Dolomiti Gourmet 2026: thirteenth edition in San Candido
Chris Oberhammer brings together international chefs from October 1st to 3rd among the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, with high-altitude menus and the Gourmet Walk.
A constellation of internationally renowned chefs and the breathtaking scenery of South Tyrol's Three Peaks will accompany one of the most anticipated high-altitude gastronomic events of autumn: Dolomiti Gourmet returns from October 1st to 3rd, 2026, with its thirteenth edition.
A festival bridging local and international cuisine
The festival's creator and coordinator (as well as its illustrious host) is Chris Oberhammer. Owner of the Michelin-starred Tilia Restaurant in Dobbiaco, the South Tyrolean chef ascends to the summit, bringing with him a cuisine steeped in authentic flavors, harking back to tradition, yet with a touch of elegance that brings each dish to life.
For thirteen years, the ancient flavors of tradition have been the foundation of the festival, yet each time it offers something new: "With the Dolomiti Gourmet Festival," explains its creator, "we want to bring together international philosophies and the traditions of our Dolomite cuisine in a festival that celebrates friendship, dialogue, sharing, food, and nature."
Among the dozens of chefs, both guests and locals, who will take turns in the kitchen, the location is the perfect setting that everyone agrees on: "The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the evocative landscape of the 3 Cime Dolomites region, in San Candido. It will be a rich and intense edition, aimed at promoting local gastronomy and sustainability."
The festival program from October 1st to 3rd
On the first day, three chefs will host a special evening: Oberhammer will share the kitchen with chefs Markus Holzer (owner of Jora Mountain Dining, which will also host the event) and, from Sorrento, Beppe Aversa (Il Buco, one Michelin star). The setting will be the Jora refuge: 1,325 meters above sea level with views of the Sesto Dolomites. A six-course menu crafted by six chefs will vibrate with the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Alps.
A change of scenery on Friday, October 2nd: from the open mountainside, the cobblestone streets and typical houses of the village of San Candido will be the backdrop. Starting at 6:30 pm, after an official presentation of partners, winemakers, and guest chefs, the Gourmet Walk will begin, a culinary stroll through the town center, featuring native wines, local specialties, and tastings. Leading the swarm of visitors and curious onlookers will be Chris Oberhammer and Hanna Erharter, director of the San Candido Tourist Board, who will stop at restaurant after restaurant in search of authentic flavors.
Heading up from San Candido, you'll reach the town of Monte Elmo, where a grand final event will take place on October 3rd, starting in the late morning. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Mountain Food Festival will be an opportunity to leave behind tradition and reinvent historic recipes from the Alps and South Tyrol, with a culinary concept that breaks the mold without forgetting its roots.
"With this program, we hope to enhance the gastronomic value of San Candido and the 3 Cime Dolomiti region, with the aim of drawing even more attention to our beautiful area," say the 3 Cime Dolomiti and the San Candido Tourist Association.
The events are open to the public upon reservation on the official 3 Cime Dolomiti website.