02/09/2020
Cows are big in Switzerland and not just because of their size. They are valued possessions of their owners and produce a lot of milk of which some is processed into cheese.
Each Spring they are transported up to the alpine pastures where there is better grazing and therefore more milk products. In the Fall before cooler weather returns they are moved back to the lower pastures. And this is a big event in Switzerland. Many villages actually have Festivals the day they return with music, wine, beer and food. The cows and often sheep in the parade down the slopes are decorated with bouquets of flowers on their heads and large bells around their necks. The clanging of the bells can be heard in the distance before they come into view. The herd's owner families are dressed in traditional dress including the children who lead each herd down the slopes. Large crowds of Swiss and tourist line the parade route with cameras and video equipment. A really fun event which I guarantee you'll never see on a large company tour. We haven't missed one in seventeen years. To see a video of this Swiss tradition scroll down on this TOUR SWITZERLAND site. You'll want to go yourself. Very few rooms left for our 2020 visit with just one Balcony Room. Join us while you can.
