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Viehscheid Immenstadt 2027: date, route & schedule by the Alpsee
The 2027 Viehscheid in Immenstadt – the traditional autumn cattle drive – takes place on Saturday 18 September 2027. From around 8:30 am the decorated herds make their way from the Steigbachtal through the town centre to the Viehmarktplatz; in 2026 there were around 920 animals. Admission is free.
Cowbells ringing along the Bahnhofstraße, garlanded lead cows on the Bräuhausplatz and a festival marquee that is full by mid-morning: Immenstadt is the only town in the Allgäu with its own Viehscheid. Here you can read how the day unfolds, what happened in 2026 and where to stay so that you can simply set off on foot in the morning.
When is the Viehscheid in Immenstadt in 2027?
The Immenstadt Viehscheid follows a fixed rhythm: always on the third Saturday in September. In 2027 that is 18 September. The first herds reach the Steigbachtal at around 8:30 am, and by about 11 am all the alpine pastures are down in the valley. Then the celebrations at the Viehmarktplatz go on late into the night.
Fancy getting there early? There is already a warm-up in the festival marquee the evening before. And if you extend your weekend, you can often catch two more cattle drives in the days beforehand: in 2026 Gunzesried near Blaichach celebrated on the Thursday and Thalkirchdorf near Oberstaufen on the Friday, both just a short drive from Immenstadt. You will find all villages and dates in our overview of the Viehscheid dates in the Allgäu 2027.
Looking back: the Viehscheid Immenstadt 2026
On 19 September 2026, around 920 decorated animals came down into the valley with their herders from the Mittag, Immenstadt’s local mountain. Eleven alpine herds took part, including those of the Schwanden, Mittag, Wildegund, Mittelberg and Seifenmoos pastures. The route led from the Steigbachtal via the Gottesackerstraße, the Bräuhausplatz, the Bahnhofstraße, Alleestraße and Rothenfelsstraße to the Viehmarktplatz, the sorting ground. There the cattle were handed back to their owners.
In the festival marquee the Stadtkapelle Immenstadt brass band played from 10 am, Starzlachschwung took over in the afternoon, the Scheidschellen (the traditional cowbells) were raffled at 3:30 pm, and in the evening the Riedberg-Quintett played for dancing. All day long, the traditional market with regional products ran around the square. Admission was free, and free shuttle buses brought visitors from the car parks in Bühl to the festival.
How the day unfolds
The 2026 times are a good guide; the town of Immenstadt will announce the 2027 programme in summer.
- From 8:30 am: the first herds come into town from the Steigbachtal.
- Until approx. 11 am: all alpine pastures are at the Viehmarktplatz and the animals are sorted.
- From 10 am: brass music in the festival marquee, traditional market all day.
- Afternoon: lively music and the raffle of the Scheidschellen with the herders.
- Evening: dancing in the festival marquee until midnight.
Getting there and parking
On Viehscheid Saturday, Immenstadt town centre is closed between 6 am and 1 pm. If you come by car, it is best to park outside the centre: in 2026 free shuttle buses ran from the Bühl am Kirchbichl and Badeweg car parks straight to the festival ground. The train is more relaxed – Immenstadt station is only a few minutes’ walk from the Viehmarktplatz. Most relaxed of all is staying in Immenstadt itself and setting off on foot in the morning.
Where to stay for the Viehscheid in Immenstadt
Our holiday apartments in Immenstadt are located so that you can simply avoid the road closures and the hunt for a parking space: morning coffee on the balcony, then on foot or within a few minutes to the sorting ground, and in the evening back home from the festival marquee without having to drive. The code for self check-in is sent to your phone in advance, and you arrive whenever suits you. The apartments are booked up early around the Viehscheid, so it is best to book now.
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Alpin Loft
Immenstadt
From79€67€/ night
- up to 6 guests
- 3 beds
- 1 bathroom
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Alpsee Panorama
Immenstadt
From69€59€/ night
- up to 4 guests
- 2 beds
- 1 bathroom
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Maisonette Stüble
Immenstadt
From69€59€/ night
- up to 4 guests
- 2 beds
- 1 bathroom
- Check availability
- Holiday apartments in Immenstadt
What makes the Immenstadt Viehscheid special
In most Allgäu villages the herds end up on a meadow on the edge of the village. In Immenstadt they walk through the streets of the old town, past cafés and shop windows, all the way to the Viehmarktplatz. If you stand along the route, the animals are close enough to touch. If a herd has come through the summer without mishap, a lead cow with an elaborate headdress of flowers and alpine herbs heads the procession. The Scheidschellen raffled in the afternoon are much sought after by collectors.
If you stay a few days, the Mittag is worth a visit even without cows: from the top you can see the Steigbachtal, where the herds come from, and the Großer Alpsee, which is still inviting for a swim in September. You will find more ideas among our activities in the Allgäu.
Tips for your Viehscheid visit
- Arrive early: at 8:30 am in the Steigbachtal you can still watch the herds in peace; later it gets crowded.
- Comfortable shoes and a rain jacket: you will be standing and walking a lot, and the September weather changes quickly.
- Keep your distance: the animals are nervous after the drive, so leave them room to pass.
- Bring cash: at the market and in the festival marquee it is often quicker than paying by card.
- Stay on for the Sunday: then you will have the Alpsee almost to yourself.
Frequently asked questions about the Viehscheid in Immenstadt
When is the Viehscheid in Immenstadt in 2027?
On Saturday 18 September 2027. The Immenstadt Viehscheid always takes place on the third Saturday in September, and the first herds arrive in the Steigbachtal at around 8:30 am.
Where is the best place to watch the cattle drive in Immenstadt?
If you want to see the animals in peace, get to the Steigbachtal early, where the herds come down from the mountains. It is busiest along the Bahnhofstraße and at the Viehmarktplatz, where the herds are sorted. That is where the atmosphere is best.
Is there an admission charge for the Viehscheid in Immenstadt?
No, admission is free. You pay on site for the festival marquee, the market and food and drink, of course.
Where can I park for the Viehscheid in Immenstadt?
Ideally not in the town centre at all: between 6 am and 1 pm large parts of the town are closed. In 2026 free shuttle buses ran from the car parks in Bühl am Kirchbichl and at the Badeweg to the festival ground. From the station it is only a few minutes’ walk.
Does the Viehscheid take place in the rain?
Yes, the cattle drive takes place in all weathers. Pack a rain jacket and sturdy footwear – mountain weather in September changes quickly.
Can I bring my dog?
You can, but we would not recommend it. Hundreds of cattle, ringing bells and dense crowds are stressful for most dogs. In our dog-friendly apartments, your dog can wait for you in comfort.
Conclusion
The Viehscheid in Immenstadt on 18 September 2027 is Allgäu tradition right in the middle of town. With a holiday apartment in Immenstadt you will be the first in the Steigbachtal in the morning and the last in the festival marquee at night. If you want to experience the whole cattle drive season, you will find the other dates in our Viehscheid guide to the Allgäu 2027. We look forward to welcoming you!
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