Find job
east
Find job
east
de
en

Customs & Festivals in Ausserfern: Between Cattle Drives and St. Nicholas Fun

Experience Tyrolean traditions up close - all year round

In the Ausserfern region, people live not only amidst impressive mountains, but also amidst vibrant traditions. From the colorful cattle drive in autumn to the mysterious "Nikolausklöpfln" at Advent, the people here follow the cycle of customs throughout the year - with festivals deeply rooted in the regional culture. In this article, we show you the most important traditional events in Ausserfern in Tyrol, their origins, and special features - ideal for locals, newcomers, or guests who want to get to know the real Tyrol.

Palm bouquets, Maypoles, Patron Saint's Days & Festivals throughout the year

In addition to the major highlights, there are many smaller but significant festivals that shape the annual cycle in the Außerfern region:

  • Palm Sunday: Tying palm bouquets with young branches, decorated with pretzels, ribbons, and crosses

  • Maypole raising (May 1st): Village competitions, music, traditional costumes & dance

  • Patron Saint's Days: Patron saint festivals with processions, often accompanied by markets and music

  • Harvest Festival: Parade with elaborately crafted harvest crowns and thanksgiving service

Summer Solstice Fires: When the mountains are ablaze

On or around June 21st, thousands of fires light up the mountain peaks in the Ausserfern region every year. This summer solstice fire, also known as the Sacred Heart fire, is a breathtaking spectacle. Groups from clubs or village communities often climb at dawn to ignite the prepared fire sites.

Where is it particularly impressive? Around the Tannheimer Valley or in the Lechtal Valley

Ein Berg mit dem leuchtenden Umriss eines Steinbocks, beleuchtet von Lichtern, vor einem düsteren Himmel. Links ist eine Seilbahnlinie zu sehen.

Almabtrieb: When the summer returns from the alpine pasture

The Almabtrieb is one of the most well-known and popular customs of the region. After a long summer on the alpine pasture, cows, sheep, and goats return festively decorated to the valley. With flowers, bells, and elaborately crafted crowns on their heads, the animals parade through the villages - accompanied by music, market stalls, and a lot of community.

  • Where? In almost every community - especially beautiful in Ehrwald, Berwang or Höfen

  • When? Mostly mid to late September (depending on the weather)

  • Tip: Arrive early, many visitors also come from Germany and Switzerland!

Älterer Mann traditionell gekleidet mit einem geschmückten Vieh beim jährlichen Almauftrieb

Nikolausklöpfln: Not a very silent night

An ancient, rarely practiced tradition is the Nikolausklöpfln. Here, young men (often disguised) walk through the streets on the evening before St. Nicholas Day (December 6th), knocking on windows and doors with wooden sticks, accompanied by rhymes and noise. The origin lies in the request for a good harvest and the expulsion of evil spirits. Today, it is a atmospheric part of the Advent season in the Ausserfern region - especially exciting for children!

Traditions connecting generations

What connects all these celebrations is the sense of community: old and young, long-time residents and newcomers celebrate together. Clubs, music bands, traditional costume groups, fire brigades - they all shape the cultural life in the Ausserfern region. And everyone is invited to join in the celebrations or even participate.

All Posts