Pasture drive (Alpabtrieb)

Cattle in the Montafon have spent their summers in the high Alpine pastures for centuries. Well-fed, the cattle return to the valley in September. The pasture drive has been celebrated since time immemorial and the healthy cattle are gratefully received by the farmers.

The parade of decorated animals - which also include sheep, goats and donkeys, the so-called “Piefl” - are met with food and drink and even music in some locations. The “Milchstöfleri” – the cow that has given the most milk over the summer – is given an especially warm welcome. She is easy to pick out by the most beautiful and largest “Maien”, the decorative flowers. The exact start date of the pasture drive depends on the weather. If there is an early snowfall, it can be brought forward at the last minute.

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