Slow Food Specialty Weeks – Schnals Sheep

Culinary Experiences Inspired by the Transhumance

Slow Food

The sheep. In Schnalstal, countless stories revolve around these gentle herd animals. In line with the transhumance – the return of the sheep from the summer pastures in the Ötztal back to Schnalstal – local restaurants invite guests every year, from the first to the last weekend of September, to the popular specialty weeks dedicated to Schnalstal sheep. Rustic, traditional, refined, modern or newly interpreted – there is something for every taste.

Sustainability, a close connection to nature and a strong sense of locality are not trends in Schnalstal, but a way of life. Since 2021, Schnalstal has been a Slow Food Presidio. Slow Food brings together over 5,000 unique agricultural products and traditions worldwide.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

On December 11, 2019, in Bogotá, Colombia, the transnational tradition of pastoralism known as “transhumance” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition marks a great success for Schnalstal, where the tradition is still actively preserved and lived today.

The culinary trail – a special opening to the speciality weeks

Every two years, the “Schnalstal Sheep” culinary trail marks a special start to the Slow Food speciality weeks. Local restaurants join forces to present a multi-course menu, showcasing the many different ways Schnalstal sheep can be prepared – from traditional and authentic to modern and surprising.

The culinary trail usually leads through the atmospheric cloister of the former Allerengelberg Charterhouse in Karthaus/Certosa. The individual courses are served at different stations, turning the evening into a culinary journey through Schnalstal Valley.

In 2026, the culinary trail will take place in a very special setting: to mark the 35th anniversary of the discovery of Ötzi, the event will be hosted at the archeoParc Schnalstal in Unser Frau/Madonna di Senales. Here, the valley’s ancient history meets living traditions and contemporary culinary culture.

Once again, the Schnalstal sheep takes centre stage. Various local restaurants create their own interpretations, combining the meat with selected regional products to create a special menu. The culinary trail is therefore not only about taste, but also about the stories, people and traditions behind the products.