“Alpabfahrt” – Swiss traditional “cattle show”
A traveler is planning a trip to Switzerland from September 16 to October 7 and is curious about the Swiss Cow Parade events near Lucerne, Zurich, Geneva, or Basel. They want to know if they will be close to any of these events during their stay and appreciate any additional information on the matter.
- Check for the Swiss Cow Parade in Weggis, which is close to Lucerne, happening on September 24.
- Cow parades usually occur in smaller villages or towns rather than main cities like Zurich or Basel.
- The events celebrate the return of cows from high-altitude pastures for winter and are called 'Alpabfahrt' in Swiss German.
AI-generated summary
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Hi Njk50,
these kinds of ‘cattle shows’ are usually happing in villages or smaller towns, I’ve seen one in Kandersteg a few years ago.
Have a look at these for the event dates: http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/events/events-search/?date_from=2022-09-16&date_to=2022-10-07&rubrik=alpinefestivals.autumnevents&noidx=1
Ildiko
thank you for the information. since I’ve never been to Switzerland before I’m not familiar with where these locations are. we will be in switzerland from Sept 16 – Oct 7. Zurich Sept 16-20, Lucerne Sept 20-25, Geneva Sept 25-29 and Basel Sept 29- Oct 2. will we be anywhere close to any of these events or at least the swiss cow parade. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.
Hi Njk50,
this one will be held in Weggis (close to Lucerne) on 24.09.2022.: http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/events/cattle-show-and-autumn-market/
Ildiko
thank you for the information
The ‘cow parades’ take place when the cows are brought down from high altitude pastures for the winter, ie before the high pastures become snow bound.
The clue is o=in the name ‘Alpabfahrt’ which means ‘Alp-departure’ (ie departing from the Alp to return to the barns in the farm) – remember that an ‘Alp’ is not a mountain but the green pasture between high mountains.
This takes place in villages that are at the foot of high mountains pastures, which is not the case in the main Swiss cities you list, especially not Basel which is in the lower altitude north part of Switzerland , as is Zurich.
Most cow parades take place in villages or towns that are main ‘market towns’ for high pasture areas, such as Appenzell.
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