Viehscheid Bolsterlang

Almabtrieb Tradition in Oberallgäu

The Viehscheid Bolsterlang is one of the highlights of the alpine summer in the Hörnerdörfer – an association of the villages Bolsterlang, Obermaiselstein, Balderschwang, Fischen, and Ofterschwang in the Oberallgäu district of Bavaria. When the young cattle return healthy to the valley after several months on the high alpine pastures, it is celebrated with the Viehscheid – a centuries-old custom of the Allgäu alpine farming tradition.

The Kranzrind and the Scheidplatz

If the alpine summer passed without any accidents, a 'Kranzrind' (wreath cow), splendidly adorned with fir branches, flowers, and mirrors, leads the herd. The animals make their way down the mountain paths to the 'Scheidplatz' in the car park of the village lift between Bolsterlang and Sonderdorf. Around 9:30 AM, the actual 'Scheiden' (separation) begins: the animals are identified from the gathered herds and assigned to their rightful owners – a moving spectacle of horn sounds, bell ringing, and tense anticipation.

A Festive Day in the Mountains

Even without a large festival tent, the Bolsterlang Viehscheid exudes a genuine festive mood: food and drinks are provided, with regional delicacies and cool beverages rounding off the day. The herdsmen who spent the summer on the alpine pastures are given a fitting reception.

Living Tradition

The Viehscheid is more than just folklore – it is living alpine culture and an important event in the agricultural calendar of Oberallgäu. For visitors, it offers an authentic experience of Allgäu tradition against the backdrop of the Hörner mountains.

• Location: Scheidplatz at the Dorflift, Bolsterlang
• Start: Arrival of the herds from approx. 9:30 AM
• Region: Hörnerdörfer, Oberallgäu
• Special Feature: Kranzrind if the alpine summer was accident-free