Almabtrieb in Terenten (Transhumance)

The Autumn Transhumance in Terento

The Almabtrieb is the autumn transhumance, the moment when livestock leave the high-altitude pastures to return to the valley stables for the winter. In Terento, a small mountain village in the Puster Valley (province of Bolzano), this ancient farming ritual transforms every October into one of the most beautiful and popular traditional festivals in South Tyrol. The village comes alive from the morning, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the herds descending from the surrounding mountain huts.

The Procession and Adorned Animals

The highlight of the event is the arrival of over a hundred cows, calves, and sheep, beautifully decorated with cowbells, flower garlands, and crowns hand-woven by the farmers. The arrival of the herds, around 2:00 PM, is accompanied by a festive procession featuring Plünderfuhren (the carts that bring down household goods and tools after the summer in the pastures), Goaslkrocha (the characteristic cracking of long whips), Schuhplattler (dancers of the traditional Tyrolean folk dance), and musical entertainment from the local village band.

Flavors and Rural Tradition

From the morning, local associations liven up the center of Terento with numerous food stalls, where you can taste traditional Tyrolean specialties: Tirschtlan (stuffed rye fritters), Gerstsuppe (barley soup), Pressknödel (pressed cheese dumplings), and much more. Local farms and producers also offer honey, wine, speck, mountain cheeses, and artisanal products, set against a backdrop of authentic Alpine culture.

Part of the 's Terner Schmelzpfandl Cycle

The Almabtrieb is one of the key events of 's Terner Schmelzpfandl, a festival series that marks the farming year in Terento with events related to spring sowing, the mill festival, and harvest celebrations. In the days following the transhumance, the Terner Bauernkuchl extends the festivities with menus dedicated to local rural cuisine.

A Sustainable Event in the Puster Valley

Recognized as a Green Event, the Almabtrieb in Terento encourages visitors to reach the village using public transport. The event is an ideal opportunity to discover the Alpine traditions of South Tyrol, amidst folklore, gastronomy, and the autumn landscapes of the Gitschberg-Jochtal region.