# Alpine cattle drives in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alpine-cattle-drives-in-germany-and-switzerland
> Updated: 2026-09-12T02:37:38.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 4.

Traditional cattle drives, known as Viehscheid or Alpabtrieb, 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 Oberstdorf, the Viehscheid on September 12 is expected to feature 1,000 animals returning to the valley after a 100-day mountain stay. The herds will be driven toward the Nordic Center in Ried for festivities including brass music and traditional food. Authorities have requested that visitors use public transportation and shuttle buses to manage the event.

In Oberstaufen, approximately 1,400 animals returned to the valley for a celebration attended by Bavarian Agriculture Minister Michaela Kaniber. Kaniber emphasized continued support for mountain farmers through the Bavarian Mountain Farmer Program, noting that farmers face increasing challenges from climate change, such as drought and water scarcity. Additionally, a smaller-scale event featuring roughly 100 animals is scheduled for the Wengen district of Weitnau.

Other scheduled Allgäu dates include Bad Hindelang on September 11 (approximately 1,000 head of cattle and a merchant's market), Schöllang on September 11 (600 animals), Nesselwang on September 16 (140 cattle), and Gunzesried on September 17 (approximately 1,600 animals). The September 19 schedule includes Untermaiselstein with 300 animals, Missen-Wilhams with 400 animals, and a smaller drive in Pfronten-Röfleuten. Bolsterlang is scheduled for September 22 with 500 young cattle.

In Austria, celebrations are occurring in the Montafon and Bregenzerwald regions. In Tschagguns, the return of livestock includes farmers' markets and live music, though authorities have warned of traffic restrictions and bus service interruptions. Similar seasonal drives are also noted in St. Gallenkirch, Schwarzenberg, and Warth.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Alpine regions celebrate traditional cattle drives

Traditional cattle drives (Viehscheid) are being celebrated across the Allgäu region in Germany and the Montafon in Austria, marking the seasonal return of livestock from mountain pastures to the valleys.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/allgu-region-prepares-for-2026-traditional-viehscheid-cattle-drives

### 2026-09-04: Allgäu region announces 2026 Viehscheid cattle drive dates

The 2026 dates for several traditional Viehscheid cattle drives in Germany's Allgäu region have been announced, spanning from September 11 in Schöllang to September 22 in Bolsterlang.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/allgu-region-schedules-2026-traditional-cattle-drives

### 2026-09-02: Alpine regions prepare for 2026 seasonal cattle drives and traditions

Various Alpine regions in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland are preparing for traditional 2026 cattle drives, seasonal livestock festivals, and alpine agricultural celebrations.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alpine-cattle-drives-held-in-germany-and-switzerland

### 2026-08-29: Allgäu region prepares for 2026 traditional cattle drives

Traditional Viehscheid cattle drives are scheduled for 2026 in Germany's Allgäu region, including a large event in Bad Hindelang and a smaller drive in Apfeltrang.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/allgu-cattle-drives-scheduled-for-september-2026-1

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Cite as: Alpine cattle drives in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alpine-cattle-drives-in-germany-and-switzerland