Almabtrieb / Return of the Cattle from Malga Upi

A farming tradition in the upper Vinschgau Valley

The Almabtrieb, which translates to cattle drive from the mountain pasture, is the festival that celebrates the return of herds from high-altitude pastures to the valley at the end of summer. In Sluderno (Schluderns), a bilingual municipality in the upper Vinschgau Valley in the province of Bolzano, this custom involves the livestock that spent the summer season at Malga Upi (Upi Alm), managed by the local Alminteressentschaft.

Cows dressed for the occasion

The most anticipated moment is the arrival of the procession. The finest dairy cows, rewarded for their high productivity during the summer grazing season, descend to the valley richly decorated: crowns of mountain flowers, large cowbells, and colorful ribbons turn the animals into the true stars of the day. The procession reaches Konfall Park (Konfallpark), where it is festively welcomed by the local population and the herdsmen who spent the summer at high altitude.

The village festival

With the arrival of the cattle, a lively village festival kicks off in Sluderno: stalls with South Tyrolean culinary specialties, drinks, traditional pastries, and live music create a convivial atmosphere that brings together residents and visitors. It is a unique opportunity to get to know the farming culture of the Vinschgau Valley up close and to savor traditional local products in an authentic setting.

A ritual that marks the rhythm of the seasons

The Almabtrieb is not just a folkloric show: it is the tangible sign of the end of the alpine summer and the return to village life after months of mountain grazing. Widespread throughout the German-speaking Alpine region, in South Tyrol it takes on unique nuances from valley to valley. In Sluderno, nestled between the Ortler group and the pastures of the upper Vinschgau, the festival retains a genuinely local character, far from mass tourism.

How it works

• Arrival of the cattle: in the morning at Konfall Park in Sluderno.
• Cows decorated with flowers, ribbons, and bells.
• Village festival with food, drinks, and music.
• Organization: Alminteressentschaft Schluderns (pasture consortium).

For those wishing to join the ascent or descent with the herdsmen, registration with the organizers is usually required. The event is traditionally held in September.