Almabtrieb / Transhumance from Seiser Alm to Kastelruth
The great autumn transhumance from Alpe di Siusi to Castelrotto
About Almabtrieb Seiser Alm
The Alpe di Siusi Transhumance
The Almabtrieb — the autumn transhumance — is one of the most cherished events in the South Tyrol farming calendar. As the first snows approach, the livestock that spent the summer on the high-altitude pastures of the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) are led back down to the valley barns. It is an ancient ritual that has defined mountain life for centuries, transforming into a grand public festival in Castelrotto/Kastelruth, in the Province of Bolzano.
A procession of 250 animals
The stars of the show are the animals: approximately 250 cows, horses, goats, and sheep, decorated with flower garlands, colorful ribbons, and distinctive cowbells, descend from the pastures guided by farmers in traditional costume. The sound of hundreds of bells announces the arrival of the procession from afar as it crosses the plateau meadows before reaching the village historic center.
Celebrations in Compatsch and Castelrotto
The day unfolds across two locations. In Compatsch, on the Alpe di Siusi, festivities begin in the morning with alphorn players (Alphornbläser), Goaßlschnöller whip-crackers, demonstrations of ancient farming crafts, the Siusi allo Sciliar brass band, and a market featuring typical mountain products. In Kastelruth, the village celebrates along the promenade with Schuhplattler groups, choirs, bands, a farmers' buffet, and food stalls hosted by the local hunters' association.
Muas over the fire
One of the most anticipated moments is the preparation of South Tyrolean Muas, a traditional dish made of milk, flour, and butter cooked over an open fire. Spectators can watch the cooking process and taste this rustic specialty, alongside other local treats like Krapfen.
A living Dolomite tradition
More than just a tourist event, the Almabtrieb is a celebration of cultural heritage rooted in South Tyrolean alpine life. For visitors, it is a unique opportunity to discover the costumes, music, and gastronomy of this mountain region, set against the backdrop of the Sciliar massif and the Dolomites.
Almabtrieb Seiser Alm — edition 2026
On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the great transhumance from the Alpe di Siusi to Castelrotto/Kastelruth returns, with celebrations from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in two locations: Compatsch, on the plateau, and the village center. The procession of about 250 animals in traditional costume descends from the pastures accompanied by the sound of cowbells, amidst music, mountain gastronomy, and ancient farming crafts.
Programme Almabtrieb Seiser Alm 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026 — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
In Compatsch (Alpe di Siusi)
- 10:00 AM — Start of festivities: alphorn players, Siusi allo Sciliar brass band, farmers' market, and demonstrations of ancient crafts
- 10:30 AM — Departure of the procession: approx. 250 animals (cows, horses, goats, sheep) with farmers in traditional costume; Goaßlschnöller, "Alpler Plattler Gitschen" dance group, "St. Martin in Thurn" band, and "Schlernblech" musical group
In Castelrotto/Kastelruth
- From 10:00 AM — Village festival along the promenade: farmers' buffet, hunters' association food stalls, Schuhplattler, alphorns, and "Schlernwind" musical group
- 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM — Preparation of South Tyrolean Muas over an open fire (approx. 20-minute cooking time) with tasting
- Approx. 1:30 PM — Arrival of the animal procession in the center of Castelrotto
Highlights Almabtrieb Seiser Alm 2026
Prices Almabtrieb Seiser Alm 2026
Practical information — Almabtrieb Seiser Alm
Getting there
Castelrotto/Kastelruth is located in the Province of Bolzano, at the gateway to the Alpe di Siusi. By car: take the A22 Brenner motorway exit at Bolzano Nord/Chiusa, then follow signs for Fiè allo Sciliar and Castelrotto. The festival in Compatsch can be reached via the Siusi–Alpe di Siusi cable car, which offers a special €15 round-trip fare on the day of the Almabtrieb.
Traffic and transport
Bus lines 3, 3A, and 172 connect the cable car station to Castelrotto. The road from Compatsch to Telfen is closed to downhill traffic starting at 11:00 AM, with further closures in the village during the procession: it is recommended to arrive in the morning and travel on foot.
Tips
Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear; the festival takes place outdoors in autumn. Admission to the celebrations is free.
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Where does it take place — Almabtrieb Seiser Alm
Compatsch (Seiser Alm) e centro di Kastelruth
Compatsch (Seiser Alm) e centro di Castelrotto/Kastelruth, 39040 Castelrotto/Kastelruth