Summer on the Gorneren Alp was one of those times when the days are long and the hands are heavy in the evening. Civilian service on an alp sounds romantic. It is romantic. But first and foremost, it is work: steep, sweat-inducing, sometimes monotonous, and precisely for that reason, so satisfying.
I was mostly working with Hansueli and Susanne. Calm, attentive people who teach you the rhythm up here: get out early, pitch in, keep going.
Haymaking on Steep Slopes Link to heading
Once, we made hay on a truly steep slope. You quickly realize: it’s not just “raking a bit of grass.” These are unfamiliar movements, every step counts, and at the end of the day, you know exactly what you’ve accomplished.
Traditional haystacks, though still seen occasionally, are more of a rarity today than part of daily life on the alp. However, on the steep slope, we made an exception for once and built a haystack in the traditional way.
In between, you lift your head and only then realize how steep it actually is. The valley lies far below, and you stand up there with hay on your shoes and the sun on your neck.
And when clouds hang over the mountains, everything feels both welcoming and a little wild at the same time.
Daily Routine Link to heading
Daily life on the alp was defined by a simple but relentless rhythm. There were no excuses: the work was dictated by the weather and the needs of the animals.
Maintenance and Pasture Care Link to heading
A large part of our time was spent maintaining the alp. We split felled logs and stacked them to dry for firewood. On the pastures, we regularly mowed and tackled invasive species (neophytes) – tedious but necessary work to keep the valuable grazing areas open.
Caring for the Animals Link to heading
A large part of the daily routine was caring for the animals: suckler cows and their calves. Bringing them to the pastures in the evening, mucking out the stable, and bringing them back in the morning. It is an honest routine – you know exactly why you are getting up so early, because the animals don’t wait for you to sleep in.
August 1st on the Alp Link to heading
August 1st was a beautiful contrast to the routine. There was a big brunch as a real event, with many people. Preparing, setting up, helping out wherever I was needed.
Hike towards Gamchi Link to heading
Between work, there was also time for a hike towards Gamchi. Suddenly, there was space again for everything you usually only notice out of the corner of your eye: light moving across the slopes, clouds clinging to the ridges, and that silence where you only hear your own footsteps.
Retrospective Link to heading
It was a very beautiful and at the same time demanding time, with the entire Zurbrügg family, from young to old. I really enjoyed the nature and the work. And I realized how good it feels when the day is so clearly structured that in the evening only “eat, sleep, tomorrow again” remains.
