Cows , Bells and Christmas Trees

Every Autumn in Lauterbrunnen they have a special day when they bring the cows down from the mountain to save them from the winter weather. At first we couldn't work out why there were so many people with their cameras lining the street. After a short wait we saw this procession and a visiting American lady explained what was going on. She saw it last year as well

Led by a young boy in traditional dress with his mother

The tradition is to have decorated Christmas trees on their heads. The younger cows just wear a ring of flowers

My favourite girl

We were very fortunate to be there for that day. The shepherds had a little gathering in a field by the church and gave anyone who wanted it a shot of hot sticky drink, that you wouldn't want to have too much of. They partied on quietly whilst the cowbells clinked and chimed and no doubt the cows breathed a sigh of relief - especially when they could get those bells taken off