Autumn means homecoming – Crowned cows and proud herders
When the days get shorter and the trees glow in shades of red and orange, it’s time for the cows to return from the alpine pastures. Dressed in festive decorations, they make their way down the mountain – a feast for the senses, with music, laughter and local treats.
Ever wondered why the cows are so elaborately decorated? It’s a way of giving thanks that they’ve returned safely from the summer up high.
And what goes best with a celebration like this? A freshly baked Krapfen, of course. Don’t miss out on this sweet delight!
Törggelen – When autumn tastes like chestnuts and young wine
Törggelen is South Tyrol at its coziest. When the new wine is ready, locals gather to celebrate – with roasted chestnuts, hearty meat platters and freshly made Schlutzkrapfen.
Schlutzkrapfen are hand-folded pasta pockets filled with deliciousness – a regional classic you simply have to try. And the best place to enjoy it all? Right here at Hirben, where we serve the best of the season straight to your table.
Perchten, Krampus & the wild magic of winter
Winter brings with it mystical characters – Perchten, Krampus, and old customs passed down through generations. With bells, masks and whips, the Krampus parade is both eerie and exciting.
Fabian still remembers the thrill of dressing up as a Krampus himself when he was a child.
And if you haven’t been entirely good this year? Don’t worry – Krampus isn’t truly evil. He’s just a playful reminder to keep your heart in the right place – even in the coldest season.
And if you’ve been good? You might just find a sweet Gutsle from Saint Nicholas waiting for you.
Easter fires, Sacred Heart flames & songs from the mountain pastures
When spring awakens nature, it brings with it a whole new rhythm of celebration. Easter fires light up the night, and in June the mountain slopes glow with the Sacred Heart fires.
These flames are lit every third Sunday in June – a breathtaking sight and a deep-rooted tradition. They go back to 1796, when the people of Tyrol vowed to entrust their land to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to protect it in times of trouble.
Tradition in the Dolomites isn’t about looking back.
It’s something you feel – in every story, in every shared moment, in everything you experience here with us.
