"For us, our cows are not a number, they have a name and a family connection," explains mountain farmer Hansueli Klopfenstein with a laugh. He proudly points to the photo of "Juliette", who was crowned the most beautiful Simmental cow at the Älplerfest a few years ago. The former "Miss Lenk" combines outer and inner values.

"Cows are very sensitive," Klopfenstein continues, "if I'm in a bad mood or annoyed, they notice immediately." Children quickly connect with the animals. They stretch out their little hands and stroke the fine fur. They also like to try out exactly how it works when milking or making cheese.

The cows are milked twice a day, at 6 a.m. in the morning and 5 p.m. in the afternoon. This is repeated seven days a week, regardless of whether it's a weekday, Sunday or public holiday.

A strenuous daily routine that many visitors to the alp are unaware of.

A breeze, bees and crickets in the flower meadow on the slope. The view over the valley is wide and unobstructed. Even in the 21st century, life on the alp is still original and modest. You automatically forget the stress of everyday life and feel how little it takes to be happy.

Closeness demands respect

The cow, who goes by the name of "Spiegel", snorts loudly, chews peacefully and looks curiously as soon as someone comes near her. Hiking trails often lead across cow pastures. "But that doesn't mean you can just walk up to the cows," warns the mountain farmer. "You have to treat cows with respect, sense whether they really want to be stroked and be aware that although cows are peaceful, they have a strong maternal instinct and can become very wild if you get too close to their calf."

It's time to make our way back. A large piece of alpine cheese goes into the rucksack. One last look back. The cows look after you and it almost looks as if there is hope of seeing you again in their benevolent gaze.