A Törggelen Hike on the Keschtnweg: An Autumn Day Trip From Ratschings
Hiking through vividly colored chestnut forests, then rounding off the day with a hearty Törggelen meal — this combination is one of South Tyrol's finest autumn experiences. Guests staying in Ratschings who want to venture a bit further afield will find the perfect destination for a varied day trip on the Keschtnweg, the chestnut trail in the nearby Eisack Valley.
What Is the Keschtnweg?
The Keschtnweg is a themed hiking trail roughly 60 kilometers long that winds through the Eisack Valley, passing countless chestnut groves that turn into a true sea of color come autumn. The trail links towns such as Klausen, Feldthurns, and Brixen, and is considered one of the region's most beautiful autumn hikes.
Why the Trip Is Worth It
In autumn, the Keschtnweg shows itself at its best: chestnut leaves turn shades of gold and rust, while numerous farmhouses along the route open their parlors and cellars to hikers. It's during this "Törggelezeit" that the natural experience and the culinary tradition merge into one seamless whole.
The Törggelen Tradition Along the Way
The term Törggelen comes from "Torggl," the traditional wine press. After the grape harvest, farm workers would stop at rustic taverns (Buschenschank) to sample the young wine, accompanied by hearty dishes like barley soup, Schlutzkrapfen, bacon, and sauerkraut, followed by sweet fritters and roasted chestnuts to finish. Along the Keschtnweg, this tradition can be experienced in a particularly authentic way, since many farmhouses sit right along the route.
Honestly Speaking: A Day Trip, Not a Walk From Your Doorstep
The Keschtnweg lies in the Eisack Valley, outside the immediate hiking area around Ratschings — reaching it means a drive of roughly 40 to 50 kilometers, for instance via Sterzing and Brixen. For those planning a full day, though, it's easy enough to hike a section of the trail and experience the Törggelen tradition at one of the many rustic taverns along the way.
Törggelen Closer to Ratschings, Too
For those who prefer something more straightforward, there's no need to travel all the way to the Eisack Valley for the Törggelen mood: the hotels in Ratschings keep the tradition alive too, with autumn-themed evenings and seasonal dishes. Read more in our article on the Törggelen season in Ratschings.
The Perfect Setting for an Autumn Visit
A trip to the Keschtnweg pairs wonderfully with other autumn highlights in the region, such as the alpine cattle drives or a stroll through the Sterzing Harvest Festival. That turns an autumn stay in Ratschings into a journey through some of South Tyrol's finest traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Törggelen Hike on the Keschtnweg
The Keschtnweg lies in the Eisack Valley, roughly 40 to 50 kilometers away — a day trip, for instance via Sterzing and Brixen.
Autumn, especially October and November, when the chestnut forests show their most beautiful colors and the Törggelen season begins.
No, the trail can be walked in individual sections — ideal for a day trip followed by Törggelen.
Yes, the hotels in Ratschings also keep the tradition alive with autumn-themed evenings and seasonal dishes.
Bacon, cheese, barley soup or Schlutzkrapfen, sauerkraut dishes, and roasted chestnuts with young wine to finish.