum Törggele. Our camping options are also not to be sneezed at. In autumn, the climate on the Ritten is particularly mild and the still green meadows create a dreamlike play of light. Do you love the region and nature and want to be part of the tradition? Couples, singles, families and even your dog are welcome here to enjoy Törggelen. A stay with us is also a culinary highlight in the other seasons.