Is this seat available?
South Tyrolean conviviality in a nutshell
Those sitting in a South Tyrolean tavern or on the terrace of a mountain inn for the first time often experience a little surprise. You're still leafing through the menu, enjoying the sun, when a local asks if they can join you. Before you know it, you're sitting next to each other, sharing a table, maybe even a bench.
For guests from larger cities, this sometimes takes some getting used to, but here it is part of the culture. Sharing a table is not unusual in South Tyrol, but rather an expression of down-to-earthness and openness. Even in the past, in the alpine pastures and taverns, it was customary for everyone to move closer together when space was needed.
Sometimes a conversation ensues – about the weather, the harvest or the morning's mountain tour. Sometimes it's just a quick nod and a ‘Pfiat enk’ goodbye. But you always leave with the feeling that you were part of a community for a little while.
This kind of encounter says a lot about South Tyrol: here, you're not anonymous, you're together. Hospitality often shows itself not in big gestures, but in small, simple moments – like sharing a table.
