Bavaria's Almabtrieb

The German Alps are not shy of two things: cows and trains. Sounds of bells, moos, and train whistles signaled that the seasons are changing, and we were about to witness the annual Almabtrieb tradition. German farmers ascend into the highest peaks to collect their free roaming cows and begin their week-long descent to the valleys below. If all of the cows survive, they will be wearing flower crowns as the surrounding towns comes together to celebrate their arrival. For the following Fall and Winter months, the cows fertilize the fields and prepare them for Spring where pollinators, flowers, and crops fill the valley floor. This series is inspired by the Almabtrieb and its respect for human-nature collaboration. These paintings are based on photographs I took while living in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

When my sister came to visit, my one mission was to show her the cows. They had not descended yet for the season so I decided we would set out to find them in the mountains. Just as we had arrived at the summit, and cow sightings were confirmed, two men in Lederhosen began whistling and chasing the cows! After a few moments of confusion I realized we were witnessing the beginnings of the Almabtrieb...