At the “Almabetrieb” - the annual Alpine cattle drive, in Allgäu, a region in Swabia, southern Germany

 "The river route is certainly preferable, as it affords good grazing and an abundance of water." -- William Whipple

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(In southern Germany) The Allgäu, a region in Swabia, covers the south of Bavarian Swabia, southeastern Baden-Württemberg and parts of Austria. The region stretches from the prealpine lands up to the Alps. The main rivers flowing through the Allgäu are the Lech and Iller. The alpine regions of the Allgäu rise over 2,000 meters in altitude and are popular for winter skiing. The Allgovian area is notable for its beautiful landscapes and is popular for vacations and therapeutic stays. It is well known in Germany for its farm produce, especially dairy products, including Hirtenkäse ("herdsman's cheese") and Bergkäse ("mountain cheese"). Besides tourism and dairy products, another important economic sector is the building of industrial equipment and machines. (The castle of Neuschwanstein in Hohenschwangau is in the eastern part of the Allgäu.) Dominated in the south by the Allgäu Alps, the Allgäu is formed mainly by glaciers and glacial debris. Many hills and lakes are remnants of former glaciers.

+ The “Almabtrieb” or “Viehscheid” is the annual Alpine cattle drive that takes place in the high altitudes of the Bavarian mountains. A traditional spectacle, the colorful Almabtrieb (cattle drive) is a special event for young and old -- and attracts thousands of visitors each year. “Almabtrieb” and “Viehscheid” are basically the same thing -- an Alpine cattle drive. In the Allgäu region of Bavaria, it is referred to as “Viehscheid” or cattle separation. Near Berchtesgaden as well as in Austria and Switzerland, it’s more commonly known as “Almabtrieb.” Dating back to the Bronze Age, this time-honored tradition is engrained in German culture. Each Spring, farmers and ranchers lead their branded cattle up to the higher pastures in the Alps. During the Summer, the cows munch and graze their way around these green meadows. Not only does this help feed the cattle, but also helps reduce mountain erosion. As the leaves begin to change and Fall arrives toward the end of September, it is time to bring the cattle back down the mountains. Farmers dressed in traditional Bavarian garb (lederhosen, dirndls and fedoras) lead their herd back to town. To celebrate, the cattle are often adorned with stunning floral headdresses, wreaths, and gigantic metal bells that clang incessantly as they make their way home. Once the cows make it to the final destination, the party startes . Festivals with local fare, plenty of frosty beverages, and traditional music are held. It’s quite similar to Oktoberfest, only a bit rowdier.

+ Most popular in the Tyrol, Allgä,u and Berchtesgaden regions, each “Almabtrieb” carries its own distinct flare. In Schönau, for example, the cows are herded onto a boat, which takes them across the crystal-clear waters of Königsee. (In some areas, other animals such as goats or sheep may join in the long trek home.)