Latzfonser Almabtrieb and Folk Festival

The cattle drive that marks the end of the alpine summer

The Latzfonser Almabtrieb mit Volksfest is one of the most authentic rural festivals in South Tyrol. It takes place in Latzfons/Lazfons, a small mountain village belonging to the municipality of Chiusa/Klausen, in the province of Bolzano. Every year, on the second Sunday of September, the village celebrates the return of the livestock from high-altitude pastures: this is the Almabtrieb, a traditional cattle drive that marks the end of the grazing season and expresses the farmers' gratitude for a successful summer.

The parade of adorned cows

The highlight of the event is the parade: in the early afternoon, the cows, decorated with flowers, greenery, and large bells, descend through the village streets to the Dorfplatz, the square where the festivities take place. They are accompanied by shepherds in traditional costumes, the Musikkapelle Latzfons (the local brass band), and groups of Schuhplattler, the traditional Tyrolean folk dance involving rhythmic slapping of thighs and soles. The performance of the Goaslschnöller—artists who crack long shepherd's whips in precise, surprising rhythms—is equally spectacular.

A village-wide celebration

The event is organized by the Bauern Ortsgruppe (the local farmers' association) together with the Latzfons Volunteer Fire Department (Freiwillige Feuerwehr). From the morning, the square comes alive with the Frühschoppen, a morning aperitif accompanied by music, and throughout the day, food stalls serve traditional rural specialties: Krapfen, Strauben (spiral fritters), spit-roasted chicken, grilled sausages, and other local delicacies.

Latzfons, between Chiusa and the Sarntal Alps

Latzfons sits on a sunny terrace at over 1,100 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Sarntal Alps, and is also known for the Latzfonser Kreuz sanctuary, a popular hiking destination. The Almabtrieb festival is the perfect opportunity to discover this corner of the Bolzano province, far from the main tourist crowds, in an atmosphere of authentic South Tyrolean hospitality where tradition, mountains, and community intertwine.