Alpine cattle drive schedules announced for 2026

The schedules for the 2026 seasonal cattle drives, known as Almabtrieb in Vorarlberg and Viehscheid in the Allgäu region, have been established. These traditional events mark the return of livestock from high alpine pastures to the valleys during late summer and autumn.

In Vorarlberg, the drives are set to begin in late August 2026, with major dates scheduled for locations such as Schwarzenberg, Silbertal, and St. Gallenkirch throughout September. While some specific dates in areas like Vandans and Mellau are still being finalized, many key locations have confirmed their schedules.

In the Allgäu region, the Viehscheid season will primarily take place in September and October 2026. Although the traditional kickoff in Kranzegg has been canceled for 2026, most other dates are set. Significant events are scheduled for the second weekend of September in locations including Bad Hindelang, Balderschwang, Oberstaufen, and Oberstdorf.