Viehscheid in the Allgäu 2027: all dates & a look back at 2026

The 2027 Viehscheid season in the Allgäu – the traditional autumn cattle drive, when the herds come down from the alpine pastures – runs from 11 September until around 25 September. Bad Hindelang and Pfronten are already confirmed for Saturday 11 September and Immenstadt for Saturday 18 September, while Oberstdorf is expected to celebrate on Monday 13 September. Around 30,000 cattle return from the alpine pastures to some 30 villages, with garlanded lead cows, brass bands and festival marquees. Here you will find all the 2027 dates confirmed so far, a look back at the 2026 Viehscheid autumn and our tips on where to stay to catch as many cattle drives as possible.

Viehscheid dates in the Allgäu 2027

Some villages celebrate on a fixed day, while others set a new date every year and usually announce it in early summer. We keep this list up to date. The 2026 date shows you which week to expect.

Villages without a fixed rule usually only confirm their dates in summer. Depending on the weather and the alpine farming season, a cattle drive may also be moved at short notice, so do check the latest information before you go.

Looking back: the 2026 Viehscheid autumn

In 2026 the season opened on 11 September with four drives at once: Bad Hindelang, Oberstaufen, Schöllang and Balderschwang all brought their herds down into the valley on the same day. In Bad Hindelang, around 1,000 young cattle from five alpine pastures in the Hinterstein and Retterschwang valleys arrived hour by hour at the sorting ground by the Hornbahn, accompanied by a traditional market with around 120 stalls.

A day later it was Oberstdorf’s turn: again around 1,000 animals from five alpine pastures reached the sorting ground at the Nordic Zentrum in the Ried, where the municipality expects up to 20,000 visitors. In mid-September Gunzesried, Thalkirchdorf and Wertach followed, before Immenstadt celebrated the only Viehscheid that runs right through a town on 19 September, with around 920 animals from eleven alpine pastures. Bolsterlang, Haldenwang and Oy-Mittelberg rounded off the season in the Oberallgäu.

What happens at a Viehscheid

After around 100 days on the high pastures, the herders drive their young cattle down into the valley. If the herd has come through the summer without mishap, a festively decorated lead cow heads the procession, wearing a crown of fir twigs, flowers and ribbons. At the sorting ground the animals are “scheided” – called out and handed back to their owners. After that the day belongs to the festival marquee: brass music, Allgäu specialities and, in many villages, a traditional market.

Where to stay for the Viehscheid in the Allgäu

From Immenstadt and Sonthofen you can reach almost every Viehscheid in the Oberallgäu in 10 to 30 minutes, and in Immenstadt you can join the town’s own Viehscheid right on your doorstep. You arrive whenever suits you, and the code for self check-in is sent to your phone in advance. The apartments get booked up quickly around the Viehscheid weekends, so book early.

Alpin Loft

Immenstadt

From79€67€/ night

• up to 6 guests
• 3 beds
• 1 bathroom

Book now

Alpsee Panorama

Immenstadt

From69€59€/ night

• up to 4 guests
• 2 beds
• 1 bathroom

Book now

Maisonette Stüble

Immenstadt

From69€59€/ night

• up to 4 guests
• 2 beds
• 1 bathroom

Book now

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Our tip: several cattle drives in one holiday

If you come in early September 2027, you can see Bad Hindelang on Saturday 11 September and, two days later, most likely Oberstdorf – both 15 to 20 minutes from Sonthofen. In the third week of September the drives around Immenstadt follow: in 2026 Gunzesried, Thalkirchdorf and Immenstadt took place on three consecutive days. And if you prefer to watch in peace, head to one of the small drives in Obermaiselstein or Bolsterlang. Between the dates there is time for the best places to visit in the Allgäu, often with superb long-distance views in September. Why early autumn is our favourite season anyway, you can read in our article on the best time to visit the Allgäu.

Tips for your Viehscheid visit

• Arrive early: almost everywhere, the first herds arrive between 8:30 and 9:30 am.
• Use the train and shuttle buses: the larger villages close off whole streets on Viehscheid day.
• Keep your distance and let the animals pass, especially with children.
• Pack a rain jacket and sturdy shoes – September weather in the mountains changes quickly.
• End the day in the festival marquee without having to drive home: stay close by.

Frequently asked questions about the Viehscheid in the Allgäu

Conclusion

The Viehscheid is the highlight of autumn in the Allgäu, and the first dates for 2027 are already fixed. With a holiday apartment in the Allgäu you can experience several cattle drives without a long journey. For details on the three big villages, read our articles on the Viehscheid in Immenstadt, the Viehscheid in Oberstdorf and the Viehscheid in Bad Hindelang. We look forward to welcoming you!