Nesselwanger Viehscheid
Cattle drive tradition in the Allgäu at the foot of the Alpspitze
About Viehscheid Nesselwang
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An Allgäu Autumn Tradition
The Viehscheid is one of the most emotional moments of the year in the Allgäu. When the young cattle return safely to the valley in September after a summer on the high alpine pastures, it is celebrated with a grand festival. In Nesselwang, the mountain village at the foot of the Alpspitze, the traditional costume association 'Alpspitzler' organizes this deeply rooted folk custom event.
'Schumpen', 'Kranzrind', and Bell Removal
The young cattle, known as 'Schumpen' in the Allgäu, descend to the 'Scheidplatz' near the 'Haus der Vereine' (House of Associations), led by the Nesselwang Harmony Music ensemble. If the summer has ended without mishap, the 'Kranzrind' (wreath-wearing cow), as the lead animal, carries a magnificent decoration of fir branches and flowers. The highlight is the ceremonial removal of the bells in the festival tent.
Custom to Celebrate Along
Around the actual Viehscheid, Nesselwang offers a multi-day festival tent program with an Allgäu costume evening, brass band music, and dancing – an authentic piece of alpine culture that attracts locals and guests alike.
Viehscheid Nesselwang — edition 2026
Viehscheid 2026
The festive parade starts on Tuesday, September 15, at 7 PM from the school to the festival tent at the valley station of the Alpspitzbahn. At 7:30 PM, the First Mayor of Nesselwang will open the event with the barrel tapping, followed by the Nesselwängle music band. From 8:30 PM, a grand Allgäu costume evening will take place with the Nesselwang Harmony Music and all groups of the 'Alpspitzler' traditional costume association.
On the main day, Wednesday, September 16, starting at 10 AM, the 'Schumpen', led by the Nesselwang Harmony Music, will parade past the hotel down to the 'Scheidplatz' at the 'Haus der Vereine'. At 2 PM, the ceremonial bell removal will take place in the festival tent, and from 7 PM, there will be dancing and entertainment with the band 'DIE CHEFS'.
Programme Viehscheid Nesselwang 2026
Tuesday, September 15
- 7:00 PM — Festive parade from the school to the festival tent (Alpspitzbahn valley station)
- 7:30 PM — Barrel tapping by the First Mayor, followed by the Nesselwängle music band
- 8:30 PM — Grand Allgäu costume evening with Nesselwang Harmony Music and all groups of the 'Alpspitzler'
Wednesday, September 16
- 10:00 AM — Arrival of the 'Schumpen' at the 'Scheidplatz' at the 'Haus der Vereine', led by the Nesselwang Harmony Music
- 2:00 PM — Ceremonial bell removal in the festival tent
- 7:00 PM — Dancing and entertainment with the band 'DIE CHEFS'
Highlights Viehscheid Nesselwang 2026
Prices Viehscheid Nesselwang 2026
Practical information — Viehscheid Nesselwang
Getting There
Nesselwang is located on the A7 motorway (exit Nesselwang) in Ostallgäu. The 'Scheidplatz' is at the valley station of the Alpspitzbahn. You can also reach Nesselwang by train.
Admission
The Viehscheid itself is free to attend; admission may be charged for the costume evening and events in the festival tent. Dates may change at short notice depending on pasture conditions.
Information
Tourist Information Nesselwang, Tel. +49 8361 92340.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Viehscheid Nesselwang al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Viehscheid Nesselwang
Scheidplatz / Talstation Alpspitzbahn