Alpine Cattle Drive & Alpine Festivals

When the cows head home ... Colorful wreaths of flowers, tinkling bells and the smell of fresh farmhouse bread: the cattle drive in Brixental Valley is a living tradition - and a real highlight at the start of autumn. When the festively decorated cows return from the Alpine pastures to the valley in Brixen im Thale, Kirchberg and Westendorf, this is celebrated in style.

As part of the traditional “Hoamfahrten”, atmospheric alpine festivals await you in all three towns with hearty music, regional delicacies, genuine crafts and lovingly made farm products. A feast for all the senses - and an experience that will live long in the memory.

The cows - but often also sheep, goats and horses - have spent summer on the Alpine pastures of the Kitzbühel Alps together with the Alpine herdsmen and shepherds. The Alpine Cattle Drive is thus the thanksgiving, when the healthy cattle return from the Alpine pasture back to the stables. Only when all animals from an alpine pasture return home safely from the alpine summer, will they be adorned for their return into the valley. Garlands from fir sprigs, colourful ribbons, bells, mirrors and Alpine flowers them grace the cows. But if there has been an accident on the Alpine pasture or a death in the “Hoamathaus” (home) in the valley, the cows are not adorned at all or will be wearing a “crape”. This consists of black ribbons.