Justistal

The Justistal is a hanging valley above the northern shore of Lake Thun, closed at both ends and grazed each summer by cattle from the farms below. Its custom is the Chasteilet, held on a fixed day in late September: the cheese made on the alp through the season is brought out, stacked in the open, and divided among the farmers in proportion to the milk their animals gave, a share-out that has been run this way for centuries and is settled publicly in front of everyone. It is a working division of assets that has become an event, with food stalls and several thousand spectators, but the substance is unchanged. Outside that day the valley is quiet pasture with walking routes over to the Sigriswil ridge.

What you actually see

• The Chasteilet share-out - the summer's cheese divided by milk contributed.
• A closed grazing valley - alp pasture above Lake Thun.
• A centuries-old settlement in public - the division done in front of everyone.
• Ridge walks above - routes over toward Sigriswil and the Niederhorn.

When to go

June to September; the Chasteilet on its fixed late-September day. A day.

Honest expectations

The Chasteilet draws thousands to a narrow valley - parking is closed and shuttle buses run; go early or walk in. The date is fixed and does not move for weather. Outside that day the valley has no facilities.

Nearby

Lake Thun is below; the Niederhorn ridge is west.