Overview Experience

When the cows
come
home

Alpabzug

People walking on a road with a herd of sheep in a rural setting © Switzerland Tourism / Jan Geerk

Cows are as much part of Switzerland’s rural landscape as the mountains themselves. It’s hard to imagine a more Swiss scene than cows in green pastures, bells tinkling as they munch on the grass. That is until you witness one of the most Swiss spectacles there is: the annual descent from high pastures. Picture this: families in festive traditional attire guiding their highly-decorated cows back down to the valley for winter, and the whole village coming out to celebrate.

A man leading a group of cows down a road guiding them with ease
© Switzerland Tourism / Gian Marco Castelberg & Maurice Haas

The vibrant tradition of the Alpabzug (la désalpe in French) occurs in rural communities all across the country every autumn, from the hills of Suisse Romande to the villages of eastern Switzerland. I was lucky enough to witness this unique event unfold in one such village, Urnäsch, in Appenzellerland. In an
atmosphere full of happiness and excitement, this.was an experience that truly touched my heart.

Alphorn and Swiss flag attracting a crowd of people in the background.
© Fribourg Region Tourism

Local
life

Alphorn and Swiss flag attracting a crowd of people in the background.
© Fribourg Region Tourism

Each village has their own way of celebrating the cows coming home, but it’s always a festival and usually with a farmers’ market. Stands line the streets,
offering glimpses into the rural way of life with local producers showcasing their finest goods. This hive of activity was a true feast for the senses with tons of
delicacies to sample and handcrafted gifts to take home with you.

A cow wearing a vibrant decorative ornate
© Switzerland Tourism / Dolores Rupa

But the true highlight was the dairy parade. Entire farming families made their way through the village with their cattle and sheep, many of the animals
sporting elaborate headdresses that really caught the eye. However, the sounds were as memorable as the sights – traditional Swiss music that went
hand-in-hand with the bells jingling around the necks of the flowered-up guests of honour. It was the ideal soundtrack to a magical day.

Cows with flowers on their heads walking down a mountain road.
© Switzerland Tourism / Marcus Gyger

The parade of decorated animals accompanied by traditional costumes, impressive bells with hand-stitched straps, yodelling, local games and alphorns
created a festive atmosphere that resonated throughout the village and beyond. These are sights and sounds that echo across Switzerland all autumn.

Alpine
heritage

The alpine descent wasn’t just about cows coming down from the mountains though. This celebration of history, culture and the deep connection between
humans and nature showcases the strong sense of community in this gentle corner of the world. It’s a reminder of the rich heritage and traditions in Swiss
rural areas like Appenzellerland. The significance and history behind this annual event are quite profound.

A young boy leading a group of goats through a grassy field
© Schweiz Tourismus, Christof Sonderegger
Herd of cows with floral headpieces moving through a town.
© Fribourg Region Tourism

This is not just a local party; it’s a cherished tradition that holds deep cultural importance all across Switzerland. It dates back to ancient times when it’s said
the festival was also to hope for safe summers without accidents or losses. The cows, sheep, and goats are adorned with twigs and flowers to symbolise their
importance and to shower them with care and respect. The colourful floral crowns worn by the cattle show the significance these animals have to the Swiss
people and their agriculture.

Swiss
tradition

Witnessing an alpine cow parade like the one in Urnäsch is an opportunity to appreciate both the beauty of these magnificent animals and immerse oneself in
authentic Swiss culture. A way to bring locals and visitors together in a shared celebration of tradition, community spirit, and agricultural heritage.

A festive goat parade with goats being led down the street adorned in traditional decorations.
© Fribourg Region Tourism

For me, the Alpabzug encapsulated the essence of Swiss culture and community spirit more than anything else I’ve experienced since living here. I loved being able to witness such a unique and heartwarming local celebration, with the simple joy that comes from connecting with nature and each other. More than just a spectacle, this living tradition glorifies the deep connection between humans and nature while celebrating Swiss agricultural heritage in a colourful soulful display.

Written by: Dennis Conatser

Want more Swissness?
Here
it
is:

Scenic Swiss Alps and the Aescher Klippe mountain restaurant beneath Ebenalp, providing a picturesque view of the Appenzell region in Switzerland.
  • Region
  • Switzerland

Eastern Switzerland

Typical farmhouses and grazing cows, rolling hills and lush countryside: travelling through this pretty part of Switzerland, you feel like …

Die traditionellen Silvesterchlaeuse in der Umgebung von Waldstatt. The traditional Silvesterchlaeuse in the area of Waldstatt.
  • Inspiration
  • Western Europe

Local festivals for every season

The Swiss love their festivals. So much so that every town and village seems to have one of its own. …

A person wearing a hat and working with plants, under a golden sky.
  • Inspiration
  • Western Europe

Herbs, hiking and a hearty welcome

A herb walk. Such a simple idea: walking and talking, and learning about herbs. So simple, in fact, that you …

Scene view over the lake, presenting the majestic Chillon Castle against the stunning backdrop of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
  • Region
  • Switzerland

Suisse Romande

A boat trip out on Lake Geneva reveals the beauty of western Europe’s largest lake, with terraced hillsides and pretty …

When the cows come home