From the mountains to the valley: the traditional Flimserstein cattle drive promises a spectacular event for young and old alike.

Flims, September 6, 2022. Around 200 cows and calves, floral headdresses, and loud bells – this is the traditional Flimserstein cattle drive. On Saturday, September 17, 2022, the cows will be ceremoniously led down the steep Scala Mola from Flimserstein to Bargis in the valley. Thanks to Buura Z'Morga, the traditional cattle drive is an experience for everyone, with rustic huts, a festival restaurant in Bargis, musical accompaniment, and a barn dance at the Lerchihof in Scheia.

After a beautiful, warm summer in the local Alps at Flimserstein, around 200 cows and calves return to the valley. The traditional Flims cattle descent will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2022. For the 17th time, the festively decorated cows will walk from Flimserstein via the famous Scala Mola to Bargis and down to the village of Flims. They will be accompanied by almost 60 Alpine farmers.

Unique Alpine trail

Until the cattle reach the Bargi Valley, 500 meters below, the farmers drive them along a steep and exposed path: the "Scala Mola" alpine path, built in 1645, was carved into the rocks of the Flimserstein and still runs almost along the original route today. "The sight of the proud Alpine farmers and the sound of the cows' bells never fails to overwhelm me," says André Gisler, tourism director of Flims Laax Falera. The cows walk over gravel and stone, meadows and paths. For the 50 to 60 Alpine women and mountain farmers, it is a challenging task – for spectators, the Flimserstein cattle drive is pure spectacle. The cattle drive can even be followed on screens via an exclusive cow cam. This is attached to a cow's jewelry and allows interested viewers to follow the cattle drive from a cow's perspective.

Brunch, festivities, and Swiss wrestling

The Flims cattle drive has something for everyone: delicious Buura Z’Morga breakfasts at the Attenhofer family farm or at the Berghaus Bargis mountain restaurant are sure to delight food lovers. Reservations are required for the Buura Z’Morga breakfast. A shuttle bus takes you comfortably from Flims to the high valley of Bargis. From 8:37 a.m., buses run exclusively for breakfast to Bargis. From 9:00 a.m., buses run every half hour from Flims village to Bargis. In Bargis, the festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Flims farmers. Risotto, Salsiz, cheese, cake, and other farm specialties leave nothing to be desired. There will also be stalls selling numerous delicacies, and children can let off steam in the sack flour during a trial wrestling session. At around 12:30 p.m., the cows are expected in Bargis and will then be led from Bargis to Fidaz and Flims village at around 3:00 p.m. In Fidaz, there will be an Älplerchilbi (alpine festival) from 11:00 a.m., and in Scheia at the Lerchihof, there will be a Stallchilbi (barn festival) in the afternoon from 3:00 p.m. Live music with Servus aus Tirol, dancing in the barn, Buura Z'nacht (farmer's supper) and a bar round off the Flimserstein cattle drive in festive style.

Long-standing tradition

The Flimserstein cattle drive is taking place for the 17th time this year. Even though it is a recurring event, it has lost none of its special character. Every year brings new challenges for the Alpine farmers, every year brings new stories and experiences on the Alps, and every year it is wonderful to celebrate the safe return of the cows to the valley.

The most important information at a glance:

Bus service from Flims Dorf Post to Bargis and back between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Shuttle bus to the Stallchilbi festival in Scheia between 6:00 p.m. and 2:45 a.m.

Tickets for Buura Z’Morga and/or bus travel with guaranteed departure times and seats are available at: seetickets.ch

Further information is available at flims.com/alpabzug or from the Flims Laax Falera tourist information office.
(081 920 92 00 / info@flimslaaxfalera.ch)

Click here for the program overview.