Breeds of Appenzell
An eastern Swiss canton where herders in red waistcoats lead brown cows with great bells up to the summer pastures.
Breeds of this place
Best time: May to June for the Alpfahrt; September to October for the cattle shows.
Appenzell lies below the Säntis in north-eastern Switzerland, a landscape of rounded hills, scattered farms and small villages. Its herding traditions are among the most colourful in the Alps. In early summer, herders in red waistcoats and yellow breeches lead their brown cows up to the alpine pastures, with three large bells carried or worn at the front of the herd.
Brown cattle
Most cows here are Braunvieh, the brown cattle of central and eastern Switzerland. The old type, now called Original Braunvieh, was bred for milk, meat and work. In the United States, Swiss brown cattle were selected for milk and became the Brown Swiss, which was later brought back to improve Swiss herds.
Up and down the mountain
The Alpfahrt, the move to the alpine pastures, takes place in May or June, and the herds come down in autumn. Herders sing a wordless yodel called the Zäuerli. Cattle shows in autumn bring the best cows to the village squares. Appenzell cheese, rubbed with herbal brine as it ripens, is made from the milk.
A trail idea for Appenzell
- Appenzell village Painted houses around the main square.
- Säntis The highest peak of the region, with views over the pastures.
- Alpine pastures Brown cows on the slopes in summer.
Written by the EveryCow desk with AI assistance. Background: "Appenzell" on Wikipedia. Fair dates, markets and visiting rules change; check locally before travelling, and keep a respectful distance from working animals. If something is wrong, tell us.
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