The return of the herds from the high pastures, called Almabtrieb, brings colour to the villages of South Tyrol and the Dolomites. Cows decked with flowers, cowbells and autumn festivals in the valleys.
The autumn cattle drive, in German Almabtrieb, is the return of the herds from the high pastures to the valley floor after a summer spent at altitude. It is an old tradition that marks the passage towards the cold season.
When the summer on the mountain hut has gone well, the cows come down decked with flowers, ribbons and big cowbells. The procession crosses the villages and is welcomed by festivals with music, stalls and local produce.
There is no single date. Each valley of South Tyrol and the Dolomites sets its own day depending on the weather and the herds. The Val Senales, with its sheep drive across the glaciers, is among the best known.
Good to know
- Admission: Watching the cattle drive and the autumn festivals is free. You only spend on what you eat or drink at the stalls and farms during the village celebrations.
- Dates change every year and from valley to valley. It is best to check the autumn events calendar on local tourism sites, for example suedtirol.info.
- The festivals take place in the villages of the valleys, often reachable by car or with South Tyrol public transport.
- Cattle-drive days are very busy. Arrive early to find a spot along the route of the procession and for parking.
Official website (tickets & info) ↗
Dates, times and prices change every year: always check the official pages before you go.