Every September in the Bavarian Alps, the cattle are brought down to the villages from their summer alpine pastures. This traditional event is called the Viehscheid. Thousands of cows are treated like real celebrities on the way back home to their owners. Happy locals dress up in traditional costumes and celebrate this event with ‘oompah’ music, tasty beer, and traditional food. Wertach in the Oberallgäu district, Mittenwald in Oberbayern, Krün in the Zugspitz region, and Schöllang & Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region are all worth visiting for their Viehscheid celebrations.
Bavarian Viehscheid Customs
Cows are herded to the mountain meadows (Alpe) at the beginning of summer when the vegetation is at its best. They are looked after by a cowherd or team of cowherds and their dogs. They also do all the daily milking. This tradition is still widespread in Eastern Europe and Germany; it includes about 50,000 cows. As soon as it gets colder, they come back down to the valleys again. People celebrate that there are no injuries or cattle losses. All the cows wear big cowbells, and the leading cow, called Kranzrind, is adorned with flowers. A big party awaits all the locals and visitors, with fresh cheese tasting and so much more.
Places to Witness Viehscheid
Each village has its own celebrations, so the dates should be checked depending on the area you are visiting. Some of the best places to observe this unique, colorful tradition are Wertach in the Oberallgäu district, Mittenwald in Oberbayern, Krün in the Zugspitz region, Ruhpolding in Chiemgau, Schönau in Berchtesgadener Land, and Pfronten and Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region.
Viehscheid in Schöllang & Oberstdorf (September 12-13, 2024)
A bustling market town, Oberstdorf, coupled with the village Schöllang, holds vibrant, memorable Viehscheid celebrations. Schöllang's cowherds lead the cows down first on September 12th. The cattle descends from Entschenalpe, Hinteren Seealpe, and Käseralpe at 9:30 am, with the festivities starting at 8:30 am. Afterward, come down to the Viehscheidplatz for exciting Bavarian music, tasty treats, and souvenirs.
Oberstdorf, on the other hand, kicks off its cow descent on September 13th at 9 am. Almost a thousand cows are usually led to the Nordic Zentrum and given back to their owners to the cheers and bustle of spectators. You can stay longer for the celebration to taste delectable local brews and enjoy traditional folk music.
Viehscheid or Almabtrieb in Mittenwald (September 15, 2024)
The town of Mittenwald boasts picturesque mountainous landscapes due to its close proximity to the Alpine peaks. The municipality fills with the sound of cowbells during the Almabtrieb, a traditional cow descent. The cows start coming down from the mountain at 11:30 am or noon and parade through the town center to the Riedboden fairgrounds. This marks the start of a lively outdoor bash, which brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the successful herding season.
Viehscheid in Wertach (September 18, 2024)
Nestled in the luscious greenery of the German Alps, the town of Wertach boasts one of the oldest cattle drive traditions in the region. The event is always held on September 18th, but never on a Sunday. If the date falls on a Sunday, Viehscheid is rescheduled for the next day. Approximately six herds, consisting of almost 700 cows, start coming down from the Alps at 8:30 am, with the procession lasting up until 11 am. Grüntenseestraße serves as the main road for the cattle drive.
The most beautiful cow is usually chosen as the head of the herd and is adorned with a flower wreath. Viehscheid in Wetrach is known not only for its traditional cattle drive, but also for its bustling market, during which numerous local vendors sell fresh produce, refreshing beer and crafts.
Viehscheid in Krün (September 21, 2024)
If you venture into the Upper Bavaria, in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district, you'll find the gorgeous town of Krün, boasting charming Barmsee and Geroldsee lakes. Bavarian costumes and music fill the streets of the village, announcing the beginning of the cattle drive. At 11 am, the cows descend from the Alps along Karwendelstraße and Schöttlkarspitzstraße, greeted and cheered on by the residents along the way. Local vendors use Viehscheid as an opportunity to offer culinary delights along the route. After the cattle drive, there's plenty to do, including a vibrant market, delicious beer, dancing, and singing in the village center.
