Austria’s Almabtrieb: When the Cows Come Home From the Alps!

Today I’m here to tell you about what may very well be the coolest festival in Austria: the Almabtrieb!

You may not have heard the name before, but if you’ve ever come across photos of cows with bells around their necks and flowers on their heads, you’ve probably had a glimpse of the Almabtrieb. This is basically a massive welcome home party…for cows!

Yes, you read that right; a party for cattle. I know this probably sounds a little bit confusing, so let’s get to the history of this unusual festival.

What is the Almabtrieb?

During the summer months, cows are lead up to the Alps by their farmers, where they’ll spend a few months grazing the pastures at a higher elevation. Then, when autumn rolls around and the temperatures begin to drop, the cows make their descent from the mountains and return to their farms for the winter. This practice is called ‘transhumance’, and it’s a type of Alpine nomadism that dates back thousands of years.

The festival itself is a celebration of a good summer season and a safe return home, and these days it’s also a good party that draws tourists from far and wide!

What to expect from the Almabtrieb?

My visit to Tyrol just so happened to coincide with the start of autumn and that meant there were cow parades happening all over the region. Since I was staying in Reith im Alpbachtal, I attended the parade happening in town, but this is just one of many celebrations.

This peaceful little town completely transformed overnight and the streets filled with thousands of visitors; this is the biggest event of the year, so everyone came out to celebrate!

Live music could be heard across the town and the mood was festive. There were Tyrolean bands playing traditional tunes in the main bandstand, all donning their very best lederhosen and feathered hats. As the day progressed the streets turned into a makeshift dance floor with people singing, dancing, and for those who had imbibed too much, some swaying.

There were also lots of stands serving up traditional Tyrolean dishes. There was Hendl (roasted chicken), Prügeltorte (lemon zest cake cooked on a rolling pin), Kasspatzen (noodles with lots of melted cheese) and so much more! Honestly, this was some of the best Austrian food we’ve tried! And it wouldn’t be a proper celebration without a few pints of Bier, so as you can imagine, there was plenty of that flowing.

But it wasn’t all food at the Almabtrieb; there was also a massive craft market set up that ran the length of the two main streets. There were all kinds of locally handcrafted souvenirs like Tyrolean felt hats, knit sweaters, hand-painted glass ornaments, ceramic cow figurines, bottles of schnapps, and just about anything you could imagine.

Aside from the craft market, there were also craft demonstrations happening across the town. We watched a man demonstrate the art of shingle making (something that you still see in use in Tyrolean architecture), a woodcarver meticulously sculpting a pattern onto what would become a key holder, and a group of three ladies turning wool into yarn. I also appreciated that for many of these demonstrations, it was the older generation showcasing their craft to the younger generation.

And then, of course, there was the main event: THE COW PARADE!

Throughout the afternoon, the cows paraded through town in different groups, so it’s not one of those events where you blink and you miss it.

After watching three different groups parade down the main street, we walked over to two of the farms to see the cows up close in their beautiful headdresses. (Don’t worry about needing an exact address to find these farms; if you walk along the pond, you’ll see the cows all dressed up in the fields – you really can’t miss them!)

The farmers had opened up their fields so that everyone could admire the cows; some were grazing, others were napping, but for the most part, they all seemed unfazed by the extra attention.

As for the headdresses, they were all quite varied; this is because they are made by the farmer and his family, so each farm has its own style. The headdresses were mostly leather, decorated with pine and paper flowers that stuck out like a giant plume, but I also spotted a few more ornate ones that looked like crowns.

Aside from their headdresses, the cows also wore big bells. The purpose of these is to help the farmer hear his cattle should they wander off in the Alps. These bells usually hang from a leather necklace and some are quite elaborate. I saw an engraved one that said “Gott schütze uns”, which means “God protect us”.

Where can you see the Almabtrieb?

Like I mentioned, I personally watched the Almabtrieb in the town of Reith im Alpbachtal in Tyrol, Austria, however, the return of the cattle is a celebration that also takes place in Switzerland and Germany.

Here is a list of the cattle drives in Austria, and here’s another list that showcases the cattle drives in Tyrol.

Tips for attending the Almabtrieb:

• When it comes to attending the Almabtrieb, you have 3 options: you can stay in town, take a shuttle into town, or drive and leave your car at the entrance of the town. (They turn the fields into a massive parking lot and it’s walking distance to the festivities.)
• If you decided to stay in town, it’s a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance. For many of the towns, this is the biggest event of the year and accommodations can fill up fast! You can view the going rate for accommodations in Reith im Alpbachtal here.
• Locals dress up for this event and tourists are also welcome to join in the fun. Men will typically wear lederhosen, while the girls wear dirndls. (If you’re going to be travelling around Germany for Oktoberfest shortly after, you can wear the same outfit!)
• Admission to the festival is € 5,00 per person, but children under 12 have free admission.
• Lastly, make sure your camera batteries are fully charged – there will be so many photo ops!

How to Plan Your Own Almabtrieb Adventure

The Meaning of Almabtrieb: More Than a Homecoming

At its core, Almabtrieb is a celebration of survival and gratitude. The safe return of the cattle is never taken for granted. For months, farmers and their families have tended their herds at high altitudes, facing unpredictable weather, treacherous slopes, and the ever-present risks of mountain life (wolves, illness, and the challenge of daily milking without modern conveniences).

Almabtrieb is also a thanksgiving for a good harvest, a bountiful supply of milk and cheese, and the health of both animals and people. Each flower, ribbon, and bell tells a story—sometimes commemorating a particular event or a family milestone.

Did you know?
If a farm has experienced misfortune—like the loss of a cow or a serious accident—their herd will often skip the ornate decorations and return more simply, as a mark of respect and remembrance.

