Viehscheid Immenstadt
Grand cattle drive with around 800 animals in the Allgäu mountain town
About Viehscheid Immenstadt
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Cattle Drive — Living Allgäu Tradition
The Viehscheid (also called 'Alpabtrieb' or 'Almabtrieb' in the Allgäu) marks the end of the summer grazing season. For the entire summer, shepherds have herded the cattle on the alpine pastures — when the first cold breath of autumn arrives, the animals are driven down into the valley and returned to their owners. In Immenstadt, the ritual takes place on a grand scale: around 800 animals, seven alpine pastures, a completely cordoned-off town center.
The Decorated Leader Cow and Its Significance
A decorated 'Kranzkuh' (leader cow) heads each herd. It is adorned with flowers, ribbons, and a fir wreath — a symbol of a summer without a fatal accident on the alpine pasture. Each alpine pasture has a namesake who acts as an ambassador, leading the herd through Immenstadt. It is a living Allgäu tradition, not a tourist show spectacle.
What Visitors Can Expect
- Warm-Up Party: on Friday evening in the festival tent with DJ duo Butzi & Double T
- Arrival of the Herds: from approx. 9 AM on Saturday — route via Steigbachtal, Gottesackerstraße, Bräuhausstraße, Bahnhofstraße, Rothenfelsstraße to Viehmarktplatz
- Scheidplatz: Distribution of animals to owners from 11 AM
- Festival Tent: Refreshments with Allgäu cheese, Käsknöpfle, sausages, festival beer
- Music: Stadtmusikkapelle Immenstadt, Starzlachschwung, Riedberg Quintett
- Family Program: Children's carousel, play areas
Immenstadt in the Oberallgäu
Immenstadt in the Allgäu is the southernmost town in the Oberallgäu district (Bavaria), located on the Großer Alpsee lake and at the foot of the Allgäu foothills. With its compact old town, mountain backdrop, and proximity to Oberstdorf (12 km), it is one of the most distinctive small towns in the Allgäu.
Viehscheid Immenstadt — edition 2026
Viehscheid 2026
The Oberallgäu Tourism Office and the town of Immenstadt confirm the Viehscheid 2026 with a warm-up on September 18 and the main event on September 19. As every year, around 800 animals will return from the surrounding alpine pastures, led by their respective decorated leader cows, through Immenstadt into the valley.
What Visitors Can Expect
- Warm-up in the festival tent on Friday evening with DJ duo Butzi & Double T
- Cattle drive on Saturday from 9 AM through Steigbachtal, Bahnhofstraße, Rothenfelsstraße to Viehmarktplatz
- Distribution of animals from approx. 11 AM at Scheidplatz
- Festival tent with Allgäu specialties
- Stadtmusikkapelle Immenstadt, Starzlachschwung, and Riedberg Quintett for music
Programme Viehscheid Immenstadt 2026
2026 Schedule
Friday, September 18
- 7:00 PM — Warm-Up Party in the festival tent with DJ duo Butzi & Double T (Motto "g'scheid feiern" - celebrate properly), €5 admission, ages 16+
Saturday, September 19
- from 9:00 AM — Arrival of the herds from Steigbachtal through the town center
- 10:00 AM — Stadtmusikkapelle Immenstadt at Scheidplatz
- approx. 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Herds arrive at Viehmarktplatz
- from 11:00 AM — Distribution of animals to owners
- 2:00 PM — Starzlachschwung plays in the festival tent
- 3:30 PM — Festive bell ringing with the shepherds
- 8:00 PM — Riedberg Quintett plays for dancing in the festival tent
Highlights Viehscheid Immenstadt 2026
- Warm-up with DJ duo Butzi & Double T on Friday evening
- Arrival of around 800 animals from 9 AM through the town center
- Festive bell ringing with the shepherds at 3:30 PM
- Riedberg Quintett for dancing on Saturday evening
- Decorated leader cows at the front of the herds
Prices Viehscheid Immenstadt 2026
Watching the cattle drive: free. Festival tent on Saturday: free admission. Warm-up on Friday: €5 admission, access for ages 16+. Food and drinks (Allgäu cheese, Käsknöpfle, sausages, festival beer) at festival tent prices.
Practical information — Viehscheid Immenstadt
Getting There
By train: Immenstadt main station, directly on the Munich-Lindau line. By car via the A7 motorway, exit Waltenhofen, then B19. Expect large crowds — travel by train is recommended.
Admission
Watching the cattle drive: free. Festival tent at Scheidplatz: free admission on Saturday. Warm-up on Friday: €5 admission (ages 16+).
Tip
Secure a spot on Bahnhofstraße early (best view of the herds). Weatherproof clothing recommended.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Viehscheid Immenstadt al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Viehscheid Immenstadt
Viehmarktplatz (Scheidplatz) Immenstadt
Viehmarktplatz, 87509 Immenstadt i.Allgäu