World Bodypainting Festival in Sterzing

For the first time ever, South Tyrol will be the venue for an international body painting competition. The focus will be on the World Award: Camouflage. The aim is to paint the models in such a way that they blend in with the background as much as possible. The historic town centre of Sterzing certainly offers a unique backdrop for this. 

Johannes Stötter, who was born in Sterzing himself, will be one of the most famous body painting artists in attendance. Together with many others, he will transform the small town in the Eisacktal valley in an open-air studio, conjuring art into its surroundings and astonishing visitors. 

2 days full of optical illusions

On both festival days – 12 and 13 July 2025 – the participants will try to win the competition in the camouflage category. To do so, they will demonstrate their skills in creating picturesque optical illusions at a total of 15 locations in and around the old town of Sterzing. 

In addition, the artists can also give free rein to their creativity in body painting jam sessions. The event will conclude with a presentation and award ceremony on 13 July at 8 pm in the main square.