Every autumn, Switzerland celebrates a colorful tradition known as the cow parade—called Alpabfahrt or Alpabzug in German-speaking regions and Désalpe in French-speaking areas. These parades mark the end of summer, when cows and other livestock leave their alpine pastures and return to valley farms for winter. Decorated with fresh flowers, greenery, and large ceremonial bells, the cows march proudly through villages and towns, often accompanied by alphorn players, yodelers, and folk musicians. The most productive milk cows or herd leaders are given especially elaborate adornments. Our kids loved seeing children their own age helping guide the animals along the route with their families. Fall in Switzerland wouldn’t feel complete without at least one of these parades, which usually take place between September and October. We often check the MySwitzerland website for dates and locations, and over the years we’ve attended parades in Kerns, Emmetten, and Hofstetten, each with its own special family-friendly charm.
Kerns Alpabfahrt
In 2023, we attended the Kerns cow parade, just 20 minutes south of Lucerne. It remains one of our favorites because of its size and festive atmosphere. We arrived early and found parking attendants efficiently directing traffic. The parade and town center are stroller-friendly, though be prepared for messy streets afterward thanks to the cows (lots of cow poop). Before the festivities, we browsed the market, where stalls sold traditional Swiss cheese, sausages, sweets, and crafts.
When the parade began, we enjoyed everything from alphorns and yodeling to horse-drawn carriages, decorated donkeys (carrying wheels of cheese!), and goats. Then came the stars themselves—the cows—led proudly by local farming families in traditional dress. Herd after herd passed by, bells clanging rhythmically, for nearly three hours. We saw many families with noise cancelling headphones for little ones.
Midway through, the kids grew restless and hungry, so we headed to Gasthaus Rose, conveniently located along the parade route. From its upstairs windows we enjoyed a warm meal while still catching every detail of the procession. Food stalls are also plentiful, but the elevated seating gave the kids a perfect view over the large crowds. With its lively atmosphere, variety of events, and sheer number of animals, Kerns is a cow parade we highly recommend.
Emmetten Alpabzug
In 2024, we visited the Emmetten Alpabzug, about 25 minutes from Lucerne. Despite aiming to arrive early, the main parking was already full, so we asked a local restaurant if we could park there in exchange for grabbing a drink—and it worked perfectly. Emmetten’s parade is paired with a charming market showcasing handmade crafts, cheeses, and other regional specialties.
Because it was a hot day, we opted for indoor pizza at La Cucina di Susi. The relaxed, family-friendly setting (complete with high chairs) made it easy to dine with the kids, and our window table let us step outside as soon as we heard the cowbells. The cows were beautifully decorated with embroidered bells and flower garlands, but to our surprise, only a single herd appeared. Spectators lingered, expecting more, but none followed. We’re not sure if this is typical for Emmetten. Although smaller and quieter than Kerns, the event was still worthwhile, thanks to the market atmosphere, local food, and the excitement of being part of the tradition.
Hofstetten Alpabzug
In 2025, we ventured farther to Hofstetten, near Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. The drive from Lucerne took under an hour, and parking attendants made arrival simple, even when we showed up later than ideal. Food stalls offered raclette and other favorites, while a free bouncy castle kept kids entertained near the parking lot.
We particularly appreciated the regular updates given by men on motorized bicycles, who announced parade timings every 15 minutes. Before the cows arrived, performances such as alphorn playing, flag throwing, and yodeling entertained the crowd. The parade opened with goats jingling their bells, followed by cows adorned with flower crowns, floral chest bands, and giant ceremonial bells. Unlike Emmetten, multiple herds appeared here—though still fewer than at Kerns. Afterwards, families were invited to visit the animals up close as farmers removed their decorations.
Hofstetten offers an added bonus: it’s right next to Trauffer Erlebniswelt, home of Switzerland’s iconic wooden toy cows. Our children enjoy collecting new animals from there on special occasions. The Erlebniswelt includes a museum, restaurant, playground, indoor play areas, lockers, and even board games, making it a perfect family stop. While we were waiting for the parade, the children enjoyed the playground until they heard the cow bells. After the parade, we enjoyed lunch (hot dogs and burgers) and ended with soft-serve ice cream and toppings—a huge hit with the kids. For more information on a trip to Trauffer Erlebniswelt, click here. To top it off, the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum is right next door. While Hofstetten’s parade isn’t the largest, it offers the richest mix of activities for a full family day out.
Conclusion
Whether in Kerns, Emmetten, Hofstetten, or another alpine village, Swiss cow parades (Alpabfahrt/Alpabzug/Désalpe) are a vivid glimpse into Alpine farming traditions. Each one blends heritage, music, food, and family festivities, making for a fun and educational experience for all ages. Travelers visiting Switzerland in September or October should try to catch one of these parades. And if timing doesn’t work out, another option is a livestock show (Viehausstellung), such as the Einsiedeln Viehausstellung we’ve enjoyed, with competitions for cows, goats, and sheep, followed by small animal parades. For more information on the Einsiedeln Viehausstellung, click here. However you experience it, a Swiss cow parade truly captures the spirit of Alpine culture, food, and family togetherness. For more information on other fall festivals in Switzerland, click here.