Alpine cattle drive in the Stubai Valley – a highlight for the fall in the mountain pleasure Hotel Augarten Neustift

 

September in Neustift in the Stubai Valley not only brings the colors of autumn, but also an event that is deeply rooted in Tyrolean tradition: the cattle drive. When the cows make their way back down to the valley after a long summer on the mountain pastures, we say: “The summer is over!” – the summer is over. But instead of melancholy, joy returns, because the cattle drive is a sign that fall is beginning – the best time for hikes and the first turns on the Stubai Glacier.

 

Tradition meets nature experience – the Berg Genuss Hotel experience in Neustift:

A stay at the Berg Genuss Hotel in Neustift during the Almabtrieb offers the perfect opportunity to experience a piece of living tradition up close. The cattle drive is celebrated in the Stubai Valley, and for good reason. It is not only the moment when the cows return home from their summer retreat, but also a festival that celebrates the connection between people, animals and nature.

A special day for the 4 villages of the Stubaital (Neustift, Fulpmes, Telfes and Milders):
The brown cattle have to be decorated for the festive cattle drive – with handmade headdresses made from local natural materials. No plastic or kitsch, just traditional craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation.

 

Alpine cattle drive in the Stubai Valley: A tribute to the blacksmith’s craft

Fulpmes, a village not far from Neustift, is known for its centuries-old blacksmithing tradition. And this tradition is also evident during the cattle drive. The blacksmiths in Fulpmes make the heavy frames for the cows’ bells – an impressive craft that not only gives the animals a festive touch, but also creates a link to the roots of the region.

The “Ofoara”, the downhill skiers, not only decorate the cattle, but also themselves with the lovingly tied bunches of twigs and berries. This small gesture is more romantic than you might think: after the work is done, the bunch is often presented to the lady of the heart – a tradition that is particularly cherished in the Stubai Valley.

 

Materials from the region – craftsmanship with heart

The Alpine farmers begin their preparations days before the cattle drive. Swiss stone pine branches, juniper, stonecrop and cranberry leaves are collected and tied into elaborate bundles. The women of the region take over the elaborate process and bind the bundles with their creative hands. “Living” tradition takes on a whole new meaning here, as you can feel the heart and soul that is put into the Almabtrieb in every detail.

 

Experience the cattle drive up close

As a guest at the Berg Genuss Hotel Augarten Neustift, the cattle drive is not only an exciting event, but also a chance to experience the warm hospitality of the region. The cows that make their way down to the valley after a long summer on the mountain pastures are real stars – and especially the leading cows, who, clad in their festive headdresses, accompany the herd as proud leaders. Who will take the lead this year? Giselle or Eleonore? Excitement is in the air and the whole valley is full of anticipation.

The cows have clear preferences when it comes to their “catwalk”: soft alpine pastures are preferred, but the way down into the valley is always mastered safely and elegantly. When the ringing of the bells in the distance becomes quieter, the spectators know that the cattle drive is coming to an end. But instead of melancholy, there is joy, because when they arrive in the valley, the village festival is already waiting, where they can toast the successful cattle drive with hearty music and a cool beer.

 

Your fall with Berg.Genuss

If you want to experience the Almabtrieb in the Stubai Valley, a stay at our Berg Genuss Hotel in Neustift is just the thing for you. Here, tradition and comfort combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re enjoying the last warm days while hiking or making your first turns on the Stubai Glacier – autumn in the Stubai Valley has something to offer everyone.

 

“We at the Berg Genuss Hotel Augarten in Neustift hope you enjoy reading!”

For more adventure tips, visit our Augarten magazine on our website. There are numerous ideas waiting to be discovered by you:
HERE

Helga & Stefan
from the Berg Genuss Hotel Neustift

 

Source:

https://www.stubai.at/stubaital/stubai-blog/detail/almabtrieb-mit-herzblut-gelebt/