Fuikln and Latschenboschen

Traditional headdresses for the Almabtrieb

August 24 is a special day for alpine farmers in Berchtesgaden. From this day on—St. Bartholomew’s Day—the long-standing custom of “Kranzen” begins: crafting the animals’ headdresses for the Almabtrieb, the traditional cattle drive from the alpine pastures down to the valley.

This day thus also heralds the approaching end of the alpine summer: From this point on, the cows will remain on the alpine pastures for another two to six weeks.

Alpine summer in Berchtesgaden

  • Senner Markus Nitzinger auf der Wasserfall-Alm

    Alpine pastures

    Nowhere else in Bavaria will you find as many actively managed alpine pastures as in Berchtesgaden. Discover rustic huts, scenic hiking trails, and mountain bike routes that turn these traditional alpine landscapes into unforgettable destinations.

  • Alpine summer

    From alpine farming and rustic alpine pasture huts to the traditional cattle drive — the Almabtrieb — alpine summer in Berchtesgaden brings living customs and mountain culture to life.

  • Cattle drive in Berchtesgaden

    During Almabtrieb in Berchtesgaden, decorated cattle return from the mountain pastures to the valley as villages celebrate Alpine customs and Bavarian heritage.

  • Cattle drive across Lake Königssee

    During the traditional Almabtrieb across Lake Königssee, decorated cattle and farmers cross the lake by boat as Alpine customs and mountain heritage come to life.