Almabtrieb: The Cattle Have Returned!

Over the last few weeks, cows across the Alpine regions have been taking centre stage in the Almabtrieb, traditional celebrations marking the end of summer. But what makes this festival so popular? 

We all know summer in the mountains is a wonderful thing and it is especially so for the cows of Alpine Europe. Gorgeous sunshine, incredible views, a huge variety of walking and an all-you-can-eat grass buffet. Perfect.

Unfortunately, just as it does for us, the cows’ holiday has to come to an end at some point. However rather than being a depressing reminder that real life awaits, returning home for these cows is a glorious celebration. They dress up in their finest garments and parade down past crowds of well wishers to their winter abodes. Not quite overpriced in-flight sandwiches and passport control queues.

Almabtrieb (sometimes known as the Return of the Cattle) are traditional celebrations that take place across Alpine Europe during the months of September and October as cows return into the valley after a summer in the pastures above. This movement of the cows represents summer coming to a close and the autumn months beginning and it is estimated that up to 500,000 cows in Austria alone take part in this tradition each year.

On the day of the almabtrieb, the cattle parade through the town in a line (sometimes referred to as the ‘cow train’) and are adorned with beautiful garlands, colourful flowers and ribbons. It’s quite the celebration, with music, dancing, food and drink and people lining the streets to be a part of this unique tradition. The cows’ highly elaborate decoration is very much a staple of this tradition and is definitely something to be admired!

The Almabtrieb is a remarkably well preserved tradition that celebrates the best of the Alpine regions as they begin the transition to the autumn and winter months. People travel from far and wide to attend these festivals and it’s clear to see why!

If you want to experience this for yourself, the dates of Almabtrieb coming up over the next few weeks can be found here. We would definitely recommend the Almabtrieb and farmer’s market at Thiersee on September 30, as well as the Almabtrieb at the Königssee, where cattle are transported across the lake by boat!