Experiencing the Almabtrieb in Tyrol: When the Cows Come Home!

The Almabtrieb marks the ceremonial return of the cattle from the high Alpine meadows to the valleys below, and it’s anything but ordinary. It happens every fall in many small towns in the Tyrol region of Austria.

When the cows come home… they do it in style.

Most Almbatrieb have a festival in the main part of town. Reith in Alpbachtal is one of the largest in the Tyrol area. The festival begins at 10 am and takes place the last two weekends of September.

The bigger the bell, the bigger the celebration.

Basket of dreams. Carb edition.

Highlights of the festival include live music—think Alpine horn players and oompah bands. They also have a craft market with stalls featuring handcrafted felt hats, homemade schnapps, knitted sweaters, and fresh honey. The elders in the town also demonstrate soap making, wool spinning, woodworking, schnapps making and other activities showcasing the town's heritage.

Fresh krapfen, made with love (and probably a secret family recipe).

Wool spinning, passed down through generations.

The cow parade is the biggest draw. The cows usually make their grand entrance down main street around noon. This is no regular cattle drive. The cows are dressed to impress, wearing elaborate headpieces made of fresh flowers, greenery, ribbons, leatherwork, and enormous bells that echo through the streets as they walk. Each farm has its own unique flair, so no two cows look the same. The farmers, along with their children, proudly guide their herds down the main street. There are no barriers and no fences—just you, the locals, and the cows, all up close and personal.

Only in Austria do cows strut home looking like Alpine royalty.

The event happens rain or shine, so pack your raincoat or umbrella just in case! The main street fills up quickly, so if you want a great view, snag a spot early. We brought camp chairs since I was traveling with my older parents. They had a front-row seat for the parade.

Chickens roasting to perfection

Making memories with my favorite people.

• Book your accommodations early—hotels and guesthouses fill up fast for this event.

• Bring cash for food and handmade goods, as well as an entry fee at most festivals. Ours cost 8 Euros but kids under 12 were free.

• Folding chairs are a game changer, especially if you don’t want to stand all day.

• Other Tyrolean towns like Söll, Ramsau am Dachstein, and Lachtal also host charming Almabtriebs. Krun in Germany is another popular one worth checking out.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Austria page.