Almabtrieb - Cattle Drive

For the people of Zillertal it is a time honoured tradition - for visitors to the region, an amazingly colourful spectacle whilst on holiday:  When cattle that have been grazing all summer on the high alpine pastures of Zillertal are adorned with flowers, ribbons, intricately embroidered head-dresses with holy figures and bells to be herded down to lower lying farms before the winter snow arrives.

The Almabtrieb is a very colourful event: The animals are herded on foot from the outerlying valleys such as Zillergrund, Stilluptal, Ginzling and Tuxertal back "home" to Mayrhofen (06.10.). The leading cow, or "Moarkuh",  leads each decorated herd, followed by heifers, bulls, young oxen and small livestock, such as sheep and goats.

Thousands of people from home and abroad come to take part in this incredible festival - not only because of the traditional delicacies that are served:

A farmer"s market, show-distillery and countless market stalls are laden with Zillertal specialities such as "Krapfen", "Melchermuas"," Zerggl", farmhouse bread, bacon, grilled meats, pine schnapps and sweet treats. Traditional "Schuhplattler" - shoe tapping, thigh slapping dancers, whip crackers and folk bands welcome the "Returnees" all along the main street.

Dates 2012 in the holiday region Mayrhofen/Hippach

• 22. September 2012 - Almabtrieb at the Geislerhof in Ramsau
• 22. September 2012 - Almabtrieb at the Kiendlerhof in Schwendau
• 28. September 2012 - Almabtrieb at the Gasthof Schwarzenstein in Ginzling
• 29. September 2012 - Almabtrieb at the Jogglerhof in Ramsau
• 29. September 2012 - Almabtrieb at Hippach village centre and the Kirchbichlhof
• 6. October 2012 - Almabtrieb at Bruggerstube and at Larcherbauer in Hollenzen
• 06. October 2012 - Almabtrieb in Mayrhofen