The cows of Bavaria

Alpine cattle herders escort cows down into the valley during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive near Bad Hindelang, Germany, Sept. 11, 2013.

The herders lead the cattle up into the Bavarian Alps in May or June to spend the summer grazing on alpine meadows and lead them back down to farms in the valley in September.

If all the animals survive the summer then the herders place a flower wreath around the lead cow for the descent.

Cows are seen during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

An alpine cattle herder is seen during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Cows are seen during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Cowbells are seen during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

An alpine cattle herder escorts cows down into the valley during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Cows are seen during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Cows stand behind a young alpine cattle herder as he escorts them down into the valley during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Cows let off some steam during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

An alpine cattle herder escorts cows down into the valley during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Cows are seen during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

An alpine cattle herder escorts cows down into the valley during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Alpine cattle herders escort cows down into the valley during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

An alpine cattle herder escorts cows down into the valley during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Cows are seen during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Cows stand behind a young alpine cattle herder as he escorts them down into the valley during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Cows are seen during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

An alpine cattle herder is seen during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.

Alpine cattle herders escort cows down into the valley during the annual Viehscheid cattle drive.