Alpine Spectacular

Today 500 cows made the ascent of nearly 560m up the steep mountain path to their new home for the summer: Engstligenalp.

The traditional annual parade of the cows making their way up the mountain started at 5am this morning, with all the cows expecting to be up on the alp by lunchtime. Staff, Volunteers and guests made their way to see the cows off: it was an amazing experience. The Adelboden parade is said to be one of the most spectacular in Switzerland with many tourists coming from far and wide to see the parade.

Many of the locals had dressed up in their traditional Swiss clothes to herd the cows up the mountain. It was a family affair with many generations lending a hand to ensure that their herd made it up the mountain safely.

You could hear the sound of cow bells all around, and looking up you could see the different herds snaking up the mountain path. Some of the younger cows who were not able walk up the mountain were given a lift in a special cow gondola. Many of the staff members had seen this gondola sitting in the station but never in use so it was a rare sight to see.

Despite the early start it was a truly spectacular morning, a once in a life time experience for many of the staff and guests who got up to see the parade.