Viehscheid in Pfronten

A Bavarian Tradition from the Allgäu

The Viehscheid in Pfronten is one of the most significant traditional festivals in the Bavarian district of Ostallgäu. Every year on the second Saturday in September, the animals return from the high alpine pastures to the valley before the first snow falls. The cows and young cattle have grazed on the lush mountain meadows all summer; their safe return is celebrated with a grand festival. With the young cattle and decorated cows from around ten alpine pastures, Pfronten is considered the largest Almabtrieb in the entire Ostallgäu region.

Festive Parade and Separation Area

The Viehscheid weekend begins on Friday evening with a grand parade. Over 1,200 participants from local traditional costume, music, and sports clubs, along with a brewery festival wagon, march through the village. On Saturday morning, starting around 9 a.m., the cattle from the Achtal arrive at the festival grounds, followed by the alpine cattle from the Vilstal around 10 a.m. At the Scheidplatz, the herds are separated so that each farmer receives their animals back. The 'Kranzkuh' (wreath cow), which has survived the summer without an accident, wears traditional headgear and leads the procession.

Market and Festival Atmosphere

Starting at 8 a.m., a market invites visitors to stroll and shop, offering regional products. In the evening, the festival tent hosts celebrations with Alpine music and dancing, with free admission. A week later, likely on the third weekend in September, the smaller Viehscheid takes place in the Pfronten-Röfleuten district.

Experience Allgäu Lifestyle

The Pfronten Viehscheid is not a staged tourist spectacle, but a living tradition of the Allgäu alpine farmers. Visitors to the festival experience Bavarian customs up close: traditional costumes, brass music, the ringing of cowbells, and the joy of a successful alpine season characterize the atmosphere in the health resort of Pfronten at the foot of the Allgäu High Alps.