Experience living tradition up close

When the days grow shorter and the first hints of autumn color the forests, Switzerland’s alpine families prepare for one of the most anticipated rituals of the year. After months on sunlit pastures, the animals are lovingly brushed, decorated, and adorned with flowers and ribbons before their stately journey back to the valley.

From the vineyards of Valais to the green hills of Appenzell, the Alpabzug or Désalpe is more than a procession—it is a celebration of heritage, pride, and community. Here are eight descents where tradition still dances vividly against the backdrop of the Alps.

Blatten-Belalp, Valais

On September 20, the narrow streets of Blatten will echo with the proud steps of Hérens cows, their polished horns gleaming and heads crowned with elaborate floral headdresses. By late morning, the herds arrive near the valley station, accompanied by flag-throwers, floats, and herdsmen in traditional dress. Between market stalls offering Alpine cheese and the coronation of the Alpine Queen, the village transforms into a fairground steeped in local pride. More information here.

Plaffeien, Fribourg

Plaffeien’s Alpabzug is among the grandest. On September 27, 2025, more than 1,000 festively adorned animals will parade down from the Schwarzsee region. Farmers, beam with pride as applause rises from a crowd of over 10,000. The village brims with activity: a lively market with regional delicacies, music drifting from the festival restaurant, and the kind of communal joy that keeps this tradition alive year after year. More informationen here.

Engelberg, Obwalden

In Engelberg, tradition carries the scent of fir branches and fresh dahlias. On September 27, 2025, lead cows will wear garlands of asters and chrysanthemums as they return to the valley. The Alpine herder leads the way, with young cattle trailing behind, while the autumn market hums nearby with chatter, steaming plates of local fare, and handcrafted goods. The air feels like a celebration of both nature’s bounty and human devotion.

The procession is led by the Alpine herdsman, with the young cattle bringing up the rear. Incidentally, the Engelberg cattle drive usually takes place at the same time as the autumn market. More informationen here.

St-Cergue, Vaud

Perched above Lake Geneva, the village of St-Cergue comes alive on September 27, 2025, when the Désalpe winds its way through town. Herds decorated with bells and flowers parade through narrow streets, their presence a testament to the farmers’ deep connection to their animals. Market stalls brim with artisan crafts and local specialties, giving the celebration the feel of a harvest fair with a distinctly alpine twist. More informationen here.

Urnäsch, Appenzell Ausserrhoden

Urnäsch offers one of the most enchanting tableaux of the Alpabzug. The descent is choreographed with ritual precision: a boy in herdsman’s garb leads a troop of white Appenzeller goats, followed by a girl in a striped apron dress. The dairyman comes next, carrying a richly carved wooden milking bucket painted on its underside. Then come the cows, their heavy bells resonating through the valley. Horse-drawn carts laden with alpine gear and pigs complete the procession, while a bustling farmers’ market of 50 stalls spreads out across the village square. More informationen here.

Gstaad, Bern

In Gstaad, the Züglete is less a descent than a parade through elegance itself. On September 6, 2025, the Trechler Club will open the day with the clang of traditional bells, before farmers and their cows process down the famed promenade. Visitors linger to watch, then wander through an authentic market or sway to live music performances. Whatever the weather, the festive spirit of Gstaad ensures that the mountains come to town.

A varied programme awaits visitors throughout the day, including various musical performances. There will also be an authentic market selling local products. The Gstaad Züglete will take place whatever the weather. More informationen here.

Kerns, Obwalden

For the community of Kerns, the Alpabfahrt on September 27, 2025, is the emotional climax of the farming year. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., festooned cattle parade through the village while a local speaker shares stories of alpine life. Markets overflow with regional products, music fills the air, and neighbors greet each other like long-lost friends. It is a reminder that the descent is not only about animals returning to the valley, but about people reaffirming their roots. More informationen here.

Kiental, Bern

The Kiental Valley tells its own unique story. Here, it isn’t only cows that make the journey, but alpacas and llamas too—73 alpacas and 62 llamas, to be exact. Each October, the Luginbühl family guides their animals along the vertiginous Griesalp route, Switzerland’s steepest post-bus line with gradients up to 28 percent. Watching these exotic animals descend against a backdrop of jagged peaks is as surreal as it is unforgettable, a reminder of how traditions can evolve while keeping their spirit intact. More informationen here.