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Cattle Processions in Austria
Welcome to the festive customs in the mountain regions!

In autumn, the cattle drives with their magnificently decorated animals are impressive. The end of the Alpine summer is celebrated in gratitude for a healthy return home.

Depending on the weather, the Alpine summer lasts from June to October. The return of the animals and their keepers to the valley is celebrated in many places with spectacular Almabtrieb processions and traditional customs.

Each year in Austria, farmers, herders and dairymaids lead their animals from the valley up to the mountain pastures in spring. High in the Alps, cows, sheep, goats and horses find lush meadows and wild herbs — a particularly rich and nutritious source of food. Alpine farming has been part of life in the Alps for centuries. On many mountain pastures, grazing land is traditionally used by livestock during the summer, as it has been for generations.

When the days grow cooler and the alpine summer comes to an end, the animals return to the valley. Many cattle drives are accompanied by music, regional markets and culinary specialities. Visitors can experience Austrian traditions, a lively atmosphere and traditional autumn festivals.

Note on event dates

This overview provides information on cattle drives across Austria's provinces. While we strive to keep all details up to date, the list may not be complete and all information is provided without guarantee.

As dates and event details can change at short notice, we recommend checking the website of the respective region or contacting the local tourist board directly before making plans.

Cattle drives in Austria: Dates and regions Cattle drives are an integral part of Austria's festive traditions. Decorated animals, traditional music and regional specialities keep this long-standing custom alive and offer visitors an authentic insight into local culture.

Cattle drives in Carinthia and Upper Austria


Carinthia


Upper Austria

Cattle drives in SalzburgerLand

Cattle drives in Styria

Cattle drives in Tirol 1/2

Kitzbüheler Alpen

Kufsteinerland

  • Ebbs 10 October 2026 (stallions drive)

  • Thiersee 19 & 26 September 2026

Cattle drives in Tirol 2/2

Tiroler Oberland

  • Ried 5 September 2026

  • Pfunds (cattle & horses) 12 September 2026

  • Pfunds (sheep) 25 & 26 September 2026

Zillertal

Cattle drives in Vorarlberg

Did you know...?

Tips for your visit

If you'd like to see the festively decorated animals up close, it's worth arriving early. Popular viewing spots along the route often fill up quickly. For a break in between, stop by one of the stalls offering regional specialities. As autumn weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Traditional Austrian dress suits the occasion perfectly, but it is by no means essential.

How many alpine pastures are there in Austria?

With around 8,400 actively managed alpine pastures, Austria offers a remarkable variety of mountain farms, including herb pastures, elderflower pastures, cheese dairies, and pastures for cattle, sheep and horses. They are typically operated from May to September, with more than half used for grazing livestock.

Which farm animals live on alpine pastures in summer?

More than 300,000 cattle, 110,000 sheep, 12,500 goats and over 10,000 horses spend the summer on Austria's alpine pastures, grazing in the mountain meadows from late spring to early autumn.

What exactly is an alpine pasture?

Alpine pastures are centuries-old cultural landscapes shaped by people in the mountain regions. During the summer months, cows, sheep and goats graze on alpine meadows under the care of alpine herders. At this time of year, the animals feed mainly on grasses and mountain herbs found on the pastures.

The term Alm also refers to the huts and farm buildings associated with these mountain pastures. Similar terms used in other Alpine regions include Alp, Alpe and Alb.

What do alpine herders do on the mountain pastures?

Alpine herders spend the summer on mountain pastures, looking after livestock owned by local farmers or agricultural cooperatives. In addition to caring for the animals, they process the milk into cheese, butter and other dairy products.

These products are often served and sold in managed alpine huts, giving visitors a taste of local specialities. The term Senner (alpine herder) comes from Senne, another word for an alpine pasture.

Alpine traditions in the regions In many regions of Austria, alpine traditions remain an important part of everyday life and annual celebrations. From cattle drives to mountain church services, local customs and festive events reflect the rich cultural diversity of Austria.
The ‘Gru-Nacht’ in Tirol

Cattle drive in the Wildschönau

The cattle spend their summer grazing on 46 Alpine pastures at around 2,000 metres above sea level, high above the Wildschönau valley. Before the Alpine summer comes to an end, the herders uphold a cherished tradition: the Gru-Nacht, the final night on the mountain, celebrated with hearty food and good company.

But the herders need a bit of rest — because on the day of the Almabtrieb, they guide the elaborately and colourfully decorated cattle safely back down into the valley. There, the animals are welcomed with music and festivities. A farmers’ and crafts market adds to the lively atmosphere, offering regional specialities such as Brodakrapfen, Schmalznudeln and Krautinger — a local schnapps made from turnips.

Cattle drive in the Wildschönau
Cattle drive in the Salzkammergut

From the Gruberalm down to the valley in the Fuschlsee area

The Gruberalm in Hintersee, situated at around 1,000 metres above sea level, is an especially idyllic spot. Every September, the dairymaids and herdsmen of SalzburgerLand take on an additional task: they craft the ornate headpieces that the cows wear during the Almabtrieb. By mid-September, the big day arrives — with celebrations in the morning, followed by the gathering and decorating of the cattle at midday. In the afternoon, everyone who wants to take part sets off together on the journey down into the valley.

