Community Chat

[Oznell]

High Swiss meadows, skirted by mountains, are such a calming sight.

The tranquillity has been disturbed in the village of Aarwangen.  Two residents asked that the traditional Swiss cowbells that wandering herds wear,  be removed at night, maintaining that the bells are a noise nuisance.

(How cute is that little white calf in the backgroud?)

Swiss farmers and villlagers have opposed that.  Bells have traditionally been used to help herders track cows on Alpine meadows, and, over the centuries, have become a part of the culture.

Aarwangen has a fairy tale quality, and even their own little castle-

Next month, there will be a vote.  Of the two people who objected to "cows-with-bells",  one has moved away, and the other withdrew the original complaint.  

Sure hope they can iron this out.  Switzerland is such a fascinating country.  The one city I've been to, Lucerne, was radiantly beautiful, with its shimmering lake and all the charms of a very old town--

I wonder where Heidi and Peter would come down on the issue...

[twinsister]

@Oznell  - Your post brought back a memory from my trip to Switzerland.  We were visiting a small village (maybe this one, I don't remember), and it was very foggy.  We couldn't see the Alps, but could hear the cow bells.  For a girl from NYC it was a sound I was not accustomed to, so it really impressed me.   I hope the bells are not removed.

I agree with you about Lucerne.  Such a beautiful place with the covered bridge and the swans.  Thanks for posting these pictures - love Heidi and Peter!!

[Tshirtgal]

My husband and I travel to Switzerland once a year.  The entire country is lovely for those who are outdoor lovers.  A winter or summer visit never disappoints.  Great views.  Clean. The best train system.  Easy to get around.  Welcoming, friendly people.  The sound of cows bells while hiking the alps is a calm, serene, joyful sound.  I am guessing the farmer and cows have been there much longer then the two people who complained.  I am surprised this even made the news.  Most of us learn to live with noise whether it be airplanes overhead, cargo trains, and highway traffic.  I will take the cow bells!!

[Yahooey]

you want to live in an area that is cow abundant 

you expect a few moos and a cow bell

i live in NYC - it is noisy

i wish it was only cowbells i hear

[vermint]

I would be willing to bet that the two who complained, moved there from somewhere else. 

[DrKelli]

I was an exchange student in Switzerland--I chose that country because it reminded me of home.  The cowbells are literally a national treasure.  The people that complained must not have been Swiss nationals . . .

[JeanLouiseFinch]

More Cowbell! 🔔  if the bells are removed at night, how will the farmer find a wandering cow in the mornjng?

Sheesh, these whiners need to grow up.🙄

[DSD2]

Lucerne does seem "radiantly beautiful" @Oznell 

The pictures were lovely. Thank you for posting!

[deepwaterdotter]

I'm glad the 'beef' is over.  The media likes to 'milk' things like this for entertainment value, then 'moo-ve' on. 

[Oznell]

Ooh, that must have been haunting, hearing those cowbells in the romantic fog, @twinsister .   That's so neat that you, @Tshirtgal , and @DrKelli ,  have memories of the cowbells.  Sadly, I do not, since I guess I wasn't close enough to them in the urban areas there, but would have loved it!

One of the Swiss "pro-bell" people said a similar thing-- whenever he returns to Switzerland, via the Zurich airport, the first thing that tells him that he is home, is hearing the cowbells.  It sounded like most Swiss are incensed at the very idea of taking them away...

Oh, yeah, @DSD2 ,  Lucerne is absolutely dreamy, exceptional -- it's been decades, and I've never forgotten the quiet spell it weaves!