Festival · Sigriswil
Chästeilet in the Justistal
The Chästeilet is held each September at the Spycherberg in the Justistal, above Sigriswil on Lake Thun. In 2026 it was on Friday 18 September from 10:00, and it is free. It falls on the Friday before the Federal Day of Thanksgiving, which puts the 2027 event on 17 September; wait for the organisers to confirm.
- When
- Mid-September, Friday
- Where
- Spycherberg, Justistal
- Entry
- Free
- Arrive
- Early, from 10:00
Dates
- 17 Sep 2027Friday before the Federal Day of Thanksgiving (expected, not yet confirmed by the organisers)
What Happens
All summer the alp farmers in the Justistal make cheese from the milk of more than 250 cows, which belong to farmers from the municipality of Sigriswil. At the end of the season the cheese is stacked by the old storehouses, the Spycher, and divided among the owners according to a ritual held here for almost 300 years. Afterwards the herders in traditional dress lead the decorated cattle down the valley towards Sigriswil, and many visitors walk down behind them.
Expect yodelling and Schwyzerörgeli, the small Swiss accordion, often played on the spot by visitors, and food stalls run by locals.
Getting There
The organisers recommend arriving early. The Justistal runs north-east from Merligen on Lake Thun, between the Niederhorn and the Sigriswiler Rothorn.
More September Cheese Events
The Désalpes at Charmey and L'Etivaz and the raclette festival in Le Châble follow about a week later (see Désalpe festivals), and the cheese market in Thun was on 26 September in 2026 (see Swiss cheese festivals).
Where to Stay near Lake Thun
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Questions People Ask
When is the Chästeilet in the Justistal?
On the Friday before the Federal Day of Thanksgiving in September. It was on 18 September in 2026; by the same rule 2027 falls on 17 September.
Is the Chästeilet free?
Yes. There is no charge for visitors, and food and drink are sold on site.
Official site: interlaken.swiss/en/planning/events/top-events/chaesteilet-…. Dates, hours and prices checked 22 October 2026; confirm on the official site before you travel. See all cheese festivals.