A shepherd’s symphony of hooves

I encountered a true local shepherd today in Borisried, just outside of Berne. Crisp winter air, sun sparkling on the snow, and there he was, guiding his flock of 800 sheep across the frozen landscape and along the rolling hills. A breathtaking sight – a reminder of an earlier time and the enduring deep connection between humans and the land.

It is difficult to say how many nomadic shepherds there are left in Switzerland. Population density, agricultural infrastructure and the fight for free agricultural land make it difficult for them to find their place in 21st century Switzerland. This has contributed to a decline in their numbers. It is estimated that around 40 herds still roam through Switzerland today.

Shepherds tending their flocks have a long tradition in Switzerland. As early as 5000 BC, shepherds in the southwest of the country began to take their flocks on foot to the alpine pastures at an altitude of around 2750 metres.

All photos were shot on a Samsung Galaxy S21.

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