Rescher Almabtrieb / Almherbst am Reschen

The autumn cattle drive from the Rescher Alm

The Almherbst am Reschen is the festival accompanying the Rescher Almabtrieb, the traditional descent of livestock from the Rescher Alm (Resia Alpine pasture) to the village of Resia (Reschen), a hamlet in the municipality of Curon Venosta / Graun im Vinschgau, in the Upper Vinschgau Valley, in the province of Bolzano, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige. It is one of the most cherished autumn festivals in the Reschen Pass (Reschenpass) region, just a short distance from the famous Lake Resia with its submerged bell tower.

A centuries-old farming tradition

As dictated by the ancient farming calendar, the return of the herds to the valley marks the beginning of autumn. After a summer spent on high-altitude pastures, where pure air and mountain herbs improve the quality of milk and dairy products, the cows are led back to the valley stables by their owners. The lead cow heads the herd, beautifully adorned with crowns of alpine flowers, small mirrors, and cowbells, following a ritual that in folk tradition also serves as a gesture of protection and gratitude for a successful summer grazing season.

Music, gastronomy, and village festivities

The day is a true farmers' festival (Bauernfest): the program begins in the morning and culminates with the arrival of the herds in the village around noon. The event is accompanied by traditional South Tyrolean folk music, brass bands, and folklore groups in traditional costumes, including dirndls and lederhosen. There is no shortage of local culinary specialties, from typical Vinschgau dishes to seasonal desserts, and the characteristic lottery, which over the years has featured prizes such as an alpine piglet.

The setting: Reschen Pass and the Vinschgau Valley

The festival is part of the rich calendar of cattle drives (Almabtriebe) that bring South Tyrol to life between mid-September and the end of October. In Resia, on the border with Austria and Switzerland, the event attracts residents and visitors alike who wish to experience an authentic moment of South Tyrolean alpine culture amidst the mountains of the Reschen Pass area. It is a perfect opportunity to discover the Curon Venosta region and its traditions linked to alpine pasture life.

• Where: Resia (Reschen), Curon Venosta / Graun im Vinschgau, Upper Vinschgau Valley (BZ)
• When: September, at the end of the summer grazing season
• What: cattle drive, traditional music, gastronomy, village festival