🏔️🔔 Alpine Magic at Gemmi Pass: My Day at the Shepherds’ Festival

#springitinerary Every September, Switzerland’s **Gemmi Pass** transforms into a celebration of alpine heritage at the **Shepherds’ Festival (Schäferfest)**. I joined this year’s event—a dazzling mix of cow parades, folk traditions, and mountain hospitality. Here’s how my day unfolded: ### **🌅 Morning: Arrival in the Alps** - **7:30 AM Cable Car Ride**: Soared from **Kandersteg** to **Gemmi Pass** (2,270m), greeted by golden sunrise over the Bernese Alps. - **9:00 AM Herd Parade**: Hundreds of **sheep, goats, and cows**—decked in flower crowns and bells—marched past snowy peaks. The *Kranztier* (lead animal) wore a crown of edelweiss! ### **🎪 Midday: Festival Highlights** - **11:00 AM Shepherd’s Market**: Sampled **Alpkäse**, aged in high-altitude huts, and bought raw-milk **Sbrinz** cheese. - **12:30 PM Folk Music & Dance**: Ländler bands played while locals demonstrated **whip-cracking** and **yodeling**—I (badly) tried both! - **1:30 PM Lunch with a View**: Ate **Hobelkäse** (shaved alpine cheese) and **Roggenbrot** on a hay bale, overlooking the Daubensee lake. ### **🌄 Afternoon: Alpine Adventures** - **3:00 PM Sheepdog Trials**: Border collies herded flocks through obstacle courses—so skillful! - **4:30 PM Hike to Spittelmatte**: Walked among grazing herds, with farmers explaining how **summer pastures** protect biodiversity. ### **✨ Why Gemmi Pass Stands Out** ✅ **Rugged Beauty**: Glaciers and turquoise lakes as your backdrop. ✅ **Authentic Vibe**: Few tourists, just farmers sharing stories. ✅ **Unique Tradition**: One of Switzerland’s last true shepherding festivals. **Insider Tip**: Stay overnight at the **historic Schwarenbach Inn**—their **Käsesuppe** (cheese soup) is legendary! **Ever been to a shepherds’ festival? Share your favorite alpine memory below!** �🐑