Event Details
Welcome to the 2026 Almabtrieb in Tyrol
Every autumn, after roughly a hundred days on the high mountain pastures, cattle are driven back down into the valley, and Tyrolean villages celebrate this centuries old tradition with the Almabtrieb (cattle drive). Beautifully decorated cows, brass bands and traditional costume groups parade through the village centers, while market stalls offer alpine cheese, bacon, doughnuts and local beer. In 2026, the biggest celebrations take place in Söll am Wilden Kaiser, the Alpbachtal valley and the Zillertal around Mayrhofen.
Highlights
- Festively decorated cows with bells and flower crowns
- Large Almabtrieb in Söll am Wilden Kaiser on 19 September
- Cattle drive with parish fair in Reith im Alpbachtal on 19 and 26 September
- Farmers' and music autumn in Mayrhofen/Hollenzen spread over several weekends into early October
- Regional market stalls with alpine cheese, bacon and doughnuts
- Brass bands and traditional costume groups accompany the cattle's return
- Children's program with petting zoo and pony rides (varies by village)
Program
In Söll, the Almabtrieb starts around 10:00 AM, and the decorated cattle arrive in the village center around 11:00 AM, welcomed with music before being handed back to their owners. A week earlier, the Almfestwoche builds up to this highlight. In Reith im Alpbachtal, festivities begin at 10:00 AM with a marching band and concert on the square, and the cattle move through the village around midday; the celebration takes place on two dates, 19 and 26 September, together with a parish fair market. In the Zillertal, cattle drives are spread across several villages and weekends: Fügen Kaltenbach and Gerlos, Zell am Ziller and Hintertux each celebrate on one of the two main dates (19 or 26 September), while Mayrhofen and Hollenzen extend their farmers' and music autumn over several weekends into October. Exact times and routes can change at short notice depending on the weather.
Tickets
The Almabtrieb is a public celebration with free admission in all the villages mentioned; only a few extras, such as reserved coach parking in Söll, come with a fee. Food, drinks and market goods are paid for individually on site.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early, as the best spots along the parade route fill up quickly.
- Double check the date shortly before your visit, since times and program details can change on short notice.
- In bad weather, the cattle drive may be moved earlier or carried out quietly without the full festival.
- Bring warm clothing and sturdy shoes, as September and October evenings in the mountains can already be cool.
- Plan to carry some cash for market stalls and food, since card payment is not always available.
