The Alpabzug – often called “Alpabfahrt” or “Züglete” in Bernese German – is the festive driving of the cattle from the Alps down to the valley. After a summer on the high mountain pastures, cows, goats, and sheep return to the village barns. The animals wear elaborately embroidered blankets, floral decorations, and large bells. Accompanied by their herders, they move through the streets, where locals and visitors welcome them with applause, music, and markets.
It is a moment of joy and gratitude, marking the end of a successful alpine season and the beginning of autumn in the valley.
Where tradition comes alive
The tradition of the Alpabzug goes back many centuries. Even in the Middle Ages, alpine farming was a central part of supplying the mountain regions. The summer on the alpine pastures was spent feeding the animals with fresh grass, while hay was harvested in the valley for the winter.
Originally, the descent to the valley was purely practical – but over time it developed into a ritual full of symbolism.
The animals’ floral headdresses (Tschäppl) represent gratitude for a summer free of accidents. Not every cow wears the same headgear during the Alpabzug – often decorated are the animals that have produced the most milk or lead the herd. The headdress, lovingly called “Tschäppl”, varies from alp to alp and reflects the pride of the alpine families.
Regional flowers such as sunflowers, dahlias, and chrysanthemums usually adorn the elaborate arrangements. To make larger arrangements easier to carry, silk flowers are sometimes used. Depending on the region, additional decorations may include crosses, painted wooden boards, Styrofoam crowns, or even the cows’ horns – some families traditionally use an upturned milking stool as a symbol of alpine farming.
The large bells are not only decorative but also a sign of the families’ pride.
Festivities in the village have long strengthened the community spirit.
Today, Alpabzüge are lively folk festivals that preserve cultural heritage and offer both visitors and locals an intimate glimpse into alpine life.
Culinary delights – the taste of the Alpabzug
An Alpabzug in the Jungfrau Region is not only a colorful tradition, but also a culinary highlight. Especially in the Bernese Oberland, alpine cheese plays a central role. During the summer on the Alps, it is produced in traditional mountain dairies and aged in the mountains – its flavor ranges from mild and creamy to strong and spicy. Visitors can taste this specialty during the Alpabzug directly in the valley and often even buy it straight from the farmers.
In addition to alpine cheese, the region offers other local specialties from the Jungfrau Region: freshly baked Züpfe (braided bread), Berner dried meat, sweet apple cider, and hearty dishes such as Rösti or cheese platters. Many festivals around the Alpabzug in the Bernese Oberland combine tradition with gastronomy and provide the perfect opportunity to experience authentic regional products.
Thus, the Alpabzug becomes not only a cultural experience, but also a culinary journey through the flavors of the Jungfrau Region – a delight for all the senses.
Alpabzüge in the region
The Jungfrau Region – with its villages Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren, and the Haslital – offers numerous opportunities to experience this tradition up close.
Haslital & Meiringen
In the Haslital, the beautifully decorated cows parade through Meiringen in September, accompanied by a lively village market featuring cheese, alpine sausages, and regional handicrafts. Highlights include:
- Alpabzug of Alp Gental with a village festival in Innertkirchen
- Alpabzug and Chästeilet on the Mägisalp, where alpine cheese is traditionally divided
- Alpabzug Alp Moosbühlen – a charming event showcasing authentic alpine farming
Mürren & Gimmelwald
High above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the return of the cows is also celebrated in Mürren and Gimmelwald. Particularly famous is the Alpabzug from Schiltalp to Mürren, which attracts many spectators every year.
Events - Mürren Tourismus
Grindelwald
In Grindelwald, this tradition can also be experienced. A special highlight is the Alpabzug from Bussalp to Grindelwald, where the cows descend through the picturesque landscape into the village, always accompanied by the sound of cowbells.
Lauterbrunnen
In the famous Lauterbrunnen Valley, there are several Alpabzüge that attract visitors each year:
- Pletschenalp – Lauterbrunnen
- Winteregg – Lauterbrunnen
- Mäderalp – Lauterbrunnen
- Wengernalp – Lauterbrunnen
Here, the spectacular valley panorama combines with the colorful processions to create a unique experience.
Wengen
In Wengen, the traditional Alpabzug from Alp-Wengen takes place. The decorated animals parade through the village, where locals and visitors gather to witness this autumn spectacle.
Below are some impressions of the Alpabzüge in the Jungfrau Region from recent years.
