A Swiss Tradition: The Alpabzug (Alpine Cattle Descent)

Saturday October 1, 2016 -- The Alpabzug in Switzerland is basically that time of year when the cattle which had been grazing at higher altitudes get brought down to lower pastures before the first snows fall. This happens usually mid-September / early October depending on regions. The farmers lead their cows from the higher pastures on hikes of about 10 km or more.

It has long been a tradition that to celebrate this event, the cows are fancifully decorated with their huge bells, handmade leather embroidered collars, and headdresses or waist girdles of flowered wreaths and state flags. The herds are brought through the villages in procession, with the owners proudly representing their farms and families, and sometimes laboriously navigating the tired cows through the gathered crowds. 

But it's a wonderful sight, and depending on area can attract crowds of 10,000 or more. The number of cows on parade can be anywhere up to 1500 or so. The community then also organizes food and entertainment (consisting naturally of yodeling and alphorns). These events have in fact become so popular that the communities are starting to have problems with traffic control.

The Alpabzug that we witnessed on Saturday was a small one in Kerns in Central Switzerland, with about 400 animals descending from higher pastures, including a few sheep or goats. I loved it!  

I put together a little video, it's worth watching HERE, or view at the end of this blog entry.   

Town Square in Kerns, Central Switzerland. Waiting for the cows to come down from alpine pastures

Entertainment with Alp Horns while waiting for the cows.

Family members proudly advertise their farms

Fanciful decorations

These tired cows have sometimes walked 10 km or more.

Sheep and goats also come down from higher pastures.

Sheep and goats also come down from higher pastures.

This interesting goat was a bit much to handle for the young farmer!

And then there was this random decorated tractor....

Farmer children wait with their parents to watch their cows come down the road. They will join the parade later.

It takes a lot of work and manpower to keep the animals moving in the right direction.

Such a pretty cow!

Heading down the road toward the village square.

We were offered some very weak coffee laced with schnapps. That's the traditional mountain coffee!

The next group coming down the hill toward the town.

Getting them through the village streets can also be a bit complicated.

And at the very end we got to enjoy a bit of traditional Swiss yodeling.