Viehscheid - Oberstaufen

Who chased the cow up the mountain?

After about a hundred days, the alpine summer is over. The herders return to the valley with their well-fed livestock. In the past, their route often led directly to the livestock markets. However, as fewer and fewer farmers sold their animals—instead taking them back here in the valley—more and more livestock sorting stations developed in the region.

When the herd reaches the sorting area, it passes through a wooden pen, in the middle of which the animals pass one by one to the respective herdsman of the alp. The herdsman calls out the owner’s name, who then takes possession of his livestock. The animals are “separated.”

Traditionally, there has always been a bustle of activity on the alpine pastures as early as one day before the descent from the alpine pastures. The animals are groomed, the large bells are put on, and among the young cattle, the three that have grown the best are adorned with a magnificent wreath.

Among the dairy cows, the two with the highest milk yield and the most beautiful cow each receive a wreath as a headdress. However, this only happens if no animal has been fatally injured on the alpine pastures during the summer.

Program:

Starting at 8:30 a.m.: Arrival of the Alpine herds with over 1,400 head of cattle at Scheidplatz

Starting at 2:30 p.m.: Grand Bell Raffle

Starting at 7:00 p.m.: Live music with LAUSBUAM, free admission! (No admission for those under 16 after 6:00 p.m.)

The schedule is subject to change.

Overview page