Summer freedom up high
Bringing the cows and the dairy cattle up to the mountain pastures in the summer is an old tradition in the Dolomites.
It is said that the grass and flowers which grow on the mountain pastures in the summer are healthy. The cows that graze here produce milk which is quite different from any other and tastes delicious.
Bringing up the cattle to the alpine pastures at the beginning of June and taking them back down into the valleys in September is an ancient tradition in the Dolomites. Some of the pastures are very remote and many of them can be reached only on foot.
Traditionally the herdsmen who stay with the cattle for the three summer months use the milk to make fresh cheese and butter which they then sell to people walking by.
It’s wonderful to visit the mountain hut with children because it gives them the possibility to see how farm animals like cows, goats or sheep live.
In the province of Trentino guided itineraries along the mountain paths lead to the high altitude grazing pasturelands and to the ‘malghe’, the typical alpine huts, where you can watch the dairymen at work with their animals.
Of course you may also taste their homemade specialities such as cheese and other local delicacies together with a glass of wine, hospitality also being a great tradition on the mountain pastures.
