The sheep drive from the North Tyrolean Ötztal valley to the South Tyrolean Schnalstal valley is one of the most impressive and lively traditions in the Alps.
Ever since Ötzi's time, up to 3,500 sheep have been moving every year in mid-June from the Vinschgau and Schnals valleys over the snow-covered Hochjoch (2,857 m) and Niederjoch (3,019 m) peaks to the Alpine pastures in the Austrian Venter valley, which still belong to the Schnals farmers today. This transhumance involves an unusually long distance which the animals have to cover. Drivers, shepherds and dogs accompany the herd, and some of the sheep cover a distance of 44 km and altitude of 3,200 metres on the ascent and another 1,800 on the descent in a 2-day walk. Many snowfields, steep rocks and ice gullies have to be overcome when crossing the main ridge of the Alps. In mid-September, more than 2,000 sheep arrive in Vernagt around midday, where they are welcomed with a shepherds' festival. The following day, 1,500 sheep move over the Hochjoch to Kurzras, where they arrive between 1 and 3 p.m. IMPORTANT: Dates may change.
