Culture · Food & drink · Nature
Dachstein Almabtrieb in Ramsau
Half day to full day · from 1 person, also suitable for large groups · Free6,7 km
When the cows, festively decorated, make their way down from the Walcheralm into the valley in September, the whole of Ramsau celebrates — and you're right in the middle of it. The Dachstein Almabtrieb is one of those moments when the region shows its true face: cowbells echo along the Dachsteinstraße, the scent of an alpine breakfast fills the air, and at the Hoamfoarfest at the Walcherhof the music plays well into the afternoon. This is no staged spectacle, but living Styrian tradition, with farming families bidding farewell to the summer on the alpine pastures. From Schladming you're there in around 20 minutes — entry is free, good cheer included. An autumn highlight you really shouldn't miss.
What awaits you
The festival begins on Friday evening from around 6 pm with the traditional Schottenrühren and live music at the Walcheralm. On Saturday things continue at 9 am with the alpine breakfast, while the animals are decorated for their big moment. At 11 am the Almabtrieb sets off: the cows, adorned with floral crowns and bells, make their way down the Dachsteinstraße towards the valley, reaching the Walcherhof at around midday. There, the Hoamfoarfest celebrates the end of the alpine summer from 10 am to 5 pm with music, regional delicacies and convivial company.
Date, entry & organiser
The Dachstein Almabtrieb takes place on 25 and 26 September 2026 in Ramsau am Dachstein (as of July 2026). Entry is free — you only pay for what you eat and drink. The festival is organised by the Walcher family (Walcheralm and Walcherhof, Schildlehen, 8972 Ramsau am Dachstein). As this is a traditional farming festival, details may change at short notice — you'll find up-to-date information on steiermark.com in the events calendar for the Schladming-Dachstein region.
Getting there from Schladming
By car, you'll reach Ramsau am Dachstein in around 20–25 minutes: take the B320 towards Ruperting, then the Ramsauer Landesstraße up to the sunny plateau and continue towards the Dachsteinstraße as far as the Schildlehen district. The Almabtrieb itself runs along the Dachsteinstraße from the Walcheralm to the Walcherhof — expect brief delays around midday when the herd claims the road for itself. Allow a little extra time to find a parking space, as the festival draws visitors from across the whole region.
Insider tips
The loveliest insider tip is Friday evening: at the Schottenrühren on the Walcheralm you'll experience the tradition in a small circle, without any of the hustle and bustle of the main day. On Saturday it's well worth arriving early for the alpine breakfast at 9 am — that way you'll also see the cows being lovingly decorated. For photos, find yourself a spot along the Dachsteinstraße in good time, with the Dachstein as your backdrop. And do pack sturdy footwear and a warm jacket — at over 1,000 metres, autumn mornings can be brisk.
- Festively decorated cows parade down into the valley
- Alpine breakfast at the Walcheralm from 9 am
- Hoamfoarfest with live music at the Walcherhof
- Free entry
Tip: On 25/26 September 2026 (as of July 2026) — come up to the Walcheralm on Friday evening for the traditional Schottenrühren and you'll experience the festival without any of the crowds.
Getting there: Approx. 20–25 min by car to Ramsau am Dachstein (Walcheralm/Walcherhof on the Dachsteinstraße).
Price: Free entry; food and drinks available for purchase (as of July 2026)
Last updated: July 22, 2026
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location & directions.
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frequently asked questions.
When does the Dachstein Almabtrieb 2026 take place?
On 25 and 26 September 2026: Friday evening from around 6 pm with the Schottenrühren at the Walcheralm, Saturday from 9 am with the alpine breakfast, the Almabtrieb sets off at 11 am, and the Hoamfoarfest at the Walcherhof gets going from around midday (as of July 2026).
Is there an entry fee for the Almabtrieb?
No, entry is free. You only pay for what you eat and drink on site — for example at the alpine breakfast or the Hoamfoarfest.
Is the Almabtrieb suitable for children?
Yes, very much so. Decorated cows, music and the festival atmosphere make it an experience for the whole family. Do keep small children safely by the hand and at a distance from the animals as the herd passes by.
Do I need to book or buy tickets?
No, there's no need to book. It's a public traditional festival with no ticket sales — simply come along. Those who arrive early get the best spots along the Dachsteinstraße.
Does the Almabtrieb take place in bad weather too?
The Almabtrieb usually goes ahead in almost any weather, as the cows need to come down to the valley in autumn. The festival is at its finest on a sunny autumn day, of course — but weatherproof clothing never goes amiss.
How long does the festival last?
You can plan for a half day or a full day: alpine breakfast from 9 am, the Almabtrieb at 11 am, arrival at the Walcherhof at around midday, and the Hoamfoarfest with music from 10 am to 5 pm.
