The end of summer is marked in many alpine areas with the descent of the cows from their summer pastures in the mountains. Often the cows have flowers entwined in their horns. In some places the festivities are combined with street fairs. This normally takes place in the middle or end of September.

Chästeilet

At the end of the summer alpine season the cheese produced by the cows is divided up between the owners in a ceremony known in Bernese Swiss German as the Chästeilet.

The best known version of this ceremony is held in the Justistal above Lake Thun in Canton Bern on the Friday after Bettag (the Day of Prayer, held on the 3rd Sunday in September).

It attracts not only the owners, who arrive in decorated trailers, but also numerous visitors, who have the chance to buy alpine cheese - even whole wheels, if they want to.

Cattle markets

Cattle shows and cattle markets are also a feature of the weeks following the descent of the cattle from summer pasture.

Many of the farmers and some of the visitors wear traditional costume.