Almabtrieb Sulden

The cattle drive at the foot of the Ortler

The Almabtrieb Sulden is the autumn event that celebrates the end of the alpine grazing season in Sulden (Solda), a charming mountain village at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters, part of the municipality of Stelvio (Stilfs) in the Vinschgau Valley, in the province of Bolzano, in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. At the foot of the majestic Ortler massif and within the Stelvio National Park, the descent of the livestock from high-altitude pastures marks the transition from summer to the alpine autumn.

An ancient ritual of the Alps

The transhumance is a ritual that has accompanied the farming life of South Tyrolean valleys for centuries. After spending the summer on mountain pastures, the cows are led back to the valley before the arrival of the cold. When the alpine grazing season has concluded without incident, the animals descend adorned with floral crowns, colorful mirrors, and large decorative bells: a sign of gratitude and good omen that turns the descent into a festive procession through the village.

A village festival

Upon the arrival of the livestock in Sulden/Solda, the day continues with a folk festival in the village. As is tradition in the cattle drives of the Vinschgau Valley and all of South Tyrol, the welcoming of the animals is accompanied by:

• South Tyrolean culinary specialties and typical peasant cuisine dishes;
• folk music and traditional brass bands;
• local drinks and products served at the festival stands;
• a convivial atmosphere suitable for families and visitors of all ages.

It is an authentic opportunity to discover the farming traditions of the Ortler area, in one of the most spectacular corners of the Alps, where alpine culture is still a living part of the community's identity.

When it takes place

The Almabtrieb Sulden is traditionally held in the month of September, when the livestock leaves the high-altitude pastures. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: the precise date depends each year on the conditions of the alpine grazing season and is announced in the weeks prior. We recommend checking the updated calendar at the Ferienregion Ortlergebiet tourist office or the Vinschgau Valley channels closer to the event.