Harvest Festival in Grossarltal
August 29th - October 31st, 2026
Salzburg's Harvest Festival (Salzburger Bauernherbst) is celebrated throughout the province of Salzburg during the harvest season. The festival is built on three pillars: delicious dishes from Salzburg's traditional cuisine, specialities from local agriculture, and regional customs and living folk culture. It brings traditions, customs and traditional crafts back to life. This year's theme, "G'sungen und G'spielt" ("Singing and Playing"), puts local folk music centre stage, creating a particularly welcoming and sociable atmosphere at the many festivals and events.
Celebrate the colourful autumn festivals with us and enjoy the seasonal specialities served by the participating Bauernherbst hosts. Harvest festivals, alpine festivals, traditional folk evenings and the ceremonial cattle drives from the mountain pastures are among the highlights of the Salzburg Harvest Festival in Grossarltal. Live folk music, communal singing and convivial gatherings are, of course, all part of the experience. Autumn is also the best season for hiking in the Valley of Alpine Pastures, when the clear air offers seemingly endless panoramic views.
Music, singing and dancing have always been an integral part of Salzburg's Harvest Festival, creating the unique atmosphere that makes its many celebrations so special. Under this year's theme, "G'sungen und G'spielt" ("Singing and Playing"), authentic folk music, making music together and living traditions take centre stage. The Harvest Festival becomes a season of encounters, regional sounds and memorable moments.
Discover G'sungen und G'spielt
Almabtrieb
In Grossarltal, a cattle drive (“Almabtrieb”) is celebrated only if there's been no misfortune over the summer. This means no harm to animals or farmers' families. When this happens, flower wreaths, "Schnuraus" (a special shortbread pastry made only for this occasion), and schnapps are prepared.
On the big day, cows are adorned with the wreaths and special bells. Each farmer has their own unique, handmade headgear for the cows. The herdsmen then drive the cattle from the alpine pastures down to the farm, distributing "Schnuraus" and schnapps to passersby, symbolizing a bountiful Alpine Summer.
In Grossarltal, there's no single large cattle drive. Each farmer drives their cattle separately based upon the weather and their personal fortunes. If you're fortunate, you might get to witness a cattle drive in person.
Our events calendar lists all Harvest Festival highlights.
Harvest Festival Fairs
Annually, the Harvest Festival Fairs in Grossarl (late September) and Hüttschlag (early October) are a grand celebration. A harvest crown made from various grains is lovingly crafted. Local harvest produce adorns the carts, pulled by Noriker horses and accompanied by local folk-heritage groups, processing to the Festival worship service. Weather permitting, there is then an outdoor mass, otherwise, it's held at the local parish church, followed by a ceremonial parade through the village.
Harvest Festival package offer
- 7 nights in your booked accommodation
- 1 alpine snack
- 1 roundtrip ride with the Grossarl mountain railways
- 1 guided hut hike
- 1 admission to the Valley Museum in Hüttschlag
- 1 surprise gift
Prices Harvest Festival
| Category | Accommodation type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | Hotels**** (incl. half-board) | from € 767.00 |
| 1B | Inn | Hotel ***(incl. half-board) | from € 669.00 |
| 2 | Guest house / B&B or farm (bed/breakfast) | from € 354.00 |
| 3 | Apartment (without board) | from € 252.00 |
