Yes, you read that right! This time of year (September-October) marks the annual tradition of Almabtrieb – if you’re in most regions of Germany and Austria, Alpabzug – if you’re in Switzerland and Viehschied – if you’re in Bavaria. These various names refer to the same annual tradition of cows returning from their high alpine summer pastures in preparatation for the coming cooler months. During summer, these happy cows get to spend their time wandering the high alpine pastures where they’re busy feasting on grasses and wildflowers that make delicious regional cheeses, tasty milk and other dairy products.
Every year around this time across the Alps, proud farmers return to villages with their flocks, some leading the animals down the mountains for several days, navigating the winding trails that have been used for generations.
Upon nearing home villages, these farmers take the time to change into their best traditional clothing, adorned with intricate details that reflect their heritage. The final descent into town is filled with excitement and anticipation, as the sounds of cow bells jingling fills the air, letting you know that the cows have returned home! Each farm family decorates the cows in elaborate headdresses, so long as they didn’t lose any cows over the summer. The sight of beautifully adorned livestock create a joyful atmosphere, drawing families and friends from near and far to witness this heartfelt annual reunion.
Typical cow parade fests include enchanting traditional music, cheering from enthusiastic crowds, and an array of food and drink vendors showcasing regional specialties. One cow parade fest we attended in Urnasch, Switzerland even featured a spirited pig race, complete with betting.
Each town hosting a cow parade has its own distinct feel. The one we attended in Urnasch, in the Apenzell region of Switzerland, for example, felt particularly traditional, with cows wandering freely down the street, sometimes venturing remarkably close to our kids, who were both thrilled and a bit startled by their size and proximity. Farmers along the route were offered hearty drinks en route from local bars, adding a festive atmosphere.
Other cow parades that we attended in Germany had a more formal and structured format, resembling a more classic parade style with a designated area for spectators to stand, an announcer providing commentary, and signs representing each family in the procession.
It is really a sight to behold and absolutely worthy of including in your travel itinerary if you’re planning a trip to the Alps in early Fall, where the stunning natural backdrop enhances the festive atmosphere and invites visitors to participate in the celebration of tradition and community.
Tips for Attending a Cow Parade
Websites for each geographical area publish information on dates and time of the cow parades. If you’re planning to be in a certain area, it’s best to look on that areas website for information related to any planned parades, as they occur all over the region at various dates and times between September and October
A couple choices for Switzerland:
For Apenzell region, you can check on the tourist information page for Urnasch – https://www.biosphaere.ch/de/erleben/sommer/natur-kultur/entlebucher-alpabfahrt. Having attended this parade, I can definitely recommend it for its authenticity!
In Bernese Oberland – https://fribourg.ch/de/schwarzsee/alpabzug/
Prattigauer Alp Spektakel – https://www.praettigau.info/de/praettigau/tradition-brauchtum/alp-spektakel
In Germany –
Oberammergau – a smaller parade, but one of my favorite towns with lots of outdoor activities and a well situated town park with an absolutely huge playground
For a listing of amaltrieb dates and locations across Germany, you can check on this website: https://www.almabtriebe.de/almabtriebsregionen/almabtrieb-im-werdenfelser-land-zugspitzregion/
In Austria –
Reith im Alpbachtal in Tyrol region – https://www.alpbachtal.at/en/discover-the-alpbachtal/culture/cattle-drive-and-kermis-reith
Zell am Ziller – https://www.zillertal.at/en/information/holiday-info/events/festive-cattle-drive
In Italy –
Compatsch in the Dolomites – https://www.seiseralm.it/en/experiences-
There are many cow parades happening in towns across the Alps. If your travel itinerary is for a different area than those listed above, look up the local tourist page to try and see a cow parade for yourself…you won’t regret it!
We hope this post was helpful! Have you visited a cow parade? What was your experience?
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