There's no surer signal of the end of a long summer than the ceremonial festivities that surround Austria's annual cattle drives. Adorned with brightly-coloured, decorative headdresses, the cows are led by local farmers from their high alpine pastures down to warmer winter stables. A real celebratory atmosphere takes over the towns and villages as visitors and locals alike sample regional specialities such as cheese (or schnapps!) with the chance also to admire handicrafts of the area.

One of Austria's rich autumn traditions not to be missed! More