Peace then returns to the Gruberalm. According to legend, after the Alpine summer, the Kasamandl — a mountain spirit — moves into the huts and stays there until the next summer begins.

Cattle drive from the Gruberalm
The young and wild in Tirol

Haflinger stallion drive in Ebbs

In Ebbs, Haflinger horses are raised in close harmony with nature — and that includes spending five months of the year on Alpine pastures. On the second Saturday in October, the "young wild ones" return to the farm. Each of the roughly 50 stallions is led by a Haflinger breeder.

Anyone wishing to join the final stretch of the procession can gather at the Oberwirt inn in Ebbs. From there, the parade continues to the Fohlenhof arena. After the young stallions are formally presented, the Alpine summer draws to a festive close.

Haflinger stallion drive in Ebbs
A majestic Almabtrieb in Styria

The homecoming of the Lipizzaners in Piber

The Austrian Lipizzaner stud farm is based in Piber near Köflach in Styria. To help develop sure-footedness as well as strong tendons and joints from an early age, the young stallions — aged between one and three — spend the summer months on the Stubalm at 1,500 metres above sea level. In September, the grey-black horses, adorned with simple decorations, return to the valley. Before arriving back at the stud in Piber, they receive a blessing in the courtyard of the Maria Lankowitz pilgrimage church.

The Almabtrieb is celebrated in Maria Lankowitz, Köflach and Piber with music and regional delicacies.

Homecoming of the Lippizaners
Tarrenz sheep drive in Tirol

A spectacle of sheep

Each summer, the sheep and lambs graze on the Hinterberg-Alm, as tradition dictates. Their journey back to the valley takes over three hours — including regular breaks for water. Some are decorated with sprigs of spruce and colourful paper flowers. Real flowers wouldn’t last long — the sheep would simply eat them.

During the Tarrenzer Schafschied, around a thousand sheep pass through the narrow Trujegasse. The animals then gather in the Bangert, the large meadow behind the Gasthof Sonne, where they are returned to their rightful owners. That’s where the name comes from: at the Schafschied, the sheep are ‘separated’ and sorted.

While all this is happening, spectators are free to enjoy the festivities. Local inns serve regional specialities — including dishes made with sheep — and music fills the air at various spots throughout the village.

Tarrenz sheep drive

Why is Alpine farming so important?

Preserving the cultural landscape

Alpine farming helps maintain the cultural landscape and plays a vital role in protecting valleys. Actively managed pastures help prevent avalanches and mudslides.

Promoting biodiversity

Alpine pastures prevent natural overgrowth and encourage biodiversity. Dozens of different herbs can grow in just one square metre — a richness that is vital for the ecosystem.

High-quality food

Alpine farmers and herders produce premium dairy products from cows, sheep and goats.

A place to recharge

Alpine pastures are places of energy and tranquillity, offering rest and recreation in a pristine mountain setting.

Traditions and customs in Austria

In Austria, the preservation of traditions and customs is closely linked to sustainability. Practices such as Almabtriebe, traditional festivals and regional crafts reflect a deep respect for nature and natural resources. These customs promote awareness and appreciation of local flora and fauna, as well as environmental consciousness.

Traditions also support social sustainability. Celebrations such as maypole festivals, Easter and Christmas customs strengthen community spirit and encourage collective care for the region.

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage recognises traditional rituals, customs and craftsmanship passed down through generations. For visitors, experiencing these living traditions offers an authentic insight into Austrian culture — and helps reinforce local identity.

Sustainable travel

FAQs

Every year in autumn, usually from early September to mid-October, Almabtrieb celebrations take place across Austria. During this time, animals that have spent the summer grazing on the Alpine pastures return to the valleys, accompanied by farmers and many helping hands.

In autumn, the young Haflinger stallions return from their summer on the Alpine pastures to the Fohlenhof in Ebbs, Tirol.

Haflinger stallion drive in Ebbs

In Austria, the Almabtrieb is celebrated as a traditional festival marking the return of the livestock from the mountains to the valley. If the summer season was accident-free, the cows, sheep and often Haflingers are decorated with colourful headpieces and bells. Farmers and herders accompany the animals into the village, where the occasion is marked with music, local food and festivities. The Almabtrieb is part of Austria’s living heritage — a symbol of gratitude and seasonal change, and a vibrant expression of Alpine culture.

Many cattle drives in Austria are free to attend. However, some accompanying festivals, events or activities may charge an admission fee. For the latest information, please check the website of the respective destination.

In many regions, the elaborate decorations symbolise gratitude for the animals' safe return from the mountain pastures. Depending on local traditions, flowers, branches, mirrors and bells are used to adorn the cattle.

Cattle drives generally go ahead in rain or cooler temperatures. However, events may be postponed in the case of severe weather or for safety reasons. For the most up-to-date information, it is best to check the website of the respective region before travelling.

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