Almabtrieb Ridnaun (Ridnauntal)

The autumn cattle drive in Val Ridanna

The Almabtrieb Ridnaun (the traditional descent of livestock from mountain pastures) is one of the most heartfelt and evocative events of the South Tyrolean autumn. It takes place in Masseria/Maiern, at the end of the Ridnaun Valley (Ridnauntal), in the municipality of Racines/Ratschings, in the province of Bolzano. As summer draws to a close, farmers bring their cows, calves, and sheep back down to the valley after months of grazing on high mountain pastures: an ancient rural ritual marking the end of the alpine season.

Thousands of flower-adorned animals

The most anticipated moment is the arrival of the great herd: approximately two thousand sheep and a hundred cattle descend from the pastures toward the valley floor. The lead animals and many in the procession are adorned with fir-branch crowns, flower garlands, large cowbells, and embroidery featuring traditional sayings and mottos. It is a sign that the alpine summer has concluded successfully and all livestock are returning home safe and sound. The procession reaches Masseria/Maiern around 11:30 AM, welcomed by hundreds of spectators along the route.

The rural festival in Masseria

The day begins at 10:00 AM with the opening of the festivities in the valley. Around the arrival of the livestock, a true autumn festival comes to life, featuring a farmers' market (Bauernmarkt) rich in typical valley products: alpine cheeses, speck, rye bread, pastries, and artisanal crafts. There is no shortage of live folk music from local bands and folk groups, accompanying the entire event in an authentic and festive atmosphere.

South Tyrolean traditions

Among the day's highlights are the performances by the Goaslschnöller, the whip-crackers who use precision and rhythm to make their whips echo through the mountain air—an ancient rural custom of the alpine valleys. The festival is also an opportunity to savor South Tyrolean rural culinary specialties (Schmankerln aus der Bauernküche), served at the refreshment stands set up for the event.

An event in the heart of the Isarco Alps

The Ridnaun Valley, nestled between the peaks of the Stubai Alps, offers a natural landscape of rare beauty. The Almabtrieb is not just a folkloric spectacle, but a living testament to the centuries-old bond between mountain communities and alpine farming life. The municipality of Racines/Ratschings celebrates this tradition with three distinct cattle drives—in Telves, the Giovo Valley, and the Ridnaun Valley—marking the Saturdays of September.

Why it's worth it

• One of the largest cattle drives in South Tyrol, with about 2,000 sheep and 100 flower-adorned cows
• Animals decorated with fir-branch crowns, garlands, cowbells, and traditional embroidery
• Farmers' market with typical products from the Ridnaun Valley
• Live folk music and Goaslschnöller performances
• South Tyrolean rural culinary specialties
• Free admission, in an unspoiled alpine setting in the municipality of Racines/Ratschings