Alpine cattle drives in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria

Traditional cattle drives, known as Viehscheid, continue across the Alpine regions of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria during late summer and autumn 2026. In Germany’s Allgäu region, several events are scheduled for September. In Bad Hindelang, approximately 1,000 head of cattle are expected to descend on September 11, accompanied by a merchant's market. In Oberstdorf, the Viehscheid on September 12 is expected to feature 1,000 animals, with authorities requesting visitors use public transportation. Other scheduled Allgäu dates include Schöllang on September 11 (600 animals), Nesselwang on September 16 (140 cattle), and Bolsterlang on September 22 (500 young cattle). The September 19 schedule includes Untermaiselstein with 300 animals and Missen-Wilhams with 400 animals, the latter featuring alphorn players and ‘Schellenwürfeln’ (bell dice rolling). In Gunzesried, one of the region's largest events is expected on September 17, with approximately 1,600 animals from 19 alpine pastures returning to the valley. This event typically includes a festival tent, musical performances, and a merchant market. Conversely, the traditional event in Kranzegg (Rettenberg municipality) will not take place in 2026 to avoid overlapping with the 100th anniversary of the Gautrachtenfest. Further north, the Apfeltrang drive is scheduled for October 4. As the season begins, the Allgäu region faces significant traffic congestion due to the combination of the end of summer holidays and the start of the Viehscheid. Experts warn of heavy delays on major routes including the A7, A96, B19, and B12, as well as the Brenner Pass, Fernpass, and the Grenztunnel. Localized bottlenecks are expected in the Oberallgäu area due to simultaneous drives in Bad Hindelang, Oberstaufen, Balderschwang, and Schöllang. Regional mobility may be further impacted by construction on the B19 and rail disruptions on the Kempten-Lindau line.