Bersntol – the Valle del Fersina

Because of the beautiful natural setting in the Lagorai, the Valle dei Mocheni (Bersntol- Valle del Fersina) is also called the enchanted valley. Although it is only a few kilometres from the capital of Trentino, it feels like a world apart. Its inhabitants are descendants of a German minority that moved to the valley during the Middle Ages and proudly maintain its traditions, customs and language.

Anyone arriving in the valley immediately notices the road signs written in two languages, Italian and Mocha. Mòcheno is an idiom born from the influence of Upper Bavarian German, Italian and the Trentino dialect. This language has been preserved over time and, in order to avoid its disappearance, a school of Mocheno has been established in the valley, in addition to the Mocheno cultural institute in the municipality of Palù.

The territory is very suggestive, surrounded by uncontaminated nature, with green meadows and luxuriant woods surrounded by the peaks of the Lagorai. It is the ideal setting for excursions, on foot or by bike, suitable for the most varied needs: from those of high mountain lovers to those of families with children.
But above all, the Valle dei Mocheni can be lived in every season. We at the Santorsola Relax Hotel will help you discover our territory and its traditions. Woods, paths, spectacular landscapes, impervious peaks and much more are waiting for you in Sant’Orsola, to give you a dream holiday.

 

 

TRADITION

In the tradition of the Valle dei Mocheni/Bersntol valley, the Kromeri are certainly protagonists. They are itinerant traders who began their activity in 1760, thanks to the commercial development policy promoted by the Habsburg Empire, of which the valley was part. The Kromeri used left the Pergine Valsugana station on Mondays to go to Trento or Bolzano to buy goods which they sold in Südtirol during the week.

The typical dress of the locals was designed by Karl von Lutherotti in 1700. Between 1800 and 1900 the everyday dress was made up of pieces of various kinds of clothes. The typical Moroccan groom’s outfit was characterised by a black suit with a red tie made of special woollen weaves. The handkerchief in the pocket and the fabric, on the other hand, come from the Austro-Hungarian tradition.
Fun fact: the bride’s dress was black instead of white.
Another tradition that is still alive in the valley is that of the conscripts, young people who, on reaching the age of majority, become active and participate in the rites of the Stella and the carnival.
The boys wear the “Kronz”, a typical hat decorated with beads, dried flowers, golden tin foil and a black grouse feather, while the girls wear a scarf on the theme of the Italian tricolour with a characteristic photograph.