When grazing season on the alpine pastures draws to a close and cattle return to their winter home, we celebrate by decking them out with flowers, ribbons and special messages, along with the big bells they only wear on this special occasion, then drive them down from the Zillertal high country. "Almabtrieb" is a very special and colorful community event.

True to Ancient Traditions
The "Moarkuh", the dominant cow, leads the festive parade. After her follow the other cows, calves, steers, young oxen and smaller animals such as sheep and goats.
Thousands of people from Austria and abroad make sure they don't miss this delightful celebration of the farming community - not least because of the delicious regional foods that are also served up for the event. There is a farmer's market, a schnapps distillery and numerous other stands offering Zillertal specialties such as Krapfen, Melchermuas, Zerggl, farmhouse bread, bacon, grilled foods, pine schnapps and lots of sweet treats.
Folk dancers, whip-crackers and other heritage groups give our returning creatures the warm welcome they richly deserve.