Summer begins with the long march to the Alp

Boys have the honour of leading the Alp procession in Appenzell. swissimage

In many parts of the Switzerland, the herding of cows up to their alpine pastures is one of the most colourful events of the year. Nowhere is the tradition as strong as in Appenzell in northeastern Switzerland.

It’s up to the dairyman to decide when conditions are right to move the herds. Depending on the region, the cows are first driven to pastures in the lower pre-Alps, usually in late May, where they spend a few short weeks before being moved to higher ground in the Alps proper.

The latter procession is accompanied by much pomp and pageantry.

In Appenzell, it is a finely choreographed affair, with the march usually beginning before daybreak. A goatherder, dressed in traditional costume, walks at the front of the procession, leading a few goats.

Not far behind walks the proud dairyman in full costume, carrying a carved and painted wooden milk pail over his shoulder. He is followed by the three best cows of the herd, weighed down by large bells ringing below their necks.

The owner of the herd follows with the rest of the cattle, and a horse-drawn carriage, transporting the tools needed for the summer’s work on the Alp, takes up the rear.

The tourist offices in the Appenzell region can provide dates and places for the procession, but only on short notice.

swissinfo