Désalpe de St-Cergue
Around 700 flower-crowned cows, goats, donkeys and dogs descend through the Vaud Jura village centre in one of Switzerland's most impressive désalpes, complete with alphorn players, whip-cracking and local cheese.
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"Every September since 2015, up to eight Simmental farming families lead flower-crowned herds through Gstaad's promenade every 30 minutes from 9:30 am, accompanied by Trychler cowbell clubs, yodellers, and a farmers' market of Saanenland specialities."
Gstaad Züglete
"Each September Saturday, herds from a different one of Mels's 26 alp farms descend into the village in full floral regalia, with market stalls selling alp and farm produce at the historic village square."
Alpabfahrten Mels
"The very first Federal Youth Yodelling Festival in Swiss history brings over 1,000 young yodellers, alphorn blowers and flag-wavers to the iconic mountain village of Grindelwald for three days of competitive performances and open-air folk tradition."
Eidgenössisches Jugendjodelfest 2026
"Around 600 festively decorated animals descend from five Brigels alps to the Plaun Rueun meadow in this Romansh-named cattle descent, the largest single-gathering Alpabzug in the Surselva."
Scargada - Alpabzug in Brigels
"The Hinterfeld Alpine Cooperative's 100 decorated cows descend to the Uri village of Wassen for a full day of alphorn music, open-air cheese dairy, craft market and folk dancing below the famous triple-spired church."
Alpabzug Wassen
"Farmers from the Neuenalp and neighbouring alps lead fully decorated herds of cows and goats through Appenzell's Hauptgasse in an unscripted working tradition that has shaped the village calendar for generations."
Alpabfahrt Appenzell