Alpine cattle drive in Söll
One of the most beautiful traditions in Tyrol
Early in the morning, the cows are given a festive “send-off” – as a symbol of and in gratitude for an accident-free summer on the alpine pastures. The herdsmen drive the animals down into the valley, past the Hochsöll Alpine Inn and the Stöcklalm. The local brass band plays as the alpine cattle arrive in the village and return to their home stables. The market stalls offer regional produce, such as Krapfen, Kiachl, alpine cheese and farmhouse bacon. The successful homecoming of the alpine cattle and the herdsmen is, year after year, a feast for all the senses in Söll and the Wilder Kaiser region.
Alpine cattle drive 2027 in Söll
- 18 September 2027
- Söll town centre
- Whatever the weather, free entry
- Tradition up close, live music, market stalls
- Catering featuring Tyrolean specialities
Tip
Information and bookings for coach groups
Parking spaces are limited and must be booked in advance online via the Wilder Kaiser Ticket Shop.
Full programme and site plan
The tradition of the Almabtrieb is celebrated every year in the Wilden Kaiser region of Tyrol at the end of the alpine summer. In the morning, the cows are adorned with so-called “Almboschen”, which are attached to the cow’s head with a leather halter. Weeks before the Almabtrieb, the small conifer saplings are lovingly decorated by hand with colourful roses and strands of crepe or tissue paper. Also an essential part of the Almabtrieb are the large bells, which announce the returning cows from afar. The cows, dairymen and women, and helpers make their way down into the valley and back to their home barns on foot. The decorated cows are a symbol of and a thank you for an accident-free summer on the alpine pastures. The Almabtrieb is a fitting celebration of their homecoming.
Autumn in the Hexenwasser Alpine Pastures
Autumn in the Hexenwasser Alpine Pastures
In September, some of Tyrol’s most beautiful traditions are celebrated in the Wilder Kaiser region during the cattle drive. Particularly in the Kaiser municipality of Söll, things really come alive during the cattle drive week, both on the mountains and down in the valley.
At harvest time, in Hexenwasser, steaming kitchens, cosy parlours and lush alpine meadows invite you to taste, enjoy, listen, sing along and try your hand at the work of an alpine dairyman.
Visitors can even try their hand at “Almboschen” – tying the colourful headdresses for the cows – or making butter and tasting it.
