Autumn is the magical time of the year when the cows who spent the summer in the mountains are returning home. For this event we have a special celebration here in Switzerland called “Alpabzug” or in the French speaking part of Switzerland: “Désalpe”. The cows are usually decorated with marvelous flowers tiaras, there is cheese, music and usually as well the traditional instrument: The Alphorn.
I gathered for you here all the dates and info you need in order to immerse yourself in this beautiful Swiss tradition.
3rd of September
Gstaad Program: 09:30-17:00 in the center of the town with nice local market and cows parade.
10th of September
Saas- Balen Program: 10:00 Alpine procession from “Hoferälpji”. 12:00 Arrival of the procession in Saas-Balen.
Afterwards: Big cheese sale and festive food & drinks in Saas-Balen. 12:00- 18:00 Musical entertainment
Brigels / Breil Program: 10.30 Start of the celebration. 11.00 Arrival of Alp Tschegn Dadens. Around 11.30 – arrival of the Alp Nova and then celebrations till the evening.
Müstair Program: Starting at 10:30 festival with music and folklore. The arrival of the cows is around 12:00 – 13:00.
16th of September
Sumiswald and Wasen: Approximately 7.30 The start of the alpine shepherds descent . 08:00-13:00 March through the restaurant Hornbach-Pinte.
17th of September
Blatten-Belalp Program: Starting at 07:00 in Belalp. The cows will arrive at 11:00, there will also be a market, music, flag throwing and yodel.
Urnäsch: Farmers Market, cows parade and pigs race starting at 10:00 in the village of Urnäsch.
Innertkirchen Program: The festival will start at 09:00 and the cow parade at 11:30.
Crans-Montana Program: Cattle descend from the pastures to the center of Crans-Montana. You can also find different food booths.
Suldtal Program: Cattle drive starting from 11:00.
Klosters Alpine parade: Beautifully decorated the cows start the procession at 09:00 from the alps in Monbiel.
La Fouly Program: The day will start at 10 am with the traditional parade. The food stands will open at 11:30.
24th of September
Ennetbürgen Program: Festive program in the village center from 11:00-17:00 with food and drink stands.
Schwarzsee Program: The traditional Alpine Herdsman festival- the exact hours are still not announced.
Saint Cergue Program: 08:00-12:00 the cows parade. Afterwards you can find different concerts and food stands.
Blonay Program: Alpine Festival from 11:00 to 17:00 with a parade of 50 cows and music entertainment.
Charmey Program: 10:00-12:00 Cows parade, cheese market and flags throwing.
Weggis Program: Autumn market with its cattle show starting around 10:00 o’clock.
Entlebucher Alpabfahrt: Festive alpine festival from 09:00- 17:00 in the village of Schüpfheim.
Lignières Program: Starting at 10:00 with a market and a chore and later at 14:00 the parade.
Sembrancher Program: The festival will start at 10:00 with different market stands and at 13:30 the cows parade.
26th of September
Schwellbrunn Program: Starting at 08:00- 16:00. After 07:45 access to Schwellbrunn will only be possible through Herisau.
