Alpabzug - where tradition meets nature

Long summer days, warm nights, dreamlike mountain scenery, luscious green grass, sheep, goats, and cows grazing on fragrant alpine meadows—all accompanied by the sound of bells ringing in the mountains… It all must come to an end with the changing seasons. In Switzerland, this transition is beautifully marked by a cherished tradition called “Alpabfahrt” in High German, “Alpabzug” in Swiss German, or “Desalpe” in French.

My first Alpabzug experience

I still remember my first Alpabzug, which I attended just a month after moving to Switzerland. At the end of September 2021, I took a short trip to Lauterbrunnen for a walk along the valley. As is usual in any new place I visit, I stopped by the tourist office to pick up maps of hiking trails and to ask if there were any events happening that Saturday. The visitor assistant mentioned that there might be a cow parade, but she couldn’t provide a specific start time. Not knowing what to expect, I began my relaxing walk, soaking in the quietness and stunning natural beauty around me. After finishing the hike, I strolled through Lauterbrunnen. Suddenly, I started hearing the sound of bells. A bit confused, I decided to follow the sound—and to my amazement, there was the cow parade I’d heard about! I couldn’t believe my eyes. Witnessing this tradition—still very much alive today—was a truly beautiful moment. Although the celebrations and headpieces were more modest than they are now, I cherish that memory as a wonderful beginning to my Swiss adventure. It’s a tradition I want to share with you in this story.

A brief history

The custom of bringing cows down from the mountains in summer is centuries old. It began in the Middle Ages as a way to preserve grass in the valleys for winter grazing. This practice transformed the mountain landscape forever and is so significant that it’s even mentioned in the Swiss constitution.

After spending the summer months in the highlands, farmers prepare to bring their cattle down to the barns and lower-altitude pastures. It’s a time of hard work—protecting the cattle, caring for them in case of accidents (sometimes calling a helicopter to take an injured cow to the vet!), and processing milk to produce delicious cheeses. If the pasture season ends without any accidents or fatalities, the communities celebrate this success by dressing up in traditional clothes. The cows are adorned with festive, large bells strapped with leather, and beautiful flower headpieces. In December 2023, UNESCO officially added the Swiss summering tradition to its list of intangible cultural heritage.

The next events

These celebrations often include festivals open to visitors, where you can enjoy cow parades, listen to traditional music, and buy local delicacies at farmers’ markets. It’s a truly wonderful event—definitely something to add to your Swiss bucket list!

So if you’re already in Switzerland, or will be visiting soon, and want to experience this tradition, here are some upcoming Alpabzugs dates:

27th of September:  

• Entlebucher Alpabfahrt - Kanton Luzern

• Alpabzug Kerns - Kanton Obwalden

• Alpabfahrt Ennetbürgen - Kanton Nidwalden

• Alpabzug Schwanden - Kanton Glarus

• Alpabzug Näfels - Kanton Glarus

• Desalpe Charmey  - Kanton Fribourg

  
  

30th of September:  

• Klöntaler Alptag - Kanton Glarus

  
  

4th of October:  

• Prättigauer Alp Spektakel - Kanton Grisons

• Alpabzug Albeuve - Kanton Fribourg

• Alpabzug Semsales - Kanton Fribourg

Important note: when you attend Alpabzug cow parade, do not approach or touch the cows. Take pictures and videos from the distance and respect the families and their cattle.