Haflinger Festival

The Haflinger Festival in Schluderns (Sluderno), South Tyrol, is a prominent event celebrating the Haflinger horse, a breed that is integral to the region’s culture and traditions. Schluderns, located in the Vinschgau (Venosta) Valley of South Tyrol, Italy, hosts this festival annually, usually in early spring around April.

Here are some features and activities typically associated with the Haflinger Festival in Schluderns:

South Tyrol Haflinger County Show: with a grand parade and awards for the most beautiful Haflingers in different catagories.

Parades and Demonstrations: The festival often includes parades featuring Haflingers adorned with traditional South Tyrolean harnesses and decorations. These parades sometimes involve demonstrations of traditional uses of Haflingers, such as light draft work and riding, highlighting the breed’s versatility.

Community and Family Event: Like many local festivals in South Tyrol, the Haflinger Festival in Schluderns is a community-driven event that attracts families. It provides a mix of entertainment and educational activities, making it a significant social occasion for the community. Meet Haflingers up close, give horse riding a try and enjoy games and crafts.

You will also find an artisan market with traditional handicrafts and authentic souvenirs at the Haflinger Festival.

How to get to the Haflinger Festival?

Flying into Italy

The closest major airports are Innsbruck Airport (INN) in Austria and Bolzano Airport (BZO) in Italy. Innsbruck is about 120 km north of Schluderns and offers flights from various European cities. Bolzano Airport, while closer, has more limited flight options.

Other nearby larger airports include Verona Airport (VRN) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy. These airports have a broader range of international connections and are about 200 km and 300 km away from Schluderns, respectively.

From the Airport to Schluderns

From Innsbruck Airport: You can rent a car or take a train. If you choose to drive, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. By train, you would travel from Innsbruck to Merano or Mals via Bolzano, and then connect to a local bus or a taxi to Schluderns.

From Bolzano Airport: The drive to Schluderns takes about an hour. Public transport options include taking a bus or train to Merano or Mals and then transferring to a local bus or taxi.

From Verona or Milan: Driving is straightforward via the A22 motorway, which is part of the Brenner Pass route. Public transport options include trains to Bolzano or Merano with a changeover to local buses or taxis to Schluderns.

Public Transportion: Almost as good as arriving on the back of a Haflinger: by bike or public transport. Make use of the cycling path that runs the length of the Venosta/Vinschgau valley or simply catch the train.

When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to check the latest travel advisories and transportation schedules. Also, consider the season and weather, as South Tyrol is a popular winter sports destination and some routes may be affected by seasonal conditions.