Schafabtrieb im Zieltal (Sheep Transhumance)

The sheep transhumance in Val di Tel

The Schafabtrieb im Zieltal is one of the most authentic farming traditions in the municipality of Parcines/Partschins, in the autonomous province of Bolzano/Bozen, in the heart of South Tyrol. Every year, on the third Sunday of September, around 1,300 sheep leave the high-altitude pastures of Val di Tel (Zieltal) to return to the valley stables, in a descent that marks the end of the summer grazing season and the beginning of autumn.

The Schofschoad at the Nasereit mountain hut

The heart of the festival is the Nasereit mountain hut, nestled along the Merano High Mountain Trail (Meraner Höhenweg, trail no. 24) in the Texel Group Nature Park. This is where the Schofschoad takes place: the flocks, which have grazed together throughout the summer, are separated, returned to their respective owners, and marked with colorful signs to identify their ownership. Some animals are also sheared. It is an ancient gesture, repeated from generation to generation, which shepherds celebrate with joy for the safe return of their livestock from the mountain pastures.

A mountain festival of music and flavors

The transhumance is not just farm work, but a true folk festival: at the Nasereit hut, the day is enlivened by music and South Tyrolean regional culinary specialties. The atmosphere is that of a genuine South Tyrolean mountain celebration, where the return of the flocks intertwines with the start of the Törggelen season, the autumn tradition of tasting new wine accompanied by roasted chestnuts and seasonal dishes.

An experience for families and hikers

The Schafabtrieb im Zieltal is an event suitable for families and children, who can observe the flocks up close and enjoy a day immersed in the nature of the Texel Group Nature Park. You can reach the Nasereit hut by taking the Texelbahn cable car and continuing with about an hour's hike along the Merano High Mountain Trail, offering panoramic views of the Val Venosta and the Merano basin. The event is organized by the Tourist Association of Parcines, Rablà, and Tel and represents one of the most cherished appointments in the local autumn calendar.