The Sterzing Harvest Festival: Autumn on the Town Square
"Autumn is always our best time," Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once observed. In Sterzing, that sentiment takes on special meaning during the Harvest Festival (Erntedankfest): the town's traditional farmers' market finds its atmospheric season finale here, with craft, South Tyrolean delicacies, and a festive mood right in the old town.
Two Days Devoted to Autumn
The Sterzing Harvest Festival spans two days. Friday opens with the season's final farmers' market: from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, local vendors offer honey, Wipptal herbal teas, homemade bread and baked goods, fresh vegetables, and organic wines on the town square. The Wipptal farmwomen prepare traditional specialties on site, including fresh "Tirtlan" filled with spinach or cabbage, along with Sterzing-style fritters. On Saturday, October 31, the actual Harvest Festival kicks off at 10:00 AM on the town square. Throughout the day, visitors can browse a farmers' and craft market featuring homemade fruit juices and syrups, various tea blends and herbs, farmhouse cheese specialties, homemade jams, fresh eggs, and much more.
Autumn Treats and Music
There's plenty to enjoy on the culinary side at the Harvest Festival: fritters, fresh apple juice, homemade sausage with cabbage, or smoked meat cater to every taste. And of course, the typical "Keschtn" — roasted chestnuts — can't be missing, since no South Tyrolean autumn would be complete without them. Live music rounds out the day.
At a Glance
Date: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026
Friday: season's final farmers' market, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Saturday: Harvest Festival with farmers' and craft market, from 10:00 AM
Location: Sterzing town square
Highlights: farmhouse products, fritters, roasted chestnuts, live music
A Good Cause Included
The Stilfes Advent Market also has a stall on site: handmade candles and grave decorations for All Saints' Day, with proceeds going to the "South Tyrol Helps" charity initiative.
The Perfect Closing Of The Autumn Season
For guests staying in Ratschings, the Harvest Festival is a lovely way to round off an autumn vacation with a trip to Sterzing — ideally paired with a visit to the alpine cattle drives or the Törggelen season. Just about 12 kilometers from Ratschings, Sterzing is conveniently and freely accessible by public transport with the ActiveCard.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sterzing Harvest Festival
On Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026, on the Sterzing town square.
Fritters, fresh apple juice, homemade sausage with cabbage, smoked meat, and roasted chestnuts.
Yes, Friday marks the final Sterzing farmers' market before the winter season.
Homemade fruit juices, tea blends, farmhouse cheese specialties, jams, fresh eggs, and handmade crafts.
About 12 kilometers — easily reached with the ActiveCard and public transport.