Probably the most beautiful walk home of the year

Six Things That Make the Alpine Cattle Drive Special

You hear them before they come.
First, there's a sound somewhere in the distance. Then the bells grow louder, and suddenly the herd comes around the corner. The alpine cattle drive shows how to make a grand entrance even without spotlights.

The alpine pasture comes down to the valley.
The alpine cattle drive marks the end of the alpine summer. The herdsmen and women return with the animals, and alpine cheese and local products are available at the market. A piece of mountain summer to take home.

A Fashion Show of the Alpine Summer.
The herdsmen and women wear their traditional costumes, the cows their floral decorations. The Hermesserin, the cow that gave the most milk, is especially adorned. A catwalk isn't needed; the road is perfectly sufficient.

There's a method to the madness.
The alpine team leads the way, followed by the decorated cows, and then the rest of the livestock, including calves and goats. Those at the front know pretty much exactly where the journey is headed.

An Alpine summer with little water.
"This summer was a particular challenge for the alpine farmers. When water becomes scarce and feed is no longer sufficient, sometimes the only option is to descend earlier," says Sabrina Liesch from the organizing committee of the alpine descent.

The limited water and feed reserves demanded a great deal of flexibility from the farmers and led to some animals returning to the valley earlier than planned. This doesn't change the traditional alpine descent itself.

There's more to it than just a beautiful custom.
The alpine descent is also a moment of gratitude. An alpine summer is hard work, and when both people and animals return to the valley healthy, it's something to celebrate.

And there will be plenty to celebrate: From 9 a.m. onwards, food and drink and a market await in the Monbiel parking lot. Anyone who wants to try their hand at Swiss wrestling can participate in a taster session with Christian Biäsch from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This will take place even in bad weather, as it will remain dry and warm in the heated festival tent. The cattle drive begins at 11 a.m., followed by live music and a children's programme from 12:30 p.m.

From 7 p.m. onwards, the festivities continue with Markus Wolfahrt, Kitsch, and the Gatschiefer Quartet. Admission is free. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the PostBus can be used free of charge from Klosters Platz train station to Monbiel car park – with boarding at the regular bus stops. Those who don't want to miss the cattle drive should arrive early and enjoy the market and food stalls beforehand.

So, listen up, have your camera ready, and be in Monbiel on 19 September!