Traditional Alpine Descent — Urnäsch, AR
Saturday, 16 September
9:00-16:00
Hundreds of thousands of Swiss cows, sheep, goats, and other animals spend their summer in the Swiss Alps to graze on the rich and tasty grasses and wildflowers of the alpine pastures. The special tasting milk that is produced is then processed into aromatic cheeses and other dairy products. With the beginning of fall and the colder weather, the animals descend from the mountains to their winter quarters. In many communities, this alpine descent is still celebrated with very traditional and picturesque festivals, also known as the "Alpabzug" or "Alpabfahrt" in German-speaking Switzerland.
In Urnäsch, the event will see farmers arriving with their herds from different alps between 9:00-13:00. In the village, there will be a farmers’ market with more than 50 stands from 9:00–16:00, food, drink, games, pig races (11:00, 13:00, 15:00), and musical entertainment.
Be sure to confirm the dates before you head out as sometimes festivals or at least the descent of the animals may have to be cancelled or changed on the basis of weather or the availability of feedstock.
This event is free of charge; consider public transport as parking is limited.
Advertisement
