Cattle drive in Söll

On the morning of this cattle drive, the cows are festively decorated as a symbol of thanks for an accident-free summer in the mountain pastures. The Alpine dairymen drive the animals past the Alpengasthof Hochsöll inn and the Stöcklalm mountain hut into the valley. The cows arrive back in the valley around 12 pm where they are greeted by the local brass band before returning to their stalls for the winter. At the market stands, you can purchase doughnuts, fresh milk, Alpine cheese, farmer's smoked ham and fragrant bread. Every year in Söll and the Wilder Kaiser region, the successful return of the Alpine cattle and the Alpine dairymen is a feast for all senses.

The tradition of the Almabtrieb is celebrated at the Wilder Kaiser every year at the end of summer. Early in the morning, the dairymaids and dairymen attach the so-called "Almboschen" to the cow's head with a leather halter. Weeks before the Almabtrieb, the little coniferous trees are lovingly decorated by hand with colourful roses and threads of crepe or silk paper. The big bells that announce the return of the cows from afar are also a must. The cows, dairymaids and helpers walk back down into the valley to their home barns. The decorated cows are a symbol and a sign of gratitude for an accident-free summer on the alp. The return home is duly celebrated with the Almabtrieb.