Festival Day: What You’ll Experience

On the morning of the Almabtrieb, excitement buzzes in the air. Here’s a taste of what you can expect if you go beyond just watching the parade:

1. Sunrise in the Alps
Early risers can sometimes watch the cows begin their descent from the mountain pastures, accompanied by the echo of bells and the chatter of herders. If you’re lucky enough to stay on a local farm, ask if you can help with preparations.

2. The Procession
The parade itself is joyful chaos—herds of cows, goats, and sometimes sheep, all dressed in their finest, are guided through the town. The air fills with music, laughter, and the irresistible clang of hundreds of bells. Don’t be surprised if a cow stops to munch on a roadside snack or photobombs your best shot!

3. Village Festivities
After the parade, the real party begins. Explore bustling craft markets, sample homemade cakes, sip schnapps with the locals, and listen to folk bands playing everything from yodels to polkas. Children run wild in traditional dress, while older residents swap stories and recipes. Every corner of the village radiates warmth and hospitality.

4. Meet the Farmers & Animals
Farmers often invite visitors to their fields for an up-close look at the cows. This is your chance to ask questions, snap close-ups, and learn about daily Alpine life. Be respectful—these are working farms, and the animals have had a big day!

How to Plan the Perfect Almabtrieb Trip

If you’re inspired to witness the cows come home in person, here’s how to get the most out of your visit:

When to Go

• Timing: Almabtrieb usually takes place from mid-September to early October. Dates vary by region and can change based on weather and grazing conditions.
• Where: Tyrol is famous, but you’ll find celebrations across Austria, southern Germany (especially Bavaria), and Switzerland. Each region puts its own twist on the festivities.

Where to Stay

• In-town lodging: Book months in advance for the main festival towns—these sell out fast!
• Farm stays: Consider spending a few nights on a local farm (Bauernhof), where you can help with chores, sample fresh milk, and get a behind-the-scenes view of life in the Alps.
• Nearby villages: If accommodation in the main town is full, check smaller nearby villages and drive or take a shuttle in.

What to Wear & Bring

• Dress the part: Don’t be shy! Dirndls and lederhosen aren’t just for locals. Many shops rent or sell traditional outfits.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk a lot—across cobbled streets, muddy paths, and grassy fields.
• Weather prep: Autumn in the Alps can be sunny and warm or misty and chilly. Bring layers, a rain jacket, and sunblock.
• Camera essentials: Extra batteries, SD cards, and maybe even a lens wipe—there’s a lot of cheese grease and hay dust!

Festival Tips

• Arrive early: The best spots for photos and parade-watching fill up fast.
• Try everything: Local cheeses, sausages, cakes, and beers are part of the experience. Some towns host cheese-making demos or offer samples from prize-winning cows.
• Cash is king: Many stalls don’t accept cards, so bring euros in small bills and coins.
• Ask questions: Most locals love sharing their traditions. A few words of German (or even just “Danke!”) go a long way.

Making it Meaningful

• Support local: Buy crafts directly from artisans or farmers. These purchases help keep small-scale agriculture and traditional crafts alive.
• Be respectful: Always ask before photographing people, especially during craft demos or private farm visits.
• Learn the backstory: Read up on Alpine farming and festival history beforehand. Understanding the “why” makes everything more meaningful.

📅 Choosing Which Parade (and Why It Matters)

Not all Almabtriebe are created equal. Some villages focus on old‑school pageantry. Others key in on farmer‑market vibes. And a handful throw borderline‑Oktoberfest ragers. Use this cheat‑sheet to match a parade to your travel style:

*Most villages keep the same weekend every year (weather permitting). Final dates usually confirmed by Easter.

🗺️ Weekend Blueprint From Munich / Innsbruck

🥨 Food Hunt: Beyond Bratwurst

Budget: €25 will stuff you the whole afternoon—food portions and beer refills are generous.

👚 What to Wear (and Pack)

Autumn alpine weather = four seasons in six hours.

Want to blend in? Men: checkered shirt + neutral trousers, maybe a second‑hand Lederhosen suspenders. Women: Dirndl rentals exist in Innsbruck (from €25/day).

🛏️ Booking a Bed Without Spluring

1. Six‑Month Rule — Rooms open in March; set Google alerts “Reith Almabtrieb Zimmer”.
2. Agritourism Gems — Search “Urlaub am Bauernhof” for farm stays incl. mountain‑view breakfast.
3. Commuter Hack — If town is sold‑out, stay in Brixlegg (5‑min drive) or Wörgl (train hub) and use the festival shuttle (€3 each way).
4. Jjimjilbang‑style — Local sports halls often convert to dormitories: bring sleeping bag, €15/night donation.

💶 Cost Snapshot (Per Person, Two‑Day Visit)

Beyond Almabtrieb: More Alpine Autumn Adventures

While Almabtrieb is the highlight, autumn in the Alps offers even more:

• Hiking: Crisp air, golden larch trees, and sweeping mountain views.
• Cheese festivals: Sample mountain cheeses at source (Sennerei).
• Wine harvests: Nearby regions host grape harvest festivals.
• Wellness escapes: Enjoy local saunas, spa hotels, or thermal baths to warm up after a brisk festival day.

Compare that with Oktoberfest where one evening easily blows past €100 just in beer steins!

Read More about Austria:

• Delicious Food Tours in Vienna
• Wine Day Tours from Vienna
• Things to do in Vienna
• Sachertorte at Vienna’s Cafe Sacher
• Visiting Werfen Castle
• Day Trip to Gaisberg

Have you experienced Almabtrieb or a similar festival? Would you add it to your travel wish list? Let me know in the comments below!