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From over 80 alps down into the valley - the traditional cattle ascent and cattle descent in the Canton of Glarus

Updated: 3 days ago

Every year at the end of September, the cows move down into the valley from all the Glarus Alps, as they do in these last weeks of September.  In Schwanden, Klöntal and Näfels, visitors stand in line.


Image source: Glarnerland Tourism (foto from Fritz Leuzinger)


In the canton of Glarus, the annual ascent and descent of the cattle from the valleys to the alpine pastures is a deeply rooted part of the culture and the agricultural cycle. When the cows are led from the valleys up to the lush pastures of the Alps in spring, a centuries-old tradition begins that has not only aesthetic and traditional value, but also economic and ecological significance for the region. But why are cows taken to the Alps at all in the summer, and why do they return to the valley in the fall?


The origin of the seasonal movements of livestock


For centuries, summer has been used in the Alpine region, particularly in Switzerland, for so-called summer grazing. This involves the practice of taking livestock to higher altitudes during the warm months, where they can graze on pastures that remain unused during the winter. This practice was originally a necessity to conserve the valley's scarce resources and ensure that the fields and meadows in the valley could regenerate to provide hay for the winter.


Summer in the Alps: optimal conditions for livestock


During the summer months, the Alpine meadows provide ideal conditions for grazing livestock. The succulent grasses and herbs on the high Alpine pastures are rich in nutrients and have a special quality that has a positive effect on milk production and the health of the animals. At higher altitudes, temperatures are also more pleasant than in the valleys, which is beneficial for cows, as they are sensitive to heat.Another advantage of the Alpine pastures is the natural freedom of movement that the animals are offered. They can move around more in the spacious Alpine terrain, which leads to better physical condition. The animals are generally less stressed and their natural way of life is ideally supported on the Alp.


Sustainable agriculture and the cycle of nature

Alpine summer grazing is not only important for the cows, but also for agriculture in the valley. While the animals are up on the mountain, the farmers in the valley have time to grow and store hay and fodder for the winter. This sustainable practice conserves resources, as the valley meadows are not used all year round. This clever form of land use ensures that the fields remain fertile and provide enough fodder for the cattle the following year.In addition, traditional alpine farming contributes to landscape conservation. By grazing the alpine pastures, cows and other grazing livestock prevent the areas from becoming overgrown or overgrown. This is particularly important for maintaining biodiversity in the Alpine regions.


The descent from the Alps: return to the valley and preparation for the winter


In the fall, when the days get shorter and the temperatures get cooler, the time on the alp comes to an end. The grasses on the alpine pastures begin to lose their nutritional value and there is an increasing risk of frost. For this reason, the cattle are brought back to the valley in a process known as the 'Alpabzug'. This return is not only for practical reasons, but is also a festive highlight of the agricultural year.Traditionally decorated and accompanied by festive parades, the animals and their shepherds make their way down to the valley, where the cows will spend the winter in the yard pastures or in the stables. The fodder collected in the valley during the summer is now used to get the animals through the winter.


Conclusion: a tradition with a future


The ascent and descent of the Alps are not only colorful traditions celebrated in the Glarus region and other parts of the Alps, but also an essential part of sustainable, resource-efficient agriculture. The cows enjoy the summer months at higher altitudes, where they benefit from the abundant natural resources, while the soil in the valley regenerates.In the fall, the animals return to the valley healthy and strong, ready for the winter months, while the Glarus region can look back proudly on a tradition that harmoniously connects nature, people and animals. In the future, the ascent and descent of the Alps will continue to play a central role in Glarus culture and agriculture.


 

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