Allgäu region prepares for 2026 traditional cattle drives

Traditional cattle drives, known as Viehscheid, are scheduled to take place in the Allgäu region of Germany in 2026.

In Bad Hindelang, the event is set for September 11, 2026. It is one of the largest in the region, featuring the descent of approximately 1,000 head of cattle from mountain pastures to the valley. The celebration includes a traditional merchant's market with 122 stalls and is expected to draw thousands of visitors.

In Apfeltrang, a district of Ruderatshofen, the northernmost cattle drive in the Allgäu is scheduled for October 4, 2026. This smaller-scale event involves driving cattle from the Schroffensteinalpe through the village to the Scheidplatz. The festivities typically include music and catering in a festival tent following the handover of the animals to their owners.