'Törggelen', an autumnal custom

In the autumn, when it's Torggele time, it's not only the tourists who enjoy these events, but the locals as well. A lovely autumn walk through vineyards and shady mountain forests with their genuine 'Buschenschank' (a kind of snack bar) or farmhouses invite you to some new wine and home-made dishes. They also serve chestnuts, speck, cold meats or even a farming roast and, for dessert, a calorie rich sweet. Now, you might understand why 'Torggelen' is linked to walking or hiking.

'Klöckeln', an Advent custom

The Ringing of the Bells in the Sarntal
When spine-chilling tones, bells and noise are heard in the quiet winter nights, the Sarner people know what this means: It's time for the ringing of the bells! The bell ringers move from house to house and sing their songs according to ancient melodies. The old custom originally derives from a German fertility rite: just before the nearing winter solstice, the way must be prepared for the fertility god Donar. According to the custom, the bells must only be rung on the first three Thursdays of advent.

Egetmann Hansl's wedding

On Shrove Tuesday during odd years, Hansl Egetmann in Tramin celebrates his wedding! He is accompanied by numerous wild figures, such as the 'Schnappviecher' or 'Burgltreiber'. The Tramin Egetmann parade is probably one of the oldest, strange and lively carneval customs in Tyrol. We recommend hard covering clothes, as well as a certain safe distance!

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