Almabtrieb Festival in honor of the young wild ones, the Lipizzaner stallions parade through Maria Lankowitz and Köflach back to the stud farm.
Nothing is as noble, nothing as graceful as the world-famous Lipizzaner horses, which have been bred at the federal stud farm in Piber since 1920.
Once a year, there is the opportunity to experience the Lipizzaner horses in a very special way and to attend a unique event, namely when the approximately 40 one to three-year-old colts, who spend the summer months on the Stubalpe, begin their journey home to Piber.
Framework program in Maria Lankowitz starting at 10:00 am:
The Almabtrieb begins at 10:00 am with music from Duo Zweiklang, the Salla music association, and the Voitsberger farmers' choir. In between, the Goaßlschnalzer from Knittelfeld showcase their skills. Christian Hiebler is responsible for the moderation.
A special moment is the Vespa blessing at 11:00 am by Brother Elias. After that, Edler Gerlinde will guide interested visitors through the treasury of the Gnadenkirche Maria Lankowitz. Another highlight: the horse decorating at the Gasthof Wiendl on Kemetberg, easily accessible by shuttle from 12:15 to 12:40 pm. The festively decorated animals will be blessed by Brother Elias at 1:10 pm at the Schlossplatz. Afterwards, the day concludes pleasantly with regional music and culinary delights.
For the physical well-being, among others, the Bauernbund, the farmers' wives of Maria Lankowitz, the Lebzelterei Schmid, and the Gasthaus Grabenmühle will provide food. Children can look forward to a bouncy castle and the wooden circus by Edi Reitbauer from Hirschegg. Program Maria Lankowitz
Framework program in Köflach starting at 11:00 am on two stages:
From 11:00 am, the Köflach town center transforms into a hub of tradition, music, and Styrian culinary delights. The all-day festival features over 15 music and dance groups – from the Bergkapelle Piberstein to the Hohenburger Bratlfettn and the alphorn players. Folk dancing and traditional costume presentations are also included. On the town hall square, Daniel Düsenflitz guides the program, with Radio Grün-Weiß broadcasting live on-site.
A highlight is the ceremonial arrival of the Lipizzaner horses at 1:45 pm in the town center – broadcast live on the big LED screen and online. Before that, the Vespa enthusiasts Sihler and groups like the Holterbuam or the Hohenmemminger Goißlschnalzer will appear. In the evening, a concert by the Schürzenjäger will provide atmosphere. After that, the afterparty continues with the specially created “Pipifein Fizz”.
For children, there is free pony riding, a nostalgia ferris wheel, a carousel, and more. For those seeking something special, a commemorative coin can be minted or a carriage ride through Köflach can be taken. The culinary offerings range from roasted pig and venison goulash to strudels, pastries, and regional wines. Program Köflach
The Almabtrieb is a lively celebration in the heart of Styria – and an authentic piece of autumn culture in the Graz Region.
Date and time
Event location
Köflach - Wallfahrtskirche Maria Lankowitz & Köflach
