Sarntal Valley in South Tyrol: Culture, Traditions and Nature

The Sarntal dialect preserves many old linguistic forms and has a distinctive rhythm and sound. Even without understanding every word, you will hear it in everyday conversations, during local celebrations and throughout the villages as a living expression of local identity.

Mountain pine grows at higher altitudes throughout the Sarntal Alps. For generations, its needles have been used to produce valuable essential oil for wellness, fragrance and skincare products.

During a guided visit to a mountain-pine oil distillery in Unterreinswald, you can learn more about this traditional craft and discover how the native Alpine plant is processed.

The Sarner Jangger is a traditional knitted jacket made from sheep’s wool. Warm, durable and hard-wearing, it is worn in Sarntal Valley both in everyday life and on special occasions.

Sarner Jangger jackets are available from selected craft businesses and shops in the valley, making them an authentic product with unmistakable Sarntal origins.

The Sarner Kirchtag is one of the most important folk festivals of the year. At the beginning of September, Mass, a religious procession, a large festive parade and music bring the village of Sarnthein to life.

On Monday, the traditional Sarnar Kirchte-Morkt, the largest farmers’ market in the valley, takes place. For visitors, the festival provides a particularly authentic insight into traditional dress and community life in Sarntal Valley.

Local brass bands accompany religious processions, village festivals and celebrations throughout Sarntal Valley. Brass music is not merely entertainment, but an important part of the valley’s social and cultural life.

Guests visiting during a local event can experience the close connection between music, traditional dress and community spirit.

Working mountain pastures, Alpine farms and livestock farming have shaped the landscape of Sarntal Valley for centuries. The meadows and pastures crossed by hiking trails are not a staged backdrop, but the result of the daily work carried out by local farming families.

Please remain on marked paths, close pasture gates behind you and keep a safe distance from grazing animals.

In this traditional Sarntal craft, finely split peacock-feather quills are worked into leather with great precision. The richly decorated belts worn as part of the traditional men’s costume are particularly well known.

The elaborate technique is still practised by specialised workshops in Sarnthein. Visitors can discover the intricate work and purchase unique handmade pieces.

Sarntal Valley cuisine is hearty, authentic and closely linked to mountain farming. Rye flour, dairy products, speck and seasonal ingredients form the basis of many traditional dishes.

Sarner Krapfen, barley soup and Striezl reflect a cuisine that creates plenty of flavour from simple ingredients. At Almhotel Bergerhof, chef Klaus combines South Tyrolean traditions with Italian lightness and contemporary preparation.

The Sarnar Morgreti Essn are culinary speciality weeks held in Sarntal Valley each year at the beginning of July. Participating restaurants offer special dishes and menus centred around regional produce and traditional Sarntal Valley cuisine.

The current dates and participating establishments are announced each year.

The Sarner Striezl is a traditional yeasted bread made with rye flour. Its shape resembles a slipper, and the opening is traditionally filled with finely sliced Sarntal speck.

Freshly baked Striezl are regularly available at the farmers’ market in Sarnthein and make a simple, characteristic local speciality to enjoy while exploring the village.

The Rohrerhaus Farm Museum in Sarnthein provides an authentic insight into how people in Sarntal Valley once lived and worked. The historic farmhouse includes an old smoke kitchen and a traditional bread oven.

Exhibitions and events bring rural life, traditional crafts and Sarntal customs to life. As the museum has seasonal opening hours, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

Klöckeln is an old Advent tradition that has been documented in Sarntal Valley since the 16th century. On the three Advent Thursdays before the winter solstice, masked groups travel from house to house accompanied by songs, horn calls and loud knocking.

The custom is not performed specifically for visitors, but remains a living and authentic part of Advent in Sarntal Valley.

During the Advent weekends, the historic centre of Sarnthein is transformed into an atmospheric Christmas market. Regional crafts, local specialities, music and traditional customs form the heart of the experience.

The Alpine Advent in Sarntal Valley is deliberately smaller and quieter than many large Christmas markets and reflects the valley’s warm, down-to-earth atmosphere.

Traditional Sarntal dress is rich in detail and worn with pride during religious and secular celebrations. It is particularly visible during processions, musical parades and the Sarner Kirchtag.

Elaborate embroidery, hats, belts and other handmade elements demonstrate the close connection between traditional clothing and local craftsmanship.

From mid-July until mid-August, the Sarnar Virwitzmitte take place on several Wednesday evenings in the historic centre of Sarnthein. Shops remain open longer, while cafés, restaurants, live music and a varied programme create a lively summer atmosphere.

These extended shopping evenings are a popular meeting point for visitors and local residents, offering an opportunity to stroll through the village, visit the shops and enjoy a relaxed evening together.

The mirSarner business network brings together numerous quality businesses from throughout Sarntal Valley, including craftspeople, shops, service providers, restaurants and regional producers.

For guests, the network offers useful guidance when looking for local shops, distinctive gifts and products connected to the valley.

Woodturning, woodcarving, weaving, leatherworking and quill embroidery form part of Sarntal Valley’s diverse craft tradition.

Many workshops combine skills passed down through generations with contemporary design. During guided visits and demonstrations, guests can sometimes watch craftspeople at work and discover handmade products from the valley.

Toppar are traditional slippers made from several layers of loden or felted wool and carefully sewn by hand.

Warm, hard-wearing and durable, they are a characteristic product of Sarntal Valley and make a practical, authentic souvenir to take home.