Name: Viehscheid Oberstaufen 2026
Start: 2026-09-11T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-09-11T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Scheidplatz Höfen, Oberstaufen

Viehscheid Oberstaufen

About Viehscheid Oberstaufen

The Viehscheid Oberstaufen is one of the largest cattle drives in the Allgäu region and a highlight in the Bavarian customs calendar. Around 1000 cattle are led back down from the Alps to the valley at the Höfen Scheidplatz, adorned with floral wreaths and bells. This is followed by a bell raffle, alpine dance, and a long festival evening in the marquee. The Alpine tradition also reflects the economic and cultural significance of alpine farming in the West Allgäu.

Dates 11 Sep — 11 Sep 2026

Venue Oberstaufen (09780)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Viehscheid Oberstaufen — edition 2026

The 52nd Viehscheid Oberstaufen will take place on Friday, September 11, 2026. From 8:30 AM, around 1000 cattle are expected at the Höfen Scheidplatz. At 2:00 PM, the traditional bell raffle follows, and in the evening, there will be dancing and festivities in the marquee with Allgäu specialties and music.

The 52nd edition of the Viehscheid Oberstaufen will take place on Friday, September 11, 2026. As every year, around 1000 animals will be led from the Allgäu Alps back into the valley, many of them as decorated 'Kranzrinder' (wreathed cows) as a sign of an accident-free season.

The program follows the proven choreography: from 8:30 AM, the herds arrive at the Höfen Scheidplatz, at 2:00 PM the bell raffle – one of the most emotional moments of the day. In the evening, the festival continues in the marquee with live music, dancing, and culinary specialties from the Allgäu.

Highlights Viehscheid Oberstaufen 2026

Around 1000 animals and several wreathed cows
Traditional bell raffle at 2 PM
Festival tent with dancing and Allgäu specialties
52nd edition of the modern Viehscheid in Oberstaufen
One of Bavaria's most famous alpine drives

Programme Viehscheid Oberstaufen 2026

Schedule on 11.09.2026

8:30 AM – Arrival of the first herds at the Höfen Scheidplatz
Morning – Entry of the alpine farmers and herdsmen with wreathed cows
2:00 PM – Bell raffle
Afternoon and Evening – Dancing and music in the festival tent, Allgäu specialties

Times are subject to change; current information at oberstaufen.de and almabtriebe.de.

Prices Viehscheid Oberstaufen 2026

Admission to the Scheidplatz is free. Consumption voucher system in the festival tent. Current information at oberstaufen.de.

Practical information

Practical information — Viehscheid Oberstaufen

Getting There

Oberstaufen can be reached via the A96 (Munich–Lindau, exit Weißensberg) or the B308 from Kempten. By train: Oberstaufen station on the Lindau–Hergatz–Kempten line. From the station, it's a few minutes' walk to the Höfen Scheidplatz. Early arrival is recommended as parking spaces fill up quickly.

Admission

Admission to the Scheidplatz is generally free. Consumption voucher system in the festival tent; current information available at oberstaufen.de.

Program

From 8:30 AM, arrival of the herds, 2:00 PM bell raffle, evening dancing in the festival tent. All times are subject to change.

Recommendation

Bring warm clothing – it is often cold in the West Allgäu even in September in the early morning hours. Those who want to watch the arrival of the herds should secure a spot along the spectator line early.

Alpine Drive in the West Allgäu

The Viehscheid Oberstaufen marks the end of summer in the Allgäu Alps. Every September, around 1000 head of cattle are led from the high pastures down the paths into the valley to Oberstaufen, where they are returned to their owners in a festive ceremony. The 2026 edition is the 52nd iteration of the modern Viehscheid, which has its roots in centuries-old alpine farming traditions.

Höfen Scheidplatz

The venue is the Höfen Scheidplatz on the edge of Oberstaufen town center. As early as the morning hours – from around 8:30 AM – the first herds are expected. Accompanied by shepherds and herding dogs, the 'Kranzkühe' (cows wearing wreaths), adorned with floral and fir wreaths, pass through a dense crowd of spectators to the square. Wearing a wreath and bell symbolizes that the alpine season has passed without incident.

Bell Raffle and Festival Tent

At 2:00 PM, the bell raffle begins – a traditional custom where the heavy alpine bells ('Schellen') are redistributed through a lottery. In the evening, the festival continues in the marquee with dancing, music bands, Allgäu specialties such as Käsknöpfle, Kasspatzen, and Allgäuer Bergkäse, as well as plenty of beer.

Oberstaufen – Schroth Health Resort and Alpine Tradition Town

Oberstaufen is a well-known premium Schroth spa town and the only Schroth health resort in Germany, located in the western Allgäu in the Oberallgäu district (Bavaria). With its Allgäuer Hochalpen, the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, and the mountain village of Steibis, it stands for gentle tourism, rich traditions, and alpine lifestyle. The Viehscheid is one of the most important dates of the year here – not just a folk festival, but also a source of identity for the approximately 1000 shepherds, alpine farmers, and herdsmen who work in the Alps every summer.

Tradition with Current Significance

Alpine farming has been an economic and ecological pillar in the Allgäu for centuries. It keeps the mountain meadows open, ensures biodiversity, and allows animals to spend the summer in the Alps. The Viehscheid celebrates this model and makes it tangible for thousands of guests from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – as a mix of tradition, agricultural pride, and festive community.