My wife and I are planning a 2 week trip to Switzerland for mid-to late September of this year. We want to go to the Bernese Oberland and visit the area of the Alps where the Matterhorn is. We also would like to be at one of the town where they have the festivals when they bring the cows down from the highlands back to the lowerlands where they spend the winter. I found one such festival at Albeuve in Canton Fribourg and another at Schupfheim. Both are in late September. I found that these cow processionals are called "Alpabfahrt". Has anyone attended such a festival? What did you think about it? I find these cultural festivals to be very interesting to think about even though I have not attended such a thing.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
It sounds like your timing will be about right, but the actual date for cows coming down from the mountain can be unpredictable. At least, I've never seen it published for this valley. See also:
I think Rick was in Stechelberg when he shot this: http://blog.ricksteves.com/blog/switzerland-cows/
Events PDF: http://cdn.myswitzerland.com/jvk-html2pdf/en-web.pdf?_ga=1.128657100.138527767.1484609716
Lauterbrunnen: http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/lauterbrunnen.html
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
As Laura noted, the actual dates of the procession are usually determined on the fly, based on a combination of factors that are not preditable far in advanced. The best you can hope for is to be in the right place at the right time.
It would surprise me quite a bit, however, if Switzerland didn't have it's share of wine festivals (I don't know of any in particular, however...).
Now, if you just want to see a regular cow procession without any fanfare, go to Oberstdorf in the Bavarian Alps. A small herd commutes daily through the town from their barn to the pastures and back again in the evening. No ceremon at all, but there's something rather comforting about the sound of cowbells ringing through the town's back alleys (please, nobody make the obvious "I need more cowbell" pun. It was already tired a decade ago).
Posted by
Montreux, Switzerland
262 posts
We attend the festival almost every year. This year it is scheduled for 23 of September. This is a big Swiss tradition, very festive and worthwhile to see. Go early if you can to get a good viewing spot. There are stands to purchase food and drink.
http://www.fribourgregion.ch/en/P7152/return-of-cattle?group=877
Wine festivals are the same, we look forward to them each year. Check the tourist site for the Canton you will visit to see a list of the local festivals.
http://www.lake-geneva-region.ch/en/P1125/desalpe-in-l-etivaz?group=56
Posted by
OP
Tyler, TX, USA
169 posts
LacLeman, thanks for the specific information and links concerning the festival. We are planning our trip to include the time to take part in this celebration. I appreciate all the help given me concerning this. Thanks.
Posted by
Montreux, Switzerland
262 posts
Jerry - it is a pleasure to help. Enjoy your visit.