Dangerous Alpine crossings – The shepherds unafraid to take risks | DW Documentary
Shepherds have been crossing the Alps with their animals for 6,000 years. That means climbing 3,000 meters in altitude, all while crossing rivers and a glacier. Called “transhumance,” the seasonal movement of livestock is now world cultural heritage.
Along with 1,400 sheep, shepherd Markus and his colleagues travel from South Tyrol to Austria every spring, journeying back again in the fall. Just like his ancestors, Markus looks after the animals on the mountain pastures throughout the summer. It’s an arduous task, but also a dream job.
Markus is also responsible for ensuring that the crossing of the Alps runs smoothly again this year. This is no easy feat, as the route over rockfall and ice is dangerous for animals and humans alike. Accidents happen again and again: “One slip and you’re gone,” he says. “But still, it’s something very special. For me, it’s an honor to be part of it.”
Markus spends the summer alone on the mountain pasture, looking after healthy and sick sheep for months on end. A little further down, in the Schnalstal Valley, his brother Johann looks after the family farm and the animals that spend the summer there.
The two brothers are bucking a trend, as sheep farming is hardly financially viable anymore. There is little money to be made from the wool and meat of the animals. Shepherds and farmers increasingly need an additional source of income, or are changing their focus completely.
Nonetheless, South Tyrolean sheep farmers are still hoping that this season will be better than the last, meaning one without injured sheep, and without accidents. It is important to them that the next generation will also have the opportunity to continue the tradition that has been going on for thousands of years.
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Video “Dangerous Alpine crossings – The shepherds unafraid to take risks | DW Documentary” was uploaded on 10/19/2025 by DW Documentary Youtube channel.