Tradition
The Alpabtrieb has a long tradition in Vorarlberg. Many of the 40,000 animals that were in the Alps during the summer come back down to the valley on foot – the animals are usually festively decorated – but only if the Alpine season was accident-free for people and animals.
For centuries, cattle in Vorarlberg have summered on the high Alps. When the pastures have been grazed in September and the temperatures gradually drop, it is time to say goodbye to people and animals following around 100 days on the alp.
Well fed and usually festively decorated, the cattle and their shepherds start their journey home to the valley. The procession of decorated animals – sheep, goats and donkeys as well as cows – is awaited with food and drink, and in some places also with musical accompaniment. This is how the successful alpine season and the well-being of those returning home are thanked.
Headdress only when there is no accident on the Alp
The so-called “Maja”, the traditional headdress of the animals, which is painstakingly handcrafted from silk flowers, fir tips and heather, is part of the annual cattle drive. However, decorations are only used when it is possible to speak of an accident-free Alp time for both humans and animals. The cow that has given the most milk – the so-called “Milchstöferli” – has a special position with the largest and most elaborate headdress.
Lots of cattle drives on Saturday
The first cattle drives have already taken place: there will be many animals on the streets once more on Saturday. Among other things, the Alpe Valzifenz in Gargellen/St. Gallenkirch and also in the Bregenzerwald will be busy: Alpe Schadona returns to the valley on Saturday with over 500 animals. There are always traffic delays on the L200 between Schröcken and Schwarzenberg. Between around 4 p.m. and around 6 p.m., the L48 (Bödelestraße) will be completely closed to traffic, starting at the roundregarding in Bersbuch and continuing to the center of the village of Schwarzenberg. Road users are asked to avoid the village center of Schwarzenberg extensively during this period.
