When the Cows Come Home

My main reason for heading south into the Alps this past weekend was to once again capture the visually stunning event called Viehscheid or Almabtrieb.

This colorful festival, celebrated the return of the cows from the high Alpine pastures.  It is a lonely job for the men and woman who Shepard these animals while they spend almost 100 days high up in seclusion.  During this time they often make cheese and the men are known to grow long beards for the longest beard festival normally held each year at Almabtrieb.

The cows are dressed up for the big day with ribbons and wildflowers.  The most impressive being the lead cows.  If the herd hasn’t suffered any losses they are decorated with great color and care.  I noticed too that many of the HUGE cow bells the cows were had a crucifix embossed on their surface, I assume to keep they that much more safe.

A few years back I was lucky enough to experience the glory of Viehscheid high in the green hills of the Allgaü.  We were in a car, trapped behind a herd heading down the mountain.  Sitting there, finger on the camera shutter release I excused myself from my friends and l jumped from the vehicle to join the herd.  For 5 amazing kilometers I walked besides these Alpine people and their precious cattle.  Listening to their unique dialect, whistles and songs.
Several times we had escapees from the pack and at one time one elderly gal just couldn’t go any farther.  I was happy to see that one of the cattle men stayed behind with her and she was later brought down by truck.

This year I went to a much smaller event in the village of Krün on the advice of some friends.  It was fantastic as is expected but being a smaller crowd, I was able to meet some really interesting people and feel the excitement of the people all awaiting the arrival of the cows.  Sounds crazy, but it is such a heart warming sight.

One particularly funny moment at the fest, we had all been standing in the direct sun for about 40 mins when down the parade route came a man and his chubby bull dog…people started to applaud…that little dog started to strut.  People were yelling, “Here comes the first animal in the parade”.  It was adorable.

I wish I could share with you the amazing sound of those beautiful bells or the smell of the powder sugar coated fried doughnuts….but I hope the photos give you a small taste of the wonderment of when the cows come home.