Ceremonial Cattle Drives in Tirol: From Mountain High to Valley Low

During Cattle Drives, cattle, horses, sheep and goats are brought back down from the Alpine Pastures to the valley in autumn. As they enter the valley, the animals are accompanied by herdsmen and teams of farmers, often with music and a welcome in the village. In many places, the headdresses (wreaths, flowers, ribbons) are a sign that the alpine grazing season has gone well and safely. This is often followed by a festival featuring Local Specialities.

In Tirol, Cattle Drives typically take place in late summer and autumn, often between early September and October. The exact dates depend on the weather, snow conditions and the region.

The headdresses worn by the animals during Cattle Drives in Tirol are an expression of gratitude and joy at having had an accident-free summer on the Alpine Pastures.

 The centuries-old custom of decorating animals also stems from the belief that decorations such as flowers, ribbons and bells can ward off evil spirits. They were meant to protect the animal from danger on its journey home. 

The Cattle Drives in Tirol are a centuries-old farming tradition. In autumn, farm animals had to be brought down into the valley before the onset of winter, as the mountain pastures no longer provided sufficient food and weather conditions were deteriorating. The safe return of the animals was vital for the survival of the farmers and the local community. Today, the Cattle Drives in Tirol remain an important occasion for the village community to celebrate the end of the Alpine Pasture season and the return of the herdsmen.

Alpine Cattle Drives take place in many regions of Tirol – mostly in areas where alpine pastures and livestock farming are part of the local landscape. On this page, you’ll find an overview of Cattle Drives, including locations and dates.