Jaufentaler Almabtrieb

Autumn Transhumance in Val Giovo

The Jaufentaler Almabtrieb (the traditional cattle drive from alpine pastures) is one of the most cherished autumn events in South Tyrol. It takes place in Val Giovo (Jaufental), at the Sennerhof (Jaufentalerhof) farm, in the municipality of Racines/Ratschings, in the province of Bolzano. As summer draws to a close, farmers bring their cows back down from the high mountain pastures—an ancient rural rite marking the end of the grazing season.

Flower-adorned cows descend to the valley

The highlight is the arrival of the herd: about ninety cows, along with calves and smaller livestock, descend from the valley's alpine pastures—including the Ontrattalm and Bärnfiechtalm—towards the valley floor. The lead animals are adorned with crowns of fir branches, flower garlands, large cowbells, and traditional embroidery: a visible sign that the grazing season has concluded successfully and the livestock is returning home safe and sound. The procession reaches the Sennerhof in the late morning, welcomed by spectators and families along the route.

The farmers' thanksgiving festival

The Jaufentaler Almabtrieb is primarily a thanksgiving festival (Dankfest) for farmers, herdsmen, and shepherds for a grazing season completed without incident. The arrival of the cattle sparks a true autumn celebration, complete with food stalls, live music, and a warm, rural welcome. The entire event is held under a large marquee, ensuring it can proceed regardless of weather conditions.

Folk music and South Tyrolean specialties

The day is accompanied by South Tyrolean folk music groups, with traditional bands and choirs from the Wipptal valley performing between meals. On the menu are traditional South Tyrolean rural dishes and, of course, the fragrant, freshly baked Jaufentaler Krapfen—the valley's signature pastry—accompanied by wine, beer, and local drinks. It is the perfect opportunity to savor the authentic mountain life of Val Giovo.

An event in the heart of the Isarco Alps

Val Giovo, a side valley of the municipality of Racines/Ratschings above Vipiteno, is a secluded valley of farms and high-altitude pastures. The Almabtrieb is not just a folkloric spectacle, but a living testament to the centuries-old bond between mountain communities and alpine life. The municipality of Racines/Ratschings celebrates this tradition with three distinct transhumance events—in Telves, Val Giovo (Jaufental), and Val Ridanna (Ridnauntal)—marking the Saturdays of September.

Why it's worth attending

• About 90 flower-adorned cows descending from the Val Giovo pastures
• Animals decorated with fir-branch crowns, garlands, and cowbells
• Farmers' thanksgiving festival at the Sennerhof (Jaufentalerhof) farm
• Live folk music and traditional Wipptal choirs
• Typical Jaufentaler Krapfen and South Tyrolean culinary specialties
• Event held under a marquee, rain or shine, in the municipality of Racines/Ratschings