Almabtrieb

Cattle at Almabtrieb

The Almabtrieb is the autumn descent of cattle from the alpine pastures of Austria, Bavaria and South Tyrol. If no animal was lost during the summer, the cows are decorated with elaborate headdresses of flowers, ribbons, small mirrors and fir branches, and walk down to the valley with their bells ringing; if there was a death, the herd comes down plainly. Towns in the Zillertal, the Salzburger Land and the Bavarian Alps hold festivals on the day, with music, local food and markets. Dates are chosen by each alm and run from mid-September to early October, depending on the weather and the grass.

The breeds

Tyrol GreyThe grey mountain cattle of Tyrol.PinzgauerThe chestnut cattle with white backs of Salzburg.FleckviehThe Austrian and German Simmental.Murnau-WerdenfelsA rare yellow-brown breed of the Bavarian Alps.