Viehscheid Bad Hindelang

Cattle Drive with Tradition

The Viehscheid Bad Hindelang is one of the most important cattle drives in the Oberallgäu. Every year on September 11 – or the Saturday before if the date falls on a Sunday – around 1,000 animals return from five alpine pastures above the Ostrachtal to the valley. They are ceremonially handed over to their owners by their herdsmen at the 'Scheidplatz' – a ritual that has been performed unchanged for generations.

The Day Itself

Starting at 8:30 AM, the first herds arrive in the village on the hour. The decorated lead cows (adorned with head decorations of fir branches, colorful ribbons, and flowers) lead the herds. Hundreds of onlookers line the streets, cheering for the animals and applauding the herdsmen. At the 'Scheidplatz', the animals are then separated by owner and returned to their farms.

Market, Festival Tent, and Family Program

Parallel to the actual Viehscheid, a large market takes place with stalls selling traditional costumes, cheese, farm products, and crafts. In the large festival tent, music bands play, and there are hearty Allgäu delicacies, draft beer, and wine. Several amusement rides ensure that the children also have fun. In Hindelang, the Viehscheid is celebrated like a holiday – local schools give students the day off so they can witness the spectacle.

Bad Hindelang in the Oberallgäu

Bad Hindelang is located in the Oberallgäu district, in the Ostrachtal valley, right on the Tyrolean border. This climatic health resort with around 4,700 inhabitants is surrounded by high Allgäu Alps (Hochvogel, Imberger Horn, Iseler) and is home to some of Bavaria's highest alpine pastures. The region has been an area for alpine farming for centuries – the Viehscheid annually showcases this tradition anew. Bad Hindelang is among Bavaria's top tourist destinations.