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Transhumance in Schnals

During the transhumance from the valley of Schnals to Ötztal in early summer, between 3,000 and 4,000 sheep are driven from South Tyrol across the Italian-Austrian border to Tyrol – and back in autumn. In fact, the have to deal with 3,200 meters of altitude uphill and with 1,800 m of altitude downhill on thousands of years old routes.

Transhumance is a type of nomadic pasture farming, during which shepherds and drivers guide herds (mainly sheep, goats and cows) to distant pasture areas at certain seasons. The used tracks have been fixed many centuries ago, and dogs as well as horses help the shepherds with their work. Pasture farming in the Alps is not considered to be a type of transhumance, even if there are some similarities.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

In 2019, transhumance has been added to the list of international UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage at the common request of Italy, Austria and Greece. This tradition, passed on from generation to generation, improves biodiversity and symbolises a strong connection between humans and animals as well as for sustainable agriculture.

Unique transhumance in Schnals

Transhumance is made in many regions of the world, mainly in the Mediterranean are too. However, the sheep transhumance from Schnals to the summer pastures near Vent in Ötztal is the only known border and glacier crossing nomadic pasture farming. The transhumance across the main Alpine ridge in the Ötztal Alps has been existing since at least 6,000 years.

Dangerous track over snow and rocks

In June, the herds are driven over two routes: from Kurzras over Hochjoch pass (2,520 m) to Rofen Valley and from Vernagt over Niederjoch pass (3,017 m) to Niedertal Valley. For the sheep coming from Vinschgau, the hike even takes two days: They start one day earlier in Laas and stay near the gathering places in Kurzras and Vernagt overnight. In total, they make a transhumance of 44 km.

After the sheep will have enjoyed the lush grass and the aromatic scent of Alpine herbs on the high pastures, they will return from Ötztal Valley to Schnalstal Valley in September. Because of the mild climatic conditions, the way back is easier to make. The successful sheep transhumance is then celebrated during a great festival.

Current holiday offers

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Hotel & Resort Schlosshof

Charm, style & the best of the Dolce Vita in a dream location!

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Hotel & SPA RESORT Majestic

TOP hotel ****s in Pustertal - large garden with swimming pool, natural bathing pond, saunas, guided hikes and much more!

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Hotel Waldhof

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Vitalpina Hotel Schulerhof

A dream holiday - for active guests who enjoy relaxation, culinary delights, and friendly interactions.

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Images

Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Katerina Fiser
Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Gudrun Muschalla
Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Gudrun Muschalla
Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Peter Santer
Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Gudrun Muschalla

Traditions

Selected accommodations in Schnals

Berghotel Tyrol - Schnals in Meran and environs
superior
Berghotel Tyrol
Schnals in Meran and environs
4.6 Excellent

Uniquely beautiful, for active holidays and mountain R&R!

from 85 € per day
Pension Leithof - Schnals in Meran and environs
Pension Leithof
Schnals in Meran and environs
4.3 Very good

Fantastic location directly on Lake Vernagtsee with magnificent panoramic views of the mountains of the Ötztal Alps & our own products.

from 39 € per day
Hotel am Fels - Schnals in Meran and environs
Hotel am Fels
Schnals in Meran and environs
4.4 Very good

Comfortable hotel at the Meran high alpine route, comfortable rooms & apartments, indoor pool, sauna & solarium, ideal starting point for hikes & excursions.

from 75 € per day
Edelweiss Hotel & Chalets - Schnals in Meran and environs
Edelweiss Hotel & Chalets
Schnals in Meran and environs
4.8 Excellent

Comfortable rooms with lake our mountain view and modern chalet suites, Alpine Spa with various saunas & whirlpool, ideal starting point for skiing and hiking.

from 110 € per day
Service