Almabtrieb in Burgeis (Bruggeralm and Oberdörfer Alm)
The autumn cattle drive from the mountain pastures to Burgusio, in the Vinschgau Valley
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Almabtrieb Burgeis
The cattle drive that marks the end of the alpine summer
The Almabtrieb in Burgeis is one of the most cherished autumn traditions in South Tyrol: in September, the livestock that spent the summer in high-altitude pastures returns to the valley. The village of Burgusio (Burgeis in German), part of the municipality of Mals in the Upper Vinschgau Valley, welcomes the herds and farmers with a true community celebration. The event takes place in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige, at the foot of the imposing Benedictine Abbey of Marienberg.
From the Zerzertal pastures to the village
The stars of the cattle drive are the herds from the Bruggeralm and Oberdörfer Alm. The Bruggeralm is located at an altitude of approximately 1,914 meters in the scenic Zerzertal valley, where alpine cheese is still produced during the summer using milk from about seventy cows. At the end of the season, as temperatures at high altitudes begin to drop, the animals are led back to the valley floor along ancient transhumance trails.
Cows adorned with flowers
The most anticipated moment is the arrival of the procession: the cows descend decorated with flowers, branches, and colorful garlands, a sign of gratitude for a summer of grazing spent without incident. This ornament, deeply rooted in Tyrolean tradition, transforms the return of the cattle into a festive procession that winds through the village streets amidst the sound of cowbells and the enthusiasm of residents and visitors alike.
An authentic village festival
The entire community of Burgusio gathers to welcome the livestock, setting up a small festival with local gastronomic specialties, draft beer (the traditional Fassanstich), coffee, and homemade cakes, all accompanied by live music. The Almabtrieb in Burgeis is a precious opportunity to experience the rural culture of the Vinschgau Valley and the customs linked to the mountain seasons, set against one of the most beautiful landscapes in South Tyrol.
Almabtrieb Burgeis — edition 2026
The autumn cattle drive that brings livestock from the Bruggeralm and Oberdörfer Alm pastures to Burgusio (Mals) is traditionally expected in September. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced; as soon as they are available, they will be published by the Upper Vinschgau tourist office. As every year, the event will feature the arrival of cows decorated with flowers and garlands, along with a village festival offering local specialties, draft beer, and live music.
Practical information — Almabtrieb Burgeis
Where
Burgusio/Burgeis, part of Mals (Postal Code 39021), Upper Vinschgau Valley, Autonomous Province of Bolzano — Trentino-Alto Adige. Usual meeting point: Bar Restaurant Gerda in Burgusio.
When
In September, during the autumn cattle drive. The arrival of the livestock is expected in the early afternoon, while festivities begin in the late morning.
How to get there
Burgusio is accessible via the SS40 road of the Upper Vinschgau Valley; it is served by the Merano–Mals railway line (Mals station) and local South Tyrol bus lines. There are numerous parking areas near the village.
Information
For updated dates and details, we recommend consulting the Upper Vinschgau tourist office and the vinschgau.net portal.
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Where does it take place — Almabtrieb Burgeis
Burgeis/Burgusio