Almabtrieb Reit im Winkl

A 100-day alpine season ends in festive revelry

As soon as the days get shorter in September and the first night frosts sweep across the high elevations of the Chiemgau Alps, the alpine farmers in Reit im Winkl begin preparations for the Almabtrieb. The dairy cows and young cattle have spent around 100 days on the alpine pastures above the village – on the Winklmoos-Alm, on the pastures on the Schwarzenberg, and in the neighboring areas towards Steinplatte. During this time, they eat nutrient-rich mountain herbs, which give the milk, butter, and cheese a special flavor.

The Moarkuh in full splendor

On the day of the Almabtrieb, the animals are decorated early in the morning high up on the pasture. The lead cow, called "Moarkuh", wears a magnificent headdress made of alpine roses, Swiss pine branches, edelweiss, silk flowers, colorful ribbons, small mirrors, often a cross, and a large wreath of bells with jingles and tinklers. The rest of the herd is also adorned with small wreaths and bells. The tradition is not purely folklore: it is a thank you for an accident-free season – if an animal had met with an accident in the mountains, the herd would traditionally be driven down without decorations.

The festival day in the village center of Reit im Winkl

The decorated animals make their way down into the valley via the mountain paths. In the village center of Reit im Winkl, the Almabtrieb is celebrated with a reception: brass bands, traditional costume groups, folk dancers, and Schuhplattler performers entertain, while stalls offer regional delicacies – cheese from the alpine pasture, Kaspressknödel (pressed cheese dumplings), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Brotzeit (snack platters), and beer from Chiemgau breweries. This is often accompanied by the farmers' and hikers' market with regional crafts.

Embedded in the Chiemgau Hiking Autumn

The Almabtrieb traditionally marks the transition to autumn and the Chiemgau Hiking Autumn, which attracts hikers to the Bavarian Alps until the end of November. Reit im Winkl, located on the border with Tyrol in the Traunstein district, is one of the most traditional Almabtrieb locations in the Chiemgau region – the Chiemgau Tourism Association has counted it among the seasonal highlights for over a decade.