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A parade of cows wearing cow bells and decorated in flowers descending from the alpine pastures in the désalpes at the start of autumn in Switzerland

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The best désalpes for families in Switzerland

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Every autumn across the countryside of Switzerland, a centuries-old tradition brings local communities and visitors together from across the world. They gather to witness hundreds of cows descend from their lush mountain pastures - where they’ve spent the summer months grazing - to the lower plains where they will see the winter through.

Known in the French-speaking parts of Switzerland as désalpe and in the German-speaking parts as alpabfahrt, these family-friendly festivals are typically celebrated between August and October every year across Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Celebrations are centred around the cow parades in which cows are decorated in bells and floral headdresses and proudly displayed by their herdsmen and families. Goats, sheep and even donkeys often also participate in the parades.&nbsp;Visitors can enjoy yodelling, alp-horn performances and folk entertainment, while tasting local produce, including cheeses produced by the very same parading cows.

“The Swiss désalples festivals are core community events with everyone in the town getting involved. Even the floral decorations on the cows are provided for free by local florists.”

Fran Lambert, Head of Media &amp; Communications (UK &amp; Ireland) for Switzerland Tourism, says of the désalpes: “These events are incredibly special to local communities. Seeing the cows come down the mountains can be an emotional experience, because the cows are so important to the farmers. They are not just livestock; they are a precious part of the family. The farmers keep their cows until they are old – they’re not sent off to be slaughtered and are significant to their livelihoods.&nbsp;“The festivals are core community events with everyone in the town getting involved. Even the floral decorations on the cows are provided for free by local florists.” We’ve rounded up some of the best traditional désalpes for families in Switzerland coming up in the next few weeks.

<h2>Switzerland's désalpes are the essence of Swiss culture</h2>

Switzerland’s désalpes are the ideal way to experience the essence of Swiss culture. They’re inherently family-friendly and well attended by children, many of whom come from the local villages. Some of the désalpes offer opportunities for kids to meet and pet the animals and many have child-focused games on offer. The excitement of seeing the colourfully decorated cows parading through the streets coupled with the traditional sounds and tastes of Switzerland make for the perfect family day out. For more family-friendly ideas, see our <a href="https://www.flokkids.com/blog/whats-on-september-2024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(126, 90, 155);">September What’s On Guide</a>. <h2> </h2>

<h2>Fun facts about the désalpes in Switzerland</h2>

•	Alp-horns are traditional Swiss instruments that were once used by mountain dwellers to communicate across long distances in the mountains. Today they are used for entertainment with an average of five alp-horn players performing together. •	According to Fran, most cheese farmers have three properties: one in the village, one halfway up the mountain, and one at the very top of the mountain. During springtime, they’ll stay halfway up the mountain and then when it gets warmer, they’ll take their cows to the very top of the mountain where the quality of grass is best thanks to mineral-rich soil and alpine herbs. Farmers try to maximise the time their cows spend high up in the mountains to encourage top quality produce. Image credits: Fran Lambert, Head of Media &amp; Communications (UK &amp; Ireland) for Switzerland Tourism, L'Évitaz AOP, Bern Tourism, Lenk im Simmental Tourism