What IS the Désalpe, you ask? Well, one thing Switzerland is famous for is its cows, with their clanging bells. If you have done a mountain hike in Switzerland, you have probably heard the tinkling of the bells (it really is a pleasant sound!), because the cows graze at high altitudes in the summer. However, before it gets cold, the cows are brought down to be given a warm place for the winter. Of course, why not celebrate this annual event? Hence the “Désalpe” – kind of like “un-Alp”, meaning to bring the cows down from the alps. Neat, eh?
Now, back to my five reasons.
Reason Number One: You get to see a cow parade. (bring earplugs for the clanging bells – not so enchanting up close!)
(Yes, many of the cows have fancy floral headresses!)
Reason Number Two: You can try traditional Swiss raclette. (Heated raclette cheese scraped onto boiled potatoes – delish!)
Reason Number Three: You get to hear an alpen horn quartet. The mellow sound they make is beautiful – I think it’s quite a difficult instrument to play!
Reason Number Four: You get to see some traditional Swiss garb.
Reason Number Five: Most importantly, you get to experience an ancient Swiss tradition.
I wish you all a good week – I’m off to Copenhagen!
northkate
That would be neat to see (and hear!). When does it happen? In late summer? Great post!
Thanks! I did really enjoy it. This past year it was on Saturday September 22nd – next year it should be around the same time.
This looks so cool!!
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