This documentary explores the ancient and arduous tradition of wild haymaking ("Wildheuen") on the steep, vertical slopes surrounding Lake Lucerne in the canton of Uri, Switzerland. The film follows mountain farmers, primarily Seb Herger Junior and his father, as they navigate the dangerous terrain to harvest nutrient-rich hay from areas inaccessible to livestock. This practice, a blend of traditional methods like scything and modern assistance from machinery and helicopters, serves multiple purposes: it provides essential winter fodder for their animals, maintains the region's unique biodiversity, and prevents forest encroachment. For their contribution to landscape conservation, the farmers receive subsidies from the canton. Beyond the haymaking itself, the video offers an intimate look into the demanding daily life on a Swiss alp, including traditional wood-fired cheesemaking, passionate goat breeding, and the constant reliance on family, community, and faith to overcome the challenges of weather and isolation. The documentary highlights the dedication required to preserve this culturally significant craft, which has nearly vanished elsewhere in Europe.
The Enduring Tradition of Swiss Wild Haymaking
0:00:21 Introduction to Wild Haymaking: On the steep slopes of Lake Lucerne, Swiss farmers uphold an ancient tradition of mowing wild hay in areas too steep for cattle. This physically demanding work provides extra winter fodder and is subsidized by the canton of Uri for its role in landscape conservation.
0:01:41 The Benefits of Wild Hay: Farmer Seb Herger explains that wild hay is rich in diverse herbs and flowers. It offers superior nutrition for his animals, with certain plants like Esparsette acting as a natural dewormer for goats. The regular mowing also maintains biodiversity and prevents the uncontrolled spread of trees.
0:03:07 Economic and Cultural Motivation: The practice is economically viable due to government subsidies (around €2,800 per hectare) and savings on animal feed. More importantly, it is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition passed down through generations, driven by passion.
0:04:00 Blending Old and New Techniques: Seb Junior uses a modern mower for most slopes, while his father, Seb Senior, uses a traditional scythe on the most treacherous and uneven terrain, demonstrating a mix of modern efficiency and time-honored skill.
0:05:51 A Glimpse into Life on the Alp: Seb Junior and his wife Andrea spend their summers on the Musenalp. Their primary income comes from making and selling artisanal cheese from the milk of cows they care for on behalf of valley farmers.
0:13:32 The Art of Sharpening a Scythe: Seb Senior demonstrates the traditional skill of "Däeln," meticulously hammering a scythe blade on an anvil to make it razor-sharp. This essential craft is a testament to the knowledge passed down through generations.
0:15:13 Traditional Cheesemaking without Electricity: With no power grid, Andrea makes cheese by heating milk in a copper vat over a wood fire. This requires immense skill to control the temperature, but it produces a unique, high-quality alpine cheese. They produce about 5 tons each summer.
0:22:00 The Dangers of the Slopes: The work is extremely hazardous. Sudden weather changes are a constant threat, and the farmers explain that dry hay on a steep slope is as "slippery as black ice," where one misstep can be fatal.
0:32:23 The Role of Helicopters: In the most remote and difficult-to-access areas, helicopters are crucial. They transport heavy equipment to the slopes and, more importantly, airlift massive bales of hay (up to 800 kg each) down to the farms, making work in these areas feasible.
0:38:37 Preserving Ancient Knowledge: Farmers demonstrate how to build a "Triste," a traditional, meticulously layered haystack built around a central pole. This technique allows hay to be stored outdoors for months, shedding rain and staying dry until it can be retrieved in winter.
0:43:27 Passion for Goat Breeding: The film highlights the Herger brothers' passion for breeding prize-winning Toggenburg goats. They participate in a major show, showcasing their dedication and the high standards of Swiss animal husbandry.
0:48:31 The Future of the Tradition: Wild haymaking is experiencing a resurgence thanks to subsidies, but its survival depends on passing the skills and passion to the next generation. Modern aids like helicopters are controversial but essential for preserving this unique cultural landscape.
0:50:34 The Satisfaction of the Harvest: At the end of the season, Seb Junior uses a traditional hay rope to lower the final bales down the mountain, reflecting on the hard work and the deep satisfaction of caring for nature and upholding a valuable tradition.