Archduke Johann was already dancing at the Kleinsölker Schutzengelkirtag in 1819, as evidenced by an entry in his private diary. Today, 200 years later, the event, which is known beyond the borders of the country, attracts guests from near and far to the Kleinsölk valley.
"Thank you, dear God, for this blessed alpine summer".
The Kirtag starts at 9 a.m. with a holy mass in the church of Kleinsölk. Afterwards, locals as well as visitors can enjoy the morning pint, framed by various bands and music groups, with food and drink. Special delicacies at this event are, of course, the "Steirerkrapfen", the "Woazane Krapfen" or the "Raunkerl", but other local dishes and foods are also served.
A special highlight of the event has for years been the traditional driving down of the alpine pastures from the Tuchmoaralm, which leads the alpine pasture owners Viktoria and Karl Brandner and their family right through the middle of the Kirtag. To celebrate the successful and damage-free alpine season and to thank the "Lord God" for the alpine season, the dairymaid Viktoria decorates her cows with a homemade headdress.
With these unique "crowns", the herd of grey cattle, an old breed of farm animal, outshines the entire Kirtag. Here in the Tuchmoar, the entire extended family is happy to help with the driving down of the cattle and bring them safely back to the barn. For the little "young farmers" the Almabtrieb is usually THE highlight and the days until then are eagerly counted. When they arrive at noon in the centre of Kleinsölker, the farmer's wife Viktoria hands out homemade Raunkerln, a local sweet, to the onlookers.
The free shuttle service until 6 pm brings visitors from the car to the festival site and back.
Program:
- 9 am holy mass
- followed by beer tapping and morning pint with numerous music groups
- approx. 11 am traditional driving down of the alpine pastures Köck from the Tuchmoaralm