Every summer, in early August, Val d’Ega comes alive with one of the most authentic and engaging events in the entire Alpine region: the Schupfenfest, a collective celebration of mountain identity that will make you feel part of alpine life, even if just for a day. If you love hiking through breathtaking landscapes, tasting local specialties at high altitude, and experiencing the authentic atmosphere of the Dolomites, this is the experience for you.
The festival involves numerous alpine huts between Obereggen and Nova Ponente, at the foot of the Latemar massif, within the enchanting Latemarium.. Each alpine hut becomes a stop along a gastronomic, musical, and cultural route: you can follow it on foot or take advantage of the free shuttles connecting the main spots. It’s an open, dynamic event designed to get people moving in nature and to bring them into contact with those who live and work in the huts.
Throughout the day, the huts and cabins turn into small open-air stages where cuisine meets folklore: you might find yourself savoring a warm dish next to a woodcarver at work, toasting with someone who makes cheese all year round, or listening to an accordion player with the Catinaccio as a backdrop.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Schupfenfest is the food: not only delicious, but deeply connected to the local territory. . From fried eggs with speck, to platters of alpine cured meats and cheeses, to sweet fritters and homemade desserts: every dish tells a story of family, tradition, and life in the mountains.
There are also live cooking shows and demonstrations, where you can discover how butter is made in the alpine huts, how cheese is aged, or how handmade pasta is kneaded. It’s also an opportunity to buy local products directly from the producers: honey, cheese, bread, jams, herbal teas, and medicinal herbs.
The festival is designed for everyone. Children can meet the alpine animals, take part in traditional games, enjoy creative workshops using natural materials or ride the tractor with the farmers. Adults can enjoy live music, toasts in the sun, walks through the woods, and meetings with the valley’s artisans.
If you love hiking, you can choose to follow the entire route on foot from one alpine hut to another, along easy and well-marked trails. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can stay at just one or two huts, savoring every detail slowly.
