Updated for 2022
Photos by P. Wilders.
Alpabzugs, Alpabfahrts, Alp Processions & Cow Parades in Switzerland
Alpabzugs, Alpabfahrts, Alp Processions, Désalpes or Cow Parades
Whatever you want to call them, Alpabzugs, Alpabfahrts, Alp Processions, Désalpes or Cow Parades – the traditional Swiss custom when the cows come down the mountains is one of the highlights of Autumn in Switzerland. Not only are they colourful, joyful and fun events, but afterwards there is plenty of partying to be had in the villages, often with a cheese or farmers market.
Celebrations To Mark The Return of The Cows
At this time of year, the farmers are rejoicing in the return of their treasured cows after the cows have spent the Summer up the mountain. This usually calls for a celebration with festive food and drink. As the cows approach from the distance you hear the melodious sound of their bells announcing their arrival long before they come into sight. Not only do the herdsmen dress up in traditional clothing but the cows dress up in finery and flowers too. Flowers, ribbons, you name it – these cows are beauitifed to the nines!
If you haven’t been to a cow parade it really is a wonderful experience. Please note that because there is often no exact time for the the cow parades to start, sometimes these details are not given, or the information is only announced online at the last minute. All information provided here is correct to the best of our knowledge but please do check before you set out. Many towns are villages are inaccessible to cars during the Cow Parades, so where possible go by public transport – or arrive early and follow the signs for special car parks and or shuttle buses. The local tourist offices should have some information and some dates aren’t published until a day or two before.
16th September 2022 Cow Parade Summiswald
The herdsmen will pass through Wasen in Emmental between 8.30am and 1pm and arrive in Summiswaldbetween 9am and 1pm.
See here for more information.
17th September 2022: Klosters / Monbiel
Check out Alpabzug festivities in Monbiel near Klosters from 9am onwards. The alpine parade usually begins at 10.30am. For more information please see here.
17th September 2022: Alpabzug Blatten – Belalp
Check out the Alpine parade from the Blatten-Belalp cow parade The cows set off around 7am but should arrive in in Blatten near Naters at around 10.30 am – 11 AM. However there is a market from 9am to keep you occupied. Don’t miss the crowning of the “Belalp Alpine Queen” at 3 pm!
See here for more information.
17th September 2022 Cow Parade: Alpine descent in Anzère
Enjoy watching the cow parade in Anzère, near Sion at around 11 AM.
17th September 2022 – Cow Parade Désalpes in La Fouly
There’s a packed schedule for the alpine parade in La Fouly. The parade begins at10 am and there are food stalls, drinks and even cow fights which will result in .one of the cows being crowned “Queen of Désalpe”.
For more information see here.
17th September 2022: Cow Parade in Innertkirchen
There’s lots going on to greet the cows when they arrive at Innertkirchen and the first group of cows should arrive in the village around 11:30 am, followed by a second group around 1.30pm.
For more information see here.
17th September 2022: Cow Parade in Mels
Why not go to Mels to watch the cow parade and all the fun of the farmer’s market. You can see the full schedule of the Cow Parades etc for the day on the website here.
17th September 2022 : Cow Parade Suldtal near Spiez
From 11am you can catch the cow parade in Suldtal and there is a shuttle bus you can catch from Aeschiried to Suldtal (CHF 5 adults, children under 16 free)
For more information see here.
17th September 2022: Alpine descent in Urnäsch
Urnäsch is one of our favourite places for watching the vow parade. There is a farmers market with over 50 stall and the herdsmen will be coming through the village with their cattle between about 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Drive or take public transport then the shuttle bus Werkhof Furt to the centre of proceedings. See details here.
19th September 2022: Cow Parade Wengernalp Lauterbrunnen
Watch as the farmers take their livestock from Wengernalp to Lauterbrunnen. The cows will set off around 9.30am and arrive in Wengen sortly before 11am and in Lauterbrunnen around 11.30am.
24th September 2022: Cow Parade Emmetten
A full day of festivities is planned for the Cow Parade and market in Emmetten, Lots of locatl prodcuce and of course the parade of beautiful cows. See details here.
24th September 2022: Cow Parade / Désalpe Grimentz
The cow parade in Grimentz is really special. Not only is the location super scenic bt the local black Herens cows are real head turners! Be read from 11am in Grimentz and enjoy the local farmers market too!
24th September 2022: Cow Parade Klöntal
There’s a packed agenda of activities from 9am till 2pm at Klöntal, music, food, cow parade.
24th September: Cow Parade Entlebuch – Schupfheim
Another real favourite here! Expect a very special cow parade with lots of cows arriving in Schüpfheim from 11am, all sorts of festivities and beautiful costumes.
24th September 2022: Cow Parade Schwarzsee in Plaffeien
Taking place fort he 16th time, this coa parade in the Fribourg region of Schwarzee should be a great spectacle.
24th September 2022: Cow Parade / Désalpes in Charmey
The cow parade in Charmey always takes place in the last Saturday of September when the cows return to the lower pastures.
24th September 2022: Cow Parade /Désalpes in Blonay
Blonay is located not far from Vevey and ist cow parade takes place around midday and arrives in the centre of the town between 1p and 2 pm. From 11am onwards there will be plenty of local alpine festivities
2nd October 2022: Cheese Market in Elm
The first Sunday in October ist he traditional day for the Elm Cheese Market as well as the cows arrivingin home.
You can read about our visit to the Elm Cheese Market here. It all starts at 8am so enjoy a ful l day of festivities!
Désalpe in Serin Anzere 25th September 2021
The return of the cows from Serin to Anzere offers a whole day of festivities from 11am till 7pm. There will be cows, fun, festivities and food. Find out more here.
Photos of A Previous Elm Cow Parade
We visited the Elm Alpabfahrt the other year. Take a look at more photos by Carmen Sirboiu here.
Prättigau Alp Festival 8th and 9th October 2022
Taking place on 8th & 9th October 2022 in Prättigau, 7212 Seewis Dorf, the alpine spectacle should be a great event with lots of activities for all the family. For more details see here.
Here’s a video of the one in Prättigau you might be interested in viewing:
Lenk in Simmental: Various dates from Saturday 8th & 9th October 2022
The imposing landscape that lies before this small village of Lenk adds to the alpine festival. Come to see farmers showing off their best cattle. The Älperfest takes place on 8th October 2022 and the Alpine Brunch event takes place on 9th October 2022 at the Dorfzentrum Lenk, Markt-/Gadeplatz.
For more information please see here.
Take a look here at The MySwitzerland.com event calendar here for some more details.
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With Photos by Carmen Sirboiu
Carmen specialises in doing LinkedIn photos as well family and pet portraits.
For more information about events and things to do in Zurich and beyond please see our What’s On Page or our News Articles or for regular updates subscribe to our blog.
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