Every autumn in Switzerland, something magical (and slightly noisy) happens in the mountains. Farmers bring their cows, goats, and sheep down from the high alpine pastures to spend the winter in the valleys as summer fades. But this isn’t just a simple walk home—it’s a full-blown celebration called an Alpabzug (or Désalpe in French-speaking regions).
Picture this: cows with giant bells around their necks and crowns of flowers on their heads, farmers in traditional dress, the sound of yodels and alphorns, and villages that turn into mini festivals with markets, music, and plenty of cheese. It’s part parade, part harvest festival, and 100% Swiss charm.
If you’re planning a trip in September or early October, catching an Alpabzug is one of the most unique (and photogenic!) experiences you can have.
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Urnäsch, Appenzell
Late every September, the quiet Appenzell village of Urnäsch transforms into a lively celebration of Alpine traditions.
Farmers lead their decorated cattle down from the summer pastures, while both locals and visitors enjoy a fun market and festive atmosphere. It’s one of the most charming and authentic Alpabzug experiences in Switzerland. Not only are the goats and cows led down to the valley, but the locals dress up and carry bells as well.
If you are in the Zurich area, it is just over an hour by car, although public transport is easier because its so busy (1.5 hours by train).
- Location: Village center, Urnäsch (Appenzell region), centered around Kronenplatz (Northeast Switzerland)
- Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025
- Time: 09:00 AM – after midday; cows arrive in the village between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM
- Highlights:
- Traditional farmer’s market with over 50 stalls of regional products
- Entertaining pig races are held three times during the day
- Live music from the local Buebechörli choir
- Road closures during the morning; public transport is highly recommended
Schüpfheim (Near Lucerne)— Entlebucher Alpabfahrt
The Schüpfheim Alpabfahrt is one of Switzerland’s largest and most popular, just 45 minutes by car or train from Lucerne.
Over 300 cattle are beautifully adorned with flowers and bells as they march into the village, accompanied by alpine music, local food, and a joyful folk fair.
- Location: Schüpfheim village center, Hauptstrasse (Lucerne region)
- Date: Saturday, 27 September 2025
- Times:
- 07:30 AM – 09:00 AM: Start of the descent from Sörenberg
- 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Through Flühli and Hasle
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Market and festivities in Schüpfheim
- 11:15 AM: Arrival of farming families with their herds
- 1:15 PM: Yodelling choir & alphorn concert at the church square, followed by Älplerchilbi (folk fair)
- 6:00 PM: End of market; road reopens
- Highlights:
- More than 300 decorated cows led by local families
- Cheese and regional product market from 10:00 AM
- Yodelling, alphorns, and brass bands throughout the day
- Traditional folk fair with music, food, and dancing
- Around 10,000 visitors expected — arrive early and use public transport
Prättigauer Alp Spektakel
The village of Seewis in Prättigau (1.5 hours’ drive from Zurich) hosts one of the most entertaining alpine parties around: the Prättigauer Alp Spektakel.
Think of it as a mix between a traditional cow parade and a lively village fair, with decorated animals, plenty of cheese, local crafts, music, and even some quirky competitions. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to summer in true Swiss style.
- Location: Seewis im Prättigau, Graubünden
- Dates (2025): Saturday, 4 October & Sunday, 5 October
Times:
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Highlights
- Grand cow parade (Alpabzug) with more than 100 decorated cows, goats, and sheep
- Cheese tastings and a big specialty market with regional products
- Fun for kids: petting zoo, sheep shearing, baking & crafts
- Competitions like “Miss Rinderspektakel,” crowning of the Alp Queen, and even an alpine beard contest
- Plenty of live music with yodelling, alphorns, and local bands
Practical Info
- Entry: CHF 12 per adult, free for kids under 16
- Ticket includes shuttle buses and discounts on site
- Easy to reach by public transport or shuttle; parking is limited
Around Interlaken
The events around Interlaken are also typically mid-late in September although the dates are only announced shortly before they happen. So, if you are in the area be sure to check with the local tourist office to find out if they know the exact dates yet.
Mürren
The stars of the descent are the cows richly decorated with flowers, ribbons, and bell collars. And of course, the farmers leading them are also dressed for the occasion in traditional attire.
- Season: Annually in mid-September, with the exact date announced only shortly before the event
- Location: The descent route leads into the village of Mürren
Wengen – Lauterbrunnen
One of the best parts about being in the Interlaken area is the cow descents with the epic mountain views and what better place than Wengen to see it. Cows, adorned with colorful flower crowns (tschäppl) and large, ornate bells, are herded through Wengen’s streets
- Season: Annually in late-September, with the exact date announced only shortly before the event
- Location: The parade takes place in Wengen, often along Dorfstrasse or other main streets, with cows sometimes continuing to nearby Lauterbrunnen
Near Zermatt
For those near to Zermatt in the Wallis area of Switzerland, here are a few ideas.
Täsch
The nearby town of Täsch (where people leave their cars to go to Zermatt) is a very close Alpazug in early September. Sure, it’s nowhere near as big and spectacular as the Prattigauer or Appenzell ones, but if you are in Zermatt for the weekend, then why not!
The day starts on the Täschalp with cheese distribution and mass, before the cows are led down, starting at 10 a.m. More information (in German) can be found here.
- Date: Saturday, 6th September 2025, cows start descending at 10 am
- Location: The descent route leads into the village of Täsch from the Täschalp above
Blatten–Belalp
Just up the valley from Brig/Visp along the Glacier Express line is Blatten and Belalp
- Date: Saturday, 20th September 2025
- Highlights: Festively decorated Eringer cows parade into Blatten (near Naters), surrounded by a festive market setting, folk music, and traditionally crowned “Belalp Alpine Queen.” Open and free to enjoy.
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more 
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums. 
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland. 
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland. 
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland. 
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring! 
Great guide! Really helpful details on the dates, locations, and highlights of each Alpabfahrt. Makes planning a visit much easier. The descriptions bring the festive atmosphere to life.