Transhumance takes place annually in September at the southern Alpine ridge of the Ötztal Alps between Austria and South Tyrol.
The sheep drift in the Schnalstal is one of the oldest and most spectacular sheep drifts in the entire Alpine region with an old and still living tradition.
Transhumance means migratory grazing economy. In the summer months, the sheep of most farmers are led from the valley to higher grazing areas in the mountains, as they only provide sufficient fodder during this season. At the end of the summer, the shepherds drive the sheep back to the valley. In the cold or dry season, the cattle graze (usually) close to the permanent place of residence of the sedentary owners. In the sheep’s overshoot in the Schnalstal, man and animal overcome up to 44 kilometers in two days, partly the path leads over snow fields and rocky groos. The sheep breeding is a solemn event attended by numerous visitors.