The air is already noticeably cooler on the Val Senales Glacier in September. But the many thousand warmly wrapped sheep crossing the glacier don't seem to mind. Fascinated hikers line the edge of the path, watching the cheerful trotting and listening to the jingling of the many bells. But what is actually happening here?

What is the transhumance in Italy?

Transhumance is the traditional sheep drive in Val Senales in the Italian Alps. Since time immemorial, sheep and goat herders from Val Venosta and Val Senales have been bringing their animals to the summer pastures in Vent in the Austrian Ötztal valley together every year in June. Humans and animals cover a distance of 44 kilometres - 3,200 metres of ascent and 1,800 metres of descent. Snow fields, rock and ice gullies as well as unfavourable weather conditions can make the undertaking more difficult. The most special thing though is that this cattle drive is the only one in the world that crosses both a glacier and a national border. At the beginning of September, the herds are brought back to Italy, where they spend the winter in the stables in the valley. This special alpine tradition is even one of the Intangible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy.

Transhumance worldwide

Transhumance does not only exist in Val Senales: all over the world, shepherds and nomads move their herds back and forth between different grazing areas if these do not offer enough food all year round. These are often situated at different altitudes or in different climatic zones. Transhumance actually has its origins in sheep and goat farming, but today it is also practised with cattle and even (in France) with bees.

How to participate live

The return of the sheep in autumn is generally less arduous than the ascent in June. This is therefore the best opportunity to experience the transhumance in Italy. Although it is theoretically possible to accompany the sheep and their shepherds on every section of the route, the most popular option is to walk the last section before Maso Corto with the herd. The Roter Kofel chairlift and the Glacier Cable Car will open at 9 a.m. on September 8th, 2024: it takes you comfortably up to the top, where you can meet the sheep and accompany them down into the valley. There, the return of the animals is celebrated with a hearty shepherd's festival - food and drink, music and entertainment are provided.

Would you like to experience one of the most extraordinary cattle drives in the Alps? Then visit us in September and join us for this very special alpine tradition that is also an Intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy. Most like to combine it with a multi-day hiking holiday in Val Senales! In this case, the only thing you need to do now is find the right accommodation in Val Senales.