3 wool manufacturing in 3 mountain valleys
Passeirtal, Sarental and Ultental Valleys are Alpine valleys of unspoilt beauty. All 3 South Tyrolean valleys are also known for their ancient traditions, still celebrated on feast days and an integral part of daily life for many people of all ages. There are traditional dishes, traditional costumes and traditional handicrafts. But this does not mean that the inhabitants of these valleys are closed to the changing times. Some things have remained unchanged for generations. Others have been done the same way for a very long time but do not reject the freshness of new ideas.
The typical ‘Psairer Sarner’, a wool jacket always made to measure and to order!
Spinnradl/ Benjamin Pfitsche
A sheep grazing in the high mountains in the summertime.
Bergauf/ Wendelin GamperFirst quality wool
Summers with grazing sheep, harsh mountain winters - characteristics that are common to Passeirtal, Sarental and Ultental Valleys. In each of these 3 valleys, you will also find a wool manufacturing workshop with its own shop and an interesting selection of handmade products made from the wool of Tyrolean mountain sheep.
Two family businesses and a social cooperative perfectly represent the symbiosis of tradition and innovation. If you are a fan of warm, cosy wool clothing and sustainability, come to one of the shops in person or have a look at the manufacturers' websites: some of their ranges are also offered in the online shop.
Antique carding machine from 1930 still in operation!
Bergauf/ Wendelin GamperUltental, land of “Pamper”
This is what sheep are affectionately called in South Tyrol. More than 10 years ago, on the initiative of Waltraut Schwienbacher, the social cooperative Lebenswertes Ulten was founded in St. Walburg. Today Wolfgang Raffeiner is president of the cooperative and at the same time managing director of Bergauf - with Waltraud as honorary president and a dedicated team at his side. Waltraut also had the idea for the 'Winterschule Ulten', a special school where courses are held to learn the art of felting, weaving and knitting.
Felt storage baskets
Bergauf/ Wendelin Gamper
A backpack made from the wool of local sheep.
Bergauf/ Wendelin GamperThe Bergauf brand offers creative and practical, decorative and classic items in wool, boiled wool and felt: from yoga mats to bread baskets, from gun cases to knitting wool. The Ultner wool manufacturing team is also happy to produce unique items according to customers' personal wishes. There is also the possibility of taking a relaxing break at home with the Ulten Valley sheep wool bath: Alpine wellness with the beneficial effects of wool, to which one can also add those of a mixture of pine and Alpine rose herbs.
A warm and comfortable waistcoat made of wool, ideal to wear on any occasion.
Wollmanufaktur Unterweger/ Marion LafoglerSarner Jangger in Sarental
In the Unterweger factory, too, the passion for wool processing has been passed down from generation to generation. As early as the middle of the 19th century, the great-great-grandmother combed the wool from her own sheep and those from neighbouring farms with a carding machine. The passion for the typical shoulder wool of these areas, the Sarner Jangger, has by no means diminished over the years. The Sarner Jangger is knitted from pure sheep's wool and combines natural comfort, durability and charm.
In Sarental Valley it has long been part of traditional costumes, but was also worn in everyday life and at work. The Sarner Jangger is now very popular throughout South Tyrol and has fans even beyond the borders of the country. At Unterweger's you can buy classic models (also online) or, alternatively, have your Sarner made to measure and according to your own preferences. The handicraft company in Sarental Valley also produces sheep wool toppers, loden and felt slippers and many other beautiful things.
The raw wool is processed by skilled craftsmen to make different clothes and objects.
Wollmanufaktur Unterweger
Wool is also used to make warm and comfortable slippers in many beautiful colours.
Wollmanufaktur Unterweger/ Marion Lafogler
The shop in St. Leonhard in Passeier where you can buy the best wool and felt products!
Spinnradl/ Benjamin PfitscherThe art of spinning and sewing - Spinnradl
It all started over 70 years ago: Alois Haller began spinning sheep's wool in St. Leonhard in Passeier in 1948, thus laying the foundation for the spinning mill. Soon yarns for knitwear, socks and jackets were also offered. The two sons took over the business in the 1970s and expanded the product range. Today the family business is run by the third generation with Franziska Haller, but Papa Franz, Mama Margaret and Uncle Hansluis still help with the spinning mill.
High-quality Spinnradl products can be found not only online and in shops in the Passeiertal valley, but also at various South Tyrolean markets such as the weekly market in Meran. The Psairer Sarner is only made to measure. It is possible to make an appointment for a consultation, during which, together with Franziska, the model, colour, lining and buttons are chosen. After the first fitting and final adjustments, you can take home your personalised and unique Sarner.
Franziska, since 2018 manager and head of tailoring is instrumental in the new SPINNRADL line.
Spinnradl/ Benjamin Pfitscher
The raw wool is worked by experienced craftsmen and processed to make beautiful objects and clothes.
Spinnradl/ Benjamin Pfitscher