Passeirer Almabtrieb in Pfelders

An alpine tradition in the heart of the Passeier Valley

The Passeirer Almabtrieb in Pfelders is one of the most stunning and well-known cattle drives (Almabtrieb, the return of livestock from summer pastures) in South Tyrol. It takes place in Plan/Pfelders, the highest hamlet in the municipality of Moos in Passeier, located in the upper Passeier Valley, in the province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige. Every year, around mid-September, this small mountain community becomes the stage for an ancient and deeply felt rural ritual.

The cattle descent from Lazinser Alm

After a summer spent on high-altitude pastures, over 150 head of cattle leave the Lazinser Alm, an alpine pasture located at the end of the Plan valley at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters. The animals are adorned with elaborate floral decorations and large cowbells: a sign that the summer season has concluded safely and the herd is returning to the valley. The descent from the mountain pasture begins around 11:00 AM; by noon, the cattle procession parades festively through the village of Plan to reach the Scheidplatz, the festival square, where they are welcomed by hundreds of spectators.

The shepherds' festival

Upon the arrival of the cattle, the shepherds' festival (Hirtenfest) comes to life with a rich entertainment program. The day is enlivened by live music from local bands and folk groups, which accompany the festivities from the morning onwards. A highlight is the performance of the Psairer Goaslschnöller, the traditional whip-crackers who use rhythm and precision to make their whips echo through the mountain air.

Ranggeln, the traditional Passeier wrestling

The afternoon's main event is the Passeier Ranggeln Championship (Psairer Meisterschaft im Ranggeln), an ancient form of alpine wrestling where competitors face off in a test of strength, attempting to pin their opponent to the ground. This discipline is deeply rooted in the rural culture of the Passeiertal and attracts wrestlers and enthusiasts every year.

Flavors and products of the Passeier Valley

The culinary aspect is not to be missed: throughout the festival, numerous Passeier specialties are served, ranging from traditional mountain farmhouse dishes to products from the Bauernmarkt, the farmers' market featuring local cheeses, cured meats, bread, and valley sweets. It is the perfect opportunity to savor the South Tyrolean autumn in an authentic atmosphere.

Why it's worth visiting

• One of the most evocative Almabtrieb events in South Tyrol, set in a village of rare alpine beauty
• Over 150 flower-adorned cattle parading through the streets of Plan/Pfelders
• Live music, whip-cracking performances, and the Ranggeln championship
• Gastronomic specialties and a local farmers' market from the Passeier Valley
• Free admission, surrounded by the pristine nature of the Texel Group peaks