Anyone who keeps their eyes open as they walk around Bruneck will soon notice that tradition and craftsmanship are firmly integrated into everyday life here. The crafts of cobblers, weavers and wood-carvers can all be found in the many small shops in the Stadtgasse. As can the many traditional breweries who brew award-winning beer in the heart of the town. And the many festivals and celebrations over the course of the year bear witness to a deeply rooted love of tradition. Bruneck’s Town Festival, the traditional church days in the villages, the Christmas market and the Museum of Folk Traditions in Dietenheim too are places where you can experience our ancient traditions and customs up close.
Tradition and handicrafts are also all about great taste here in the Pustertal Valley. When it comes to the subject of culinary indulgence, we rely on the tried and tested. On hand-picked and home-made. In short, on the things that grow and flourish in our gardens and fields and that are then turned into extra tasty treats by skilled hands. The range includes local quality products, jams, cheeses, meat and sausages, honey and herbs. All this local variety can be found for sale in the shops in Stadtgasse, on the market stalls in Graben, in farmers’ and artisans’ markets, distilleries and herb farms. The latter, incidentally, will be happy to give you an insight into how they work.
As the summer grazing season draws to a close, cows, calves and sheep leave the high-altitude pastures and return to the villages around Bruneck. Decorated with flowers, elaborate wreaths and jingling bells, the animals make their way down into the valley together with the herders and farmers—a colourful spectacle that brings the rhythm of the farming year to life.
In many places, their return is celebrated with music, traditional costumes and typical specialities from the Pustertal valley. The descent from the alpine pastures is far more than a festive occasion: it expresses the joy of a successful summer in the mountains and the deep bond between people, animals and the alpine landscape.
Every year, from October 26th to 28th, the Stegen Market takes place in Bruneck, it's the largest market in Tyrol. It offers a unique atmosphere of tradition, enjoyment, and entertainment.
With hundreds of vendors offering everything from clothing to handcrafted goods, there is much to discover. Technology enthusiasts can marvel at the latest agricultural machinery, while food lovers can enjoy typical South Tyrolean specialties such as speck, cheese, and roasted chestnuts. The market also features a colorful amusement park with rides and attractions.
An old Pustertal valley proverb says: "To survive winter well, you must have been to the Stegen Market."
