In the heart of South Tyrol, Northern Italy, in the Schnals Valley (Val Senales), the ancient tradition of transhumance comes alive every September.
Sheep are treasured companions to local farmers
The Schnals Valley embraced by towering Alpine peaks is just about 40 kilometers from the city of Merano, renowned for its thermal baths and elegant blend of Italian and Austrian cultures. In this valley sheep have been treasured companions to local farmers for centuries, offering vital support in the harsh mountain environment.
A 44-kilometre endurance test
Transhumance in the Schnals Valley is not merely a migration of animals; it is a spectacular journey steeped in history and culture. Each summer, at the dawn of the warm season, the shepherds guide over 4,000 sheep on an arduous trek from Italy to Vent, a village in the Ötztal Valley in neighbouring Austria. The route of approximately 44 kilometers climbs 3,200 meters in altitude, crossing mountain passes and glaciers and is an endurance test for both the shepherds and the sheep.
Visitors are welcome to join the event
By mid-September the flocks return to their native pastures in Italy, and this homecoming is celebrated with traditional festivities, where the valley’s restaurants serve local specialties and the sound of folk music fills the air. The 2025 transhumance sees two main returns: on Sunday, 7 September when some1,500 sheep will depart from Malga Rofenberg in Vent and arrive in Maso Corto between 3 and 4 p.m. The second return is planned for Saturday, September 13th, ending at Lake Vernago. Visitors are welcome to join this event, either by following the route from afar or by taking the Roter Kofel chairlift and glacier cable car, which open early to allow spectators to accompany the sheep on their final descent.
Where to stay in the Schnals Valley
The Smart Hotel Firn is a 3-stars in Madonna di Senales. From this hotel, hiking paths, alpine pastures and typical mountain huts are immediately accessible, and after a day outdoors or spent skiing, there is nothing better than a well-deserved break in the sauna or in the regenerating waters of the indoor pool. Another property is the Glacier Hotel Grawand which during the summer season is the ideal place for a good lunch with traditional dishes, and which, from 19 September 2025, will open its rooms to guests and athletes for the entire winter season.
