Transhumance from the Seiser Alm

In South Tyrol, the grazing animals traditionally spend the summer on the green alpine meadows in the mountains. When autumn slowly approaches and when it begins to snow on the mountains, the cows, sheep, goats and horses are brought back from their summer holiday on the pasture. In former times, this day was a big event for the mountain farmers. 

Still today, the so-called transhumance is celebrated with a big feast in many localities in South Tyrol. Also, on the Seiser Alm, the animals are magnificently decorated and accompanied on their way to the town. The transhumance from the Seiser Alm traditionally takes place on the Saturday before the harvest festival. 

From Compatsch to Kastelruth

On 5th October 2024, festivities in Compatsch begin already at 10:00 am with Goasslschnolzern, alphorn blowers, the music band Seis am Schlern and a farmers' market. From 10.30 am onwards, the 250 animals and their attendants dressed in traditional costumes fill the streets of the little village and after set off in the direction of Kastelruth. Around noon, the colourful parade, accompanied by the sound of numerous cowbells, reaches the centre of Kastelruth.