Swiss souvenirs: Cow bells

The least expensive place to buy cow bells are the Saturday morning flea markets like the one in Luzern or the huge one in Zurich. Lots of fun, too.

Actually, the cows have the bells throughout Switzerland. We bought a 2-pounder on top of the Jungfrau. There are shops up there. I really can't tell you where the least expensive place to buy the bell is but we were so excited about the cows being walked up our street in Lauterbrunnen that I just had to have a bell. Then, I had to lug it home.

I brought a large cow bell on my last trip to Switzerland and intend to get another on my trip later this month. Our cowbell hangs on our front door and everytime we open the door it clangs. Its very loud but we have heard the bells in the Swiss Alps and every time we hear it its takes us right back. I was thinking to check for them in Lauterbrunnen or maybe Interlaken time permitting.

Absolutely every souvenir shop in Switzerland sells them. I doubt there will be much of a price difference.

I bought two --- one very small one for the Christmas tree and another one that is on the mantle. I didn't buy a big one because I didn't want to lug it around. Next time I'll get a little larger one or maybe have it shipped!

Oooooooh flea markets in Switzerland! Sounds like an oxymoron :) I never even thought about them! Great idea, though!! I googled and found the Burkliplatz and Kanzlei fleamarkets in Zurich and the Burgerstrasse/Reusssteg, Hauptbahnhof Area in Lucerne. Are these the ones you are talking about, Tim? Any others?

I know that in Spain, at least, hardware stores/farmers markets on fair days are the best place to buy cow and goat bells. My guess is that the shepherds and cowherds don't spend much time browsing tourist shops.

I don't know the names of the flea markets, but both of them are on Saturday mornings. Lucerne's is along the river that flows through the center of town. The one in Zurich is very very close to the lake front and bahnhofstrasse - I'm sure any local or hotel clerk can tell you exactly where it is. Zurich's is much bigger than Lucerne's although I like the one in Lucerne better being alongside the fast moving beautiful river.

Actually it seems like Saturday mornings are popular in many European destinations for flea markets...even in smaller towns.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their replies. Thanks Tim for the PM. I just read it although you summarized it in your last post.
Swiss flea markets: here I come!!!!

When we stayed in Interlaken, we purchased a cowbell at the hardware store. It wasn't painted or decorated but that's the way I wanted it to be.

You might try Schweizerheimatwerk stores for a bell or other Swiss hand crafts. We went to several in Zuerich (even at the airport) and bought several small, very nice souvenirs. If I recall, the store has a long history and was created to preserve the tradition of Swiss handicrafts - beautiful, beautiful souvenirs of all types.