Bringing cows down from the Alps?
Lauren is planning a trip to Switzerland from October 27 to November 3 and is curious about witnessing cows being brought down from the Alps and any traditional Autumn Fairs. She seeks advice on both experiences, hoping for cultural insights rather than carnival rides.
- Cows are typically brought down from the Alps during the 'Alpabzüge' between mid-September and mid-October; consider visiting next year during that time for a better chance to see them.
- Autumn Fairs with local charm are more common in September; Lauren may need to adjust her travel plans for an authentic experience, as her dates are too late for these events.
- The Swiss Travel Pass can be a great option for exploring regional attractions if you visit Switzerland again.
AI-generated summary-
Hi again!
My mother read in her guidebook about late October being a time where cows are brought down from the Alps. She thought this was connected to the Basel Autumn Fair, but she can’t find it again. Do you know anything about seeing cows brought down from the Alps? It sounds like it would be a fascinating and lovely experience! Also do you know anything about Autumn Fairs? We wouldn’t be looking for carnival rides, but things with some traditional flavor, culture or local charm. Our dates are October 27 – November 3
Lauren
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I knew there will be one in Urnaesch in mid sept. Pls see the mail from Appenzellerland Tourist office below from FYI.
“Happy Monday to you aswell!
There is not really a festival here. Our farmers on the alps decide on their own, when to begin the descent. Normally we know it 24-72 hours in advance and publish it on http://www.appenzell.ch. If you want to see many cows on a specific date, go to Urnaesch on the 15th of September. They organise a little market and many farmers descend on that special day. To see the cows in Appenzell (village) you must be quite spontaneous but Saturdays between Mid-August and Mid-September are a pretty safe choice. Read more here.
We are happy to help you if you have any more questions. Please don’t hesitate to ask.
Kind regards from Appenzell
Maria Inauen, Guest-advisor
Appenzellerland Tourismus AI | Hauptgasse 4 | 9050 Appenzell | http://www.appenzell.ch
Tel +41 71 788 96 42 | Fax +41 71 788 96 49 | [email protected]”
Hi Lauren,
You can search for “Alpabzüge”. They’re usually between mid September and mid October. I would not expect any near Basel as that’s the “flatter” part of the country – no real mountains to descend from. You can find more details here: http://www.myswitzerland.com/ en/alpine-ascent-and-descent-of-the-cattle.html
Hi Lauren,
I searched for “Swiss Alpine Descent” when we were looking for one last year. You can read about our visit in this thread: 14 day trip to Switzerland September 2017 – Part 2. I know it it closed to new comments but I think you can still read it. We went to Schupfheim in late September. It was a fun, interesting experience. Enjoy your trip.
Hi, Picketgal! I so enjoyed reading of your recent holiday in Switzerland! I am leaving Sat. on my own adventure, & your words/photos have stoked my enthusiasm. Thank you very much for your post! We will definitely try to incorporate some of the many fabulous experiences of which you beautifully wrote.
Cjwebs,
Thank you for the nice comments. We cannot wait to go back to Switzerland for another adventure. There were actually 4 parts to my trip report in case you want to look for them. Have an absolutely wonderful time and create some great memories!!
Thank you!!
Sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Lauren,
See http://www.myswitzerland.com/ en-au/events.html?strubrik=2312. Mainly covers September but some in October if you keep clicking “see more results”. 🤓
Thanks for the suggestion! Will do.
Dear Rockoyster –
Thanks for the suggestion anyway, but I kept clicking until there was no more…and it all stops October 21st. Sadly, we’re about a week too late. 🙁
Lauren
Hello Lauren,
I would say that with your dates of October 27 to November 3, you have no chance of seeing this. Summer pasturing is well over by then, even with global warming. In the French part of Switzerland, this is called “la désalpe” even when they are coming down from the higher places in the Jura, and one I go to each year and recommend is the one in Lignières. This year it will be on September 22. So next year, when you come back to Switzerland, plan your visit for late September, and don’t stay for just a week. 😉
Hello Pickergal,
May I ask you when in September you were in Lucerne? I will be there 19-25 September and hope to have as much fun as you did a year ago!
Thanks
TLHQ,
We were blessed with perfect weather. We arrived on September 21st and departed on the 24th. I will hope that you have as great of a time as we did. You will! Happy travels!
Michelle
Oh my gosh, Michelle, we might be so lucky. I am getting really enthusiastic about Lucerne. Thank you for the wonderful description of your trip.
The preceding 10 days we will be biking from Geneva to Interlaken via Lausanne, Romont, Fribourg & Berne. Fingers crossed for spectacular weather!
Cheers, Kim
Kim,
WOW! Sounds absolutely fantastic! ENJOY!
Michelle
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