15th Styrian Mountain Lamb Festival Returns to Hauser Kaibling

Three years after its last edition, the Styrian Mountain Lamb Festival returned to Hauser Kaibling on Sunday, 26 July 2026. Regional cuisine, authentic traditions and a varied family programme made for a successful day of celebrations in the mountains.

The festival began with a church service, followed by one of the day's highlights: the traditional procession of the flock of sheep, accompanied by the shepherds and their sheepdog. As part of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, the ceremonial handover of the shepherd's staff also served as a symbolic highlight. Master shepherd Martin Winz from Halle an der Saale, who became the first mountain shepherd at Hauser Kaibling in 2008, presented the staff to the current shepherd, Johannes Flazt. Grazing sheep on the alpine meadows and ski slopes plays an important role in preserving the cultural landscape. The global significance of rangelands is reflected by the fact that more than half of the Earth's land surface is covered by grazing land.

Sheep shearing demonstrations, a sheep wool guessing game, local exhibitors and regional lamb specialties were among the festival highlights, alongside live music by d'Hoabuachan. Visitors also enjoyed an exhibition featuring piste grooming equipment, a snowmaking machine and a Ski-Doo snowmobile.

Families made the most of the wide range of activities on offer throughout the day. A petting zoo, craft and face-painting stations, as well as the attractions in Wolli's Mountain World, provided entertainment for visitors of all ages.

"The Mountain Lamb Festival once again demonstrated how regional traditions and mountain experiences can be combined for the whole family. Events like this enrich our summer programme and further strengthen Hauser Kaibling as an attractive holiday and excursion destination," said Klaus Hofstätter, Managing Director of Hauser Kaibling.

"We are delighted that we were able to bring back the Mountain Lamb Festival after a three-year break. This festival clearly highlights the importance of sheep farming for our region and for maintaining our cultural landscape," said Josef Promok, Chairman of the Schaferlebnis am Hauser Kaibling Association.

The 15th Styrian Mountain Lamb Festival was organised by the Schaferlebnis am Hauser Kaibling Association.

About Hauser Kaibling

During the summer season, Hauser Kaibling invites visitors to discover the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region with scenic hiking trails, mountain biking opportunities, regional cuisine and unforgettable nature experiences. Wolli's Mountain World offers a wide variety of family attractions, including a petting zoo, the SCHAFsprung Tower, Water Zorbing and many more highlights.

Hauser Kaibling is the highest mountain of the Schladming 4-Mountain Ski Area and part of Ski amadé. As one of Austria's most snow-reliable ski resorts, it offers 123 kilometres of slopes, the spectacular FIS World Cup downhill course, state-of-the-art lift facilities and a 24,000 m² children's ski area at the valley station. Continuous investment in infrastructure, quality and visitor experiences further strengthens Hauser Kaibling's position as a year-round destination. The resort employs up to 100 people from the region.

Photo credit: Franz Gruber-Veit

Photo caption: Together with shepherds, honoured guests and numerous participants, the 15th Styrian Mountain Lamb Festival was officially opened at Hauser Kaibling on Sunday, 26 July. Set against the impressive backdrop of a large flock of sheep, the event celebrated the importance of regional alpine farming.

Reproduction free of charge.