Alpine Cattle Drive in the Ziller Valley
When the cows return to the valley from the alpine pastures after the summer, Zell am Ziller traditionally celebrates. The Almabtrieb combines rural traditions with music and regional cuisine.
What does
the “Almabtrieb” mean?
The Almabtrieb has been part of the annual farming cycle in the Zillertal for generations. During the summer months, the animals spend their time on the higher-altitude alpine pastures. In the fall, they are then brought back down to the valley to their home farms.
The festively decorated cows, the large bells, and the traditional celebrations surrounding their return have made the Almabtrieb one of the best-known fall traditions in the Zillertal.
Traditions
Alpine Cattle Drive in Zell am Ziller
on September 26, 2026
The Almabtrieb in Zell am Ziller will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026. This is especially convenient for our guests at the Sonnenhof Vacation Hotel: The traditional festival takes place right here in our resort town.
After spending the summer on the alpine pastures, the animals return to their farms in the valley in the fall. For the Almabtrieb, many cows are traditionally decked out in festive decorations and then parade through Zell am Ziller. For visitors, this is a great opportunity to experience firsthand an important part of the farming tradition in the Zillertal.
From around 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., there will be a program of events in the town center featuring music and regional cuisine. Among the offerings are Zillertal doughnuts, Kasspatzln, and other regional specialties. A farmers’ market and demonstrations of traditional crafts such as woodcarving and schnapps distilling are also part of the program.
Gerlos Cattle Drive
on September 26, 2026
Gerlos will also celebrate the Almabtrieb on September 26, 2026. Between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., farmers will drive their decorated cows along Gerlos Street toward home.
Starting at 9:00 a.m., there will be more than 30 regional vendors, traditional crafts, and Zillertal specialties along the main street. The program includes, among other things, Melchermuas, Zillertal doughnuts, Schuhplattler dancing, vintage tractors, and other traditional groups.
Several events will also take place in Gerlos surrounding the Almabtrieb. On September 23, there will be an open-air concert; on September 24, a farmers’ market and the traditional Melcherball; and on September 26, the grand Almabtrieb.
Alpine Cattle Drive
in Fügen in the Zillertal Valley
In Fügen, too, the Almabtrieb will be celebrated on several dates in 2026. Among other places, Almabtrieb events will take place at the Kohlerhof, in the center of Fügen, at the Oberhubenhof on Pankrazberg, and at the Gasteighof.
With decorated cows, regional specialties, and a traditional atmosphere, these events also demonstrate how vibrant rural customs remain in the Zillertal to this day.
Fall and Traditions
in the Zillertal
In addition to the cattle drives, there are other events in late September centered around agriculture, crafts, and regional products.
In Mayrhofen, for example, the Zillertal Farmers’ & Music Festival will take place on September 25 and 26, as well as on October 2 and 3, 2026. At Josef-Riedl-Platz, the focus will be on regional specialties, traditional crafts, and Zillertal music.
For our guests at the Sonnenhof Vacation Hotel in Zell am Ziller, this offers a particularly great opportunity at the end of September to combine a vacation in the mountains with Zillertal traditions and regional events.
When will the cattle drive in Zell am Ziller take place in 2026?
The cattle drive in Zell am Ziller will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The festival program in the town center will run from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where does the cattle drive take place in Zell am Ziller?
The cattle drive passes through Zell am Ziller. At the same time, the town center hosts a large cattle drive festival featuring music, a farmers’ market, regional specialties, and traditional crafts.
What can visitors expect at the cattle drive?
Visitors can watch the decorated cows on their way back from the alpine pastures to the farms. The event also features music, Zillertal specialties, a farmers’ market, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.
When will the cattle drive in Gerlos take place in 2026?
The Gerlos cattle drive will also take place on September 26, 2026. The cows will be led through Gerlos between approximately 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Which cattle drive is near the Sonnenhof Vacation Hotel?
For our guests, the cattle drive in Zell am Ziller is especially convenient, since it takes place right in our resort town.
