Alpine summer in the Brixen Valley

Updated 13.09.2023

The autumn season in the Brixental is heralded with a highlight at the end of September - the traditional "Almabtrieb". During the so-called "Hoamfahren", the farmers drive their animals from the alpine pastures back to the meadows in the valley. The colourful spectacle is framed by thanksgiving festivals on 23 September in Brixen, Kirchberg and Westendorf.

When all the cows, as well as the sheep, goats and horses, have returned from their summer holiday in good health after about four months on the mountain pastures, they are decorated with colourful ribbons, fir greenery, bells, mirrors and alpine flowers. This makes the annual Almabtrieb in the Brixen Valley a colourful spectacle of colours, scents and sounds that locals and guests celebrate at thanksgiving festivals in the towns of Brixen, Kirchberg and Westendorf .

Brixen Alpine Festival with colourful children's programme

On 23 September from 10 am, the Almfest in Brixen will be celebrated to mark the occasion. The rifle company and the farmers' wives will provide food and drink with regional specialities, while the Brixen music band and the Junger Schwung brass band will provide the musical accompaniment. At the Brixen Alm Festival there is also the opportunity to look over the shoulders of local craftsmen and revive old crafts. Children's entertainment with face painting, a varied games programme and a painting and handicrafts station awaits the young festival participants. In addition, the little ones can climb high up the children's climbing tower of the Westendorf Mountain Rescue Service.

Hoamfahrerfest in Westendorf

A "Hoamfahrerfest" will take place in Westendorf on 23 September. Organised by the rural youth and the local farmers, the " Almabtrieb " will be accompanied by music from the Alpenrosenbuam from 10 am. Typical Brixental fare and regional delicacies will be served. There is also a bouncy castle for the little ones.

Alpine pasture drives in Kirchberg on 23 and 30 September

Kirchberg also invites you to the Almabtrieb on 23 September. From 10 a.m. there will be a farmers' and handicrafts market where the farmers' wives and young farmers will serve up Brixental specialities. Until 2 p.m. the Fidelen Aschauer provide the musical accompaniment, and from 2 p.m. the Weißbachseer Tanzlmusig will be on stage.

One week later, on 30 September, the traditional "Hoamfahren" in the Brixental is rounded off by the Almabtrieb at Hotel Elisabeth in Kirchberg. Here, guests can look forward to a day full of traditions, culinary delights and musical entertainment by "die Alpis" and "Echt&Bärig". A small farmers' market awaits guests from 11 am, where regional products can be purchased. The kitchen crew of the Hotel Elisabeth will take care of the physical well-being. From 2 p.m. the traditional maypole auction of the young farmers will take place.