Annkatrin Marx
The Feasting of the Cow – a legend from Baad
Culture
31.03.2026
In Kleinwalsertal, people have been telling mysterious stories about a mysterious people for centuries: the night people. A particularly strange incident is said to have taken place in Vorderboden, just before Baad – directly opposite today's campsite.
the most magnificent cow A festival of the night folk
It was on a feast day dedicated to Mary or one of the apostles when the night folk took the most magnificent cow belonging to the Vorderboden farmer out of the barn to prepare it for a feast. With great skill, they slaughtered, boiled and roasted it – and soon the crowd was dancing exuberantly around the fire. The children from the farm were also invited, given food and allowed to join in the celebrations.
The cow is back an unusual condition
But the night folk set one condition: every single bone of the cow and all of its skin had to be carefully preserved. When the celebration was over and the children had been put to bed, they wrapped all the bones in the skin, joined hands and said:
"So shall the cow live again."
And indeed, the next morning, the cow was back in the barn, and only the children told the farmer about the celebration with the night folk.
But despite all the care taken by the night folk, one of the cow's bones had been lost. From then on, the cow limped on one leg, and this was the only thing that remained of the secret celebration of the night folk.
perhaps still firm today Memories to this day
Even today, an information board at the hut in Vorderboden commemorates the "feasting of the cow," and who knows how many celebrations of this kind the night folk still hold today? Without leaving any traces behind? But keep your eyes open when you stay overnight at the campsite. Some say that the night folk still invite children to their exuberant celebrations today.
On our blog, you will find stories that have been passed down through generations by the people of the valley – stories of mysterious figures, ancient customs and special places that will make your next hike in Kleinwalsertal even more exciting.
