The Cows Come Down From The High Pastures in Austria
The traditional economy of the Alps is based on rearing nice fat dairy cows who traditionally spend the summer, approximately 120 days, high in the lush Alpine pastures. Contentedly munching in fertile fields, many herds are usually in the care of one farmer who tends to them. Some families do have their own pasture lands up in the hills but that is usually not the case.
The seasonal migration between valley and high pastures is critical in feeding the increased number of cattle and additionally supporting human population. Over 205,000 hectares/506,000 acres of summer pastures are cultivated. A single cow needs approximately 40 square meters/430 square feet per day! Now I know why there were cows everywhere in the high pastures and being transported by cattle cars down the street.
During the 10 days spent in Bregenzerwald, cows wearing different size and melodious clanking bells were a highlight of the trip. From September to early October the herds are brought down from the high Alpine pastures with thousands coming down from above Au and herded all the way to Schwarzenberg, about 50 kms/31 miles away. They walk non-stop. (Usually around the weekend of September 14-15 and called Alpabtried.) This is a huge event in this area and similar ones all over Austria with music, dancing, cheese competitions, and lots of fun. Juliane said it is an amazing sight to behold in Schwarzenberg watching the owners pick their cattle out of the thousands milling around. Unfortunately, we wouldn't be in Bregenzerwald to witness this event. However, we began hearing massive clanking on a daily basis, would run to the window and watch small herds (or sometimes, only two) being led through the main streets.
We were on the way to Schoppernau for the day's hike when the bus came to a halt along with all other traffic. People were standing alongside the road...View image... watching as a group of cattle dressed for this festive occasion slowly made their way down the street.
Jumped off the bus and joined the crowd to take photos of this once-in-a-lifetime spotting (for us). The herdsmen wore traditional green shirts, a few in lederhosen and hats with pine branches...View image... The cows also wore fir branches along with the flowers that symbolize a good, healthy summer for the cattle. Can't even imagine this scene multiplied by thousands of cattle and herders adorned the same way. All traffic becomes a logjam until the cows can turn off the main road for the cars to pass. Bring patience if you are the one that is driving... but what a rare and funny sight..